‘Blustery showers’ and ‘freezing’ temperatures to blast Britain as polar chill continues

Gusts of 45 to 55mph are affecting areas experiencing heavier, squally showers, with fallen trees adding to travel concerns.

The strongest winds of 70mph are concentrated in exposed western areas, where motorists are being urged to take extra care.

The wintry conditions are bringing a mix of sleet, hail and snow, particularly affecting higher ground.

The severe weather is being driven by polar maritime conditions, bringing modified Arctic air from the Iceland and Greenland region.

Blustery showers are falling as snow across northern hills, with temporary snow also reported at lower levels during heavier showers.

The unstable conditions are creating a varied weather pattern across the country, with some areas experiencing frequent wintry showers.

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Other regions are seeing breaks in the weather, with sunny intervals providing brief respite from the harsh conditions.

The combination of Arctic air and strong winds is maintaining a notable chill across the country throughout Sunday afternoon.

After dark, winds are expected to steadily decrease, though blustery showers and hill snow will continue in some areas.

By Monday morning, wintry showers will be largely limited to northern and eastern Scotland, Norfolk coasts, and parts of Cheshire, Merseyside and the West Midlands.

Clear skies overnight could lead to frost in sheltered areas, with temperatures dropping to freezing or below in the coldest locations.

Monday will start blustery along the east coast, before conditions settle as a ridge moves in from the west.

Temperatures will remain chilly across most regions, particularly in the east, reaching only 6 to 8C.

A warm front will bring rain to Northern Ireland by Monday afternoon, with western areas seeing patchy rain by nightfall.

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Christmas Eve will bring a notable shift in temperatures, with widespread readings of 10 to 14C expected by afternoon.

Most areas will remain cloudy, with the North and West experiencing periods of rain or drizzle. Eastern and southern regions may see occasional bright spells or sunny intervals before dusk.

The South West wind will continue to be quite fresh throughout the day. Gales will persist in northern and western areas, maintaining challenging conditions despite the milder temperatures.

Any rainfall in central and southern areas is expected to be light and patchy, offering some respite from the more severe conditions earlier in the week.