Balmy December to end as temperatures drop to freezing by New Year

Snow is expected in the Scottish Highlands but nowhere else in the UK

Temperatures are expected to reach almost freezing by New Year's Eve (Rex Features)

Revellers hoping to celebrate the new year in balmy outdoor temperatures can expect a drop to almost freezing point by the time the fireworks come out.

One of the warmest Decembers on record is set to reach more appropriate levels of chill as New Year's Eve will see frost and sub-zero temperatures in most parts of the UK.

According to the Met Office, temperatures will turn colder as 2016 approaches with southern areas seeing a 1 C average.

Northern areas of the country and parts of Scotland will experience a colder evening at one or two degrees below zero.

Snow is unlikely to fall, however, with more wintery and sleet-like conditions expected but any precipitation expected to turn to rainfall in all areas.

People struggled to push their car in freezing temperatures in the Scottish Highlands in December 2014. (Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images)

The Scottish Highlands will receive their exclusive share of the white stuff, while the rest of the nation is advised to take a waterproof to fireworks displays, said the Met Office.

January is expected to continue to be "mild and unsettled", added forecasters.