Have your say! The Met office predicts snow next week, how would a white Christmas affect your plans?

Forecasters are predicting widespread snow across northern Scotland, parts of northern England, stretching as far as Wales and the Midlands. The UK could be facing a freezing cold blast from an Arctic storm, that might sweep across the entire country in the coming days.

Have your say! The Met office predicts snow next week, how would a white Christmas affect your plans? Leave a comment below.

Temperatures are predicted to plummet to as low as -3C. According to the latest weather maps from WXCharts and Netweather, many parts of the UK may experience heavy snowfall and icy conditions if the storm arrives.

The map suggests that by Thursday, December 19, snow showers could begin to spread southwards, along with bitingly cold air that will make the temperature feel even lower. Many areas of Scotland, in particular the Highlands and Grampians, are expected to see significant snow depths by midweek.

Snowfall could reach up to 5cm to 10cm in the worst-hit areas. Meanwhile, parts of northern England and the Pennines could also see snow settling on higher ground, according to Netweather maps, which shows the parts of the country at risk.

Areas of Northumberland, the Yorkshire Dales and the Midlands could also see flurries later in the day, on Thursday. Temperatures are forecast to dramatically drop, reaching a low of -3C in northern areas, as Arctic air will spread over Scotland, and parts of northern England by Thursday evening, reports the Mirror.

Overnight, temperatures are anticipated to dip well below freezing, with key areas including Aberdeen, Inverness and Edinburgh, according to WXCharts.

Manchester, Newcastle, and Birmingham are bracing for daytime highs of just 2C to 4C, with frost also predicted overnight. London and the southeast will see temperatures drop close to freezing in the evenings, with potential snow showers throughout Thursday.

Rain and sleet are expected to move southwards, according to weather maps. The Met Office, however, predicts a "generally brighter and showery" day on Thursday, noting it will be "often windy", with temperatures "briefly very mild, then colder later".

As we look towards Christmas, the Met Office's long-range forecast reveals: "After a mainly dry start on Friday, a band of showery rain is likely to move southeastwards across the UK. Beyond this, it will remain changeable through the rest of the period."

"The wettest and windiest conditions will probably be in the north, 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."

"Temperatures will likely vary around average, with both some milder and colder interludes at times. Snow will most likely be restricted to high ground, although could temporarily fall at lower levels in the north during any colder interludes."

Have your say! The Met office predicts snow next week, how would a white Christmas affect your plans? Leave a comment below.