UK braces for Arctic blast as snow maps turn purple

Severe cold conditions and snowstorms are set to continue for several days.

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Millions across the UK are set to face a massive Arctic blast, with weather maps showing a purple zone on Friday, 24 January, signalling heavy snow.

According to WXCharts, snow is expected to blanket the Scottish Highlands first, before moving southwards to areas including Edinburgh and Inverness.

The storm could also affect parts of Belfast, Dublin, and Cork.

A projected weather map shows more snow on the way on January 25 ( Image: WXCharts)

The Met Office warned that January 25 will see a weather front, stretching hundreds of miles from Ireland, bring up to 5cm of snow per hour.

The cold snap is expected to last, with temperatures plunging to -18.7C in Altnaharra, Scotland, marking the coldest January in 15 years.

Ultra-rare amber health alerts have been issued across England, with temperatures reaching -11C in Cumbria and -5C at Heathrow Airport.

A projected weather map shows another snowy blast in just a few weeks ( Image: WXCharts)

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has extended the alerts, particularly targeting vulnerable groups such as the elderly and those with health conditions.

These cold weather alerts are part of a wider health initiative aimed at ensuring early action from the health sector and government bodies.