The Met Office long-range forecast reads: “Mainly unsettled conditions appear likely for most, with spells of wind and rain followed by showers affecting most areas but especially the north and northwest of the UK. Some sleet and snow is also likely at times, especially on high ground in the north.

The Met Office has issued a white Christmas verdict as the UK shivers in a -9C freeze, with some weather models able to anticipate a forecast through to25 December