UK faces 411-mile snow storm with only 'three places in England' spared

The UK faces being hammered by a 411-mile snow storm within days. UK weather maps have turned ORANGE with the country put on high alert for plunging temperatures as the mercury dips before the arrival of Christmas and December.

December 7 has been earmarked as the most likely date for flurries and accumulations of the white stuff. The maps and charts have been projected by WX Charts, showing the country is in the firing line for the hammering of snowfall.

Newcastle, Cumbria and Northumberland look most at-risk in England, alongside Greater Manchester. Cornwall and the south west could also be pummelled by heavy rainfall and a massive deluge, but three areas of England will be spared.

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The majority of the midlands, Wales and Northern Ireland will remain dry. The Met Office forecast for the early part of December has been published, with meteorologists having a look at what the outlook looks like as we head into the final month of the year.

The Met Office said: "Mainly dry with some clear or sunny spells but rather cold towards the southeast at first as high pressure over the continent extends its influence here. Cloudier, windier and milder in the north and west with some outbreaks of rain.

"Early next week, it looks like the rain in the west will edge further east, bringing a short spell of rain to the east. High pressure may then re-assert itself close to or over the UK through early December. The largely dry, settled theme may be punctuated by brief unsettled spells though with areas of low pressure possibly crossing the UK, bringing some spells of wind and rain."

The outlook goes on to add from the forecasting agency: "Temperatures generally near average, but some overnight frost is likely, and rather cold by day where any fog persists."