Exact date UK weather maps turn blue as freezing temperatures bite

Britain is bracing for colder conditions as we head into autumn and winter, but according to WXCharts - the UK could see the first signs of frost in the coming days

The UK is bracing for a cold snap, with weather maps turning a chilly shade of blue as freezing temperatures are set to sweep across the country. Brits are gearing up for the colder months of autumn and winter, and according to WXCharts, it won't be long before we're feeling the frosty bite.

Weather forecasts had previously hinted that snow could make its first appearance this weekend, and now it seems icy conditions are hot on its heels. The charts indicate that today (Sunday, October 13) will see some parts of the UK plunge to zero degrees, while others hover just above.

While London and the south maintain a cool 6°C, Scotland and parts of the northeast are expected to experience bone-chilling 0°C temperatures, as per WXCharts. However, the Met Office suggests slightly milder conditions than WXCharts, though they agree that today's weather will likely be "cloudy, dry and cold".

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Looking ahead, their long-term forecast warns of cold and "unsettled" weather on the horizon.

The Met Office's outlook for October 17 to October 26 indicates a very unsettled period ahead, with rain expected across most areas. Initially, the heaviest downpours are predicted in the west or southwest, but as the week progresses, central and eastern regions may become the focal point, reports the Mirror.

A brief respite of drier and brighter weather could follow before conditions deteriorate again by the weekend. "However, most of the rain, showers and strong winds are likely to be in the northwest with southeastern areas often dry and bright. Temperatures will be above average and probably feeling warm in the brighter spells. Later in October, there is a chance of more settled conditions developing, but with temperatures falling closer to average and some overnight frost and fog."

Meanwhile, WXCharts had previously forecasted an "Arctic Freeze" that could bring sub-zero temperatures to the northernmost parts of Scotland.

The Met Office has indicated that the first signs of frost and fog are expected towards the end of October, with these conditions becoming more frequent as we move into November.

Forecasters have disclosed: "Potentially some wet and windy weather at first, especially in the northwest, but a trend towards more settled conditions is most favoured for late October as high pressure becomes increasingly dominant. This would bring the potential for frost and fog at night, and possibly large variations between daytime and overnight temperatures. Into early November, high pressure may become more centred to the northwest of the UK, resulting in a gradual trend towards more unsettled conditions, particularly across southern regions."