With Scotland's mainland entering the country's toughest level of coronavirus restrictions this week, many are turning to the forecast to salvage the Christmas spirit.

It's been around ten years since the last widespread snowfall on Christmas Day across the UK, but much of the country has already had a taste of the frosty season, with heavy snow falling in parts of Edinburgh already this month.

Now, forecasters at the Met Office have shared their latest predictions for the weather on Christmas Day across the UK.

READ MORE: Could Scotland have a white Christmas this year? A look at festive forecast trends

The long-range weather forecast, which looks at weather patterns up to four weeks away, has predicted a range of weather conditions over the next week. 

Cold conditions will be felt across the UK from Tuesday December 22 until New Year's Eve, particularly in the west.

The Herald:

Scotland's hills and high ground are looking to be the most likely areas to experience snow on Christmas day, with forecasters saying showers could fall as snow in the north and east of the UK.

A ridge of "high pressure" is expected to build in the west, and strong winds will be confined to the north as the week progresses.

And they say the prevalence of overnight fog and frost is "likely increasing", and so we could certainly be seeing a frosty morning.

A statement from the Met Office reads: "There is potential for outbreaks of heavy rain in the south at the beginning of this period.

READ MORE: What are the new Covid Christmas rules in Scotland?

"Otherwise, a ridge of high pressure is expected to build to the west of the UK, bringing cold conditions, and remaining the dominant pattern for the rest of the year, with many southern and western parts becoming predominantly dry and settled.

"North and east seeing the greatest chance of showers, with these falling as snow in places, especially on higher ground.

"A potential for strong winds in the far south at first; later, any strong winds are likely to be confined to the north and perhaps the east.

"Prevalence of overnight fog and frost is likely increasing, with fog potentially slow to clear. Temperatures either close to or below normal."