UK weather: Freezing -3C polar snow storm set to hit with 11cm per hour

Freezing temperatures could sweep rapidly across the UK from this Sunday, bringing with it plenty of rain and low temperatures just in time for the Christmas week ahead

The UK is bracing for a -3C snow storm and a Polar blast from the Arctic before Christmas, amid a flurry of snow showers.

A polar snow storm could sweep across the the country this weekend, bringing rain and low temperatures, according to WXCharts. The worst-hit area of Scotland is expected to see 11cm of snowfall per hour, with 4cm an hour predicted along Scotland's northwest coast.

Other areas that could be affected include Carlisle, Newcastle, Middlesbrough, Leeds and down into the east coast in Lincoln and Norwich. The most intense weather is set to hit from Sunday, December 22 and into December 23.

Meanwhile, the Met Office has published the current forecast for December 21 to December 30 as we head deeper into the final month of the year, reports Birmingham Live. The forecaster explained: "Remaining changeable with further spells of wet and windy weather interspersed with drier and brighter conditions.

"The wettest and windiest conditions will probably be in the north, especially the northwest, with spells of heavy rain at times as low pressure systems pass by. Further south, whilst some unsettled weather is likely at times, it will probably be drier overall with a greater influence of high pressure meaning frontal zones tend to weaken as they come south.

"Temperatures will tend to be above average for much of the time, although some brief colder incursions remain possible. Any snow will most likely be restricted to high ground in the N, although it could temporarily fall at lower levels during any colder interludes."

While an early look at January notes: "Changeable, with spells of wet and windy weather interspersed with some drier, more settled interludes. The heaviest rain and strongest winds will generally be in the north, with the south drier and less windy overall.

"Temperatures will likely vary around average, but with a trend toward milder conditions favoured, especially in the south. Some snow is possible during any colder interludes, especially over high ground in the north."