Britain is bracing for bitterly cold weather as 2025 draws to a close, with some parts of the country facing a -9C polar blast on New Year's Eve. New weather maps from Netweather and WXCHARTS show the final day of 2025 will be a chilly one for much of the UK.
In Scotland, the Cairngorms in the central Highlands could see the mercury plunge to -9C, while other parts of the Highlands could freeze at between -1C and -8C. England is due to be slightly milder, with temperatures ranging from 4C to -1C. The North West is forecast to bear the brunt of the cold, particularly in Cumbria and Northumberland, but areas as far south as Devon could experience a -1C chill.
The east coast will be relatively warm in comparison, with Lincolnshire getting up to 4C. Overall, the six coldest counties are: Cumbria, Northumberland, North Yorkshire, Gloucestershire, Herefordshire, and Devon.
Separately, the Met Office forecast for December 22 to 31 warns of the possibility of wintry showers, with temperatures likely to be below average for many. The forecast states: 'Unsettled conditions are likely to continue at first, with low pressure probably centred somewhere to the southwest of the UK, whilst high pressure becomes established to the northeast. This means a broadly easterly flow will become increasingly dominant through next week, whilst periods of rain or showers become increasingly confined to southern or southwestern parts.'
'With time, high pressure is signaled to become more dominant with more in the way of dry, settled weather anticipated though there could be some isolated showers to eastern parts, that could perhaps be wintry at times. Temperatures will lower compared to recent weeks, closer to or perhaps a little below average for many. Overnight frost and fog or freezing fog could become more prevalent, though any particularly cold conditions look unlikely at this stage.'
