UK weather maps show exact date -3C cold snap is set to hit Britain this month

Britain is set to endure brutal cold conditions in just days as the latest weather maps reveal temperatures could plummet to a bone-chilling -3C.

The freezing weather is forecast to strike the nation on Thursday, October 23, according to the charts, leaving vast swathes of the country shivering.

WXCharts weather maps generated on October 12 using Met Desk data show the icy conditions will rapidly sweep into the country at the stroke of midnight on October 23, with areas around Fort William initially bearing the brunt of the coldest temperatures.

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But as the day progresses, the frigid conditions will spread further, with other locations such as Portree and Glencoe seeing the mercury plunge to -3C, the maps indicate.

Edinburgh, Inverness, Wick, Aberdeen and Glasgow will witness temperature levels lingering around -1C and 0C by midday, the charts reveal, reports the Express.

Meanwhile, other regions including Newcastle, Middlesbrough, York, and the Yorkshire Dales could face the chilly conditions with temperatures hovering around 0C and 1C throughout the day. Even southern parts of Britain will see mercury levels tumble to single digits, with areas of London, Birmingham, Manchester, Leicester and Gloucester experiencing temperatures between 3C and 4C, the maps show.

The Met Office's long-range forecast covering October 17 to 26 states: "High pressure is expected to dominate the UK weather at the start of this period. Whilst a little rain and drizzle is likely in parts of the southeast and north, mainly over the higher ground, much of the UK will be predominantly dry.

"Cloud amounts will be variable but often large, although there will be some spells of sunshine. There are likely to be some fog patches overnight, slowly clearing through the morning. Temperatures are likely to be close to normal for the time of year overall.

"During the second half of this period, there are signs that the general pattern will shift with low pressure systems probably moving in from the west in some fashion. However, details of any more unsettled weather are still very uncertain."

Today's weather predictions:

Any early morning fog will lift, then fairly cloudy with sunshine restricted to northern England and much of Scotland. Cloud dense enough for drizzle in some areas. It will feel cool beneath the cloud cover.