Millions of Britons are being warned to prepare for a dramatic and potentially dangerous plunge in temperatures, with a severe Arctic blast set to grip the nation on New Year's Eve. Fresh data from weather mapping service WXCharts indicates that more than half of the UK will shiver in conditions of at least minus six degrees Celsius by the morning of Wednesday, 31 December.
New Year's Eve Deep Freeze: The Cities in the Line of Fire
According to the detailed forecast maps, the intense cold will sweep across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, reaching its peak intensity around 6am on December 31. All of Scotland's major urban centres – Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen, and Dundee – are predicted to freeze solid at -6C or below. A vast area of the north-east of England and the entirety of Northern Ireland will also experience similarly bitter conditions, hovering around -5C.
The deep freeze will not be confined to the north. A host of other English cities are also set for teeth-chattering temperatures. The list includes Newcastle, Middlesbrough, Leeds, Greater Manchester, Liverpool, and Stoke-on-Trent. Further south, residents in London, Oxford, Essex, Kent, and Norwich can expect a sharp chill, with averages between -2C and -3C, which is still significantly below the seasonal norm.
Snow Threat and the Met Office's Long-Range Warning
The arrival of the Arctic air mass coincides with predictions from some forecasters for snow to fall early next week. This raises the prospect of some communities welcoming 2026 with up to six inches of snow on their doorsteps.
The Met Office's own long-range forecast, covering the period from 26 December to 4 January, aligns with this frigid outlook. It states that high pressure will bring largely settled conditions in the run-up to the New Year but confirms that temperatures will be "below average" for much of the time. The forecast highlights the likelihood of frost and the potential for wintry showers, particularly across eastern and southern areas and over high ground.
As the day of December 31 progresses, the core of the cold is expected to shift eastwards, bringing freezing conditions to the Midlands by noon. However, the coldest temperatures will remain anchored over Scotland, with Aberdeen and Glasgow stubbornly holding at -6C even by 6pm. Northern parts of Birmingham could see the mercury drop to -5C.
Full List of Cities Facing the Worst of the Freeze
The following 16 cities and areas have been identified as being worst-hit by the impending Arctic blast:
- Edinburgh
- Glasgow
- Aberdeen
- Dundee
- Carlisle
- Lancaster
- Manchester
- Liverpool
- Preston
- Chester
- Salford
- Bolton
- Middlesbrough
- Leeds
- Newcastle
- Stoke-on-Trent
Authorities are urging the public to take necessary precautions for the extreme cold, which poses significant risks to health, travel, and infrastructure. With the freeze timed for New Year's Eve, revellers are advised to plan their celebrations with the severe weather in mind, ensuring they dress appropriately and travel safely.
