Arctic air will reach the UK as 2017 arrives after a wet New Year's Eve

We're in for a cold start to 2017 as Arctic air pushes in from the north but before that a band of rain will affect the UK.

This means means there are three scenarios for your New Year celebrations.

:: Scenario 1 - Ahead of the rain band

This is the situation for central and southern parts of Britain. It will be mainly dry, relatively mild but cloudy. So perhaps not great viewing conditions for fireworks.

:: Scenario 2 - Behind the rain band

This is the case for much of Scotland and Northern Ireland, where the earlier rain will have cleared to much colder conditions and some wintry showers. Wrap up warm if you're first footing on Hogmanay!

:: Scenario 3 - In the rain band

The exact timing of the band of rain as it pushes southeast may change but it looks likely that much of Ireland, north and west Wales and northern England will have spells of rain around midnight.

During New Year's Day the band of rain will continue its journey southeastwards, lingering for a time over southeast England.

Elsewhere it will be a much colder but sunny day thanks to a blast of air that originated in the Arctic.

:: The latest forecast

Wintry showers of hail, sleet and snow are likely for places exposed to the northerly flow, typically northern and eastern Scotland, Northern Ireland and eastern England.

The first day of January will end with a widespread frost and a very cold night.