We're in the middle of a spell of unseasonably mild December weather, and the chances of a white Christmas seem remote.

But much colder conditions are just around the corner, according to the Met Office's latest predictions.

The experts say there is an increased risk of freezing temperatures in the UK at the start of 2017.

Colder weather will return as the UK remains in a battleground between higher pressure across the near continent and lower pressure over the Atlantic.

The Met Office predict a settled start to the new year period, with high pressure dominating, but with plenty of rain for us on the west of the country meaning it may be slightly warmer than eastern areas.

But as we go deeper into January, the high and low pressure will fight it out meaning more unsettled weather patterns, lots of high winds and chances of snowfall across the UK.

The Met Office said: "With the current outlook, the curve [on our charts] shifts towards lower temperatures. This increases the likelihood of the coldest values. Overall, the chance of the UK experiencing temperatures in the ‘cold’ category is 30%, one-and-a-half times the usual risk."

The Met Office have said people and groups sensitive to the cold, such as children, older people and people with underlying health issues, should be aware of the cold weather risk and plan accordingly.

Equally, the more turbulent predictions for January could create chaos on the roads so it is important that all drivers check the forecast, plan their journeys carefully and make sure they have blankets, first aid kits, touches, food and water in their cars.

The meteorologists were keen to stress that these are only predictions and they change all the time as we get closer to the time and get more accurate data. And there is still a 70% chance of a cold to mild winter.

But what about the polar vortex, the wind system that whirls around the North Pole in winter?

Well, this, in the past, has been a force of cold snaps across the UK. But this year it has not strengthened as it normally would have done by autumn and this weakness is set to continue, meaning that colder temperatures may just pass us by this year and we could be bringing you stories of a heat wave in February.