Parts of the UK will be caked with layers of snow as the latest weather maps show a 382-mile wall of ice to bombard the country hours before Christmas Day. The latest weather maps show that 382 miles covering Wick to Newcastle will begin to witness snow on December 24.

Weather maps from WXCharts show snow gathering on the Highlands in Scotland on the night of December 23 and it gradually spreads downwards as we move towards the Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

By December 24, towns and villages around Wick, Inverness, and Aberdeen would witness around 10cm depth of snow.

According to the most recent maps, indications point to an upcoming cold spell expected next week, attributed to the southward movement of an Arctic front.

This shift is anticipated to cause temperatures to drop again, potentially reaching sub-zero levels, specifically in areas around Scotland.

The evening of Christmas Day looks white for the northern areas such as Wick and Inverness, and probably some southern parts of the country, possibly Manchester and Birmingham.

Temperature levels will likely hover around -3C to -4C in Scotland around 0C to -1C in parts of England.

Jim Dale, chief meteorologist and founder of British Weather Services, recently told express.co.uk that Scotland would likely see snow in time for the big day.

He said: “I think Scotland is in the main frame for Christmas snow but it could well be the run into New Year’s Day that we see the ‘whites of the Arctic’s eyes’ for most other places.”

Meanwhile, the Met Office’s long-range forecast for December 21 to December 30 states: “At the start of this period, a milder and more mobile Atlantic pattern is expected to quickly become established, bringing rainfall, especially for the north and northwest.

“In addition, a period of strong, potentially disruptive, winds is likely for at least central and northern parts of the country.

“Into the Christmas period, there is an increased chance of a colder interlude with northerly winds bringing some snowfall and ice, especially for the north.

“However, this colder interlude could be very short-lived, and may not reach the far south before a milder Atlantic westerly flow potentially becomes re-established.”

This evening and tonight:

Staying largely cloudy, windy and very mild for many parts overnight, with clear spells largely confined to the east of high ground. Persistent heavy rain continuing across western Scotland, with some light rain and drizzle on western hills further south.

Sunday:

Little change in the weather. Largely cloudy, with heavy rain still affecting western Scotland, leading to the risk of some flooding here. Very mild and staying windy in the north.

Outlook for Monday to Wednesday:

Outbreaks of rain moving southeastwards through Monday. Further rain for many on Tuesday. Brighter, with showers on Wednesday. Mild at first, but colder by Wednesday. Generally windy throughout.