Snow showers predicted for Hogmanay on Thursday will create a chilly celebration for the tens of thousands of ­people expected to see in midnight at various outdoor events.

New Year’s Day will also be chilly, with the northern half of Britain struggling to get above freezing.

Forecaster Tiffany Curnick, of Meteogroup, said northerly and north-easterly winds would sweep the UK from Wednesday onwards, bringing snow showers everywhere but mainly across northern and eastern facing coasts.

She said: “By the time we get to New Year it looks like it will be cold everywhere with scattered snow showers but mainly around areas exposed to the north and north-easterly winds.

“On Thursday night minimum temperatures will be -8°C in Scotland, and in northern England temperatures could be down to -6°C or -5°C.

“The whole of Wales, central and southern England will be between -1°C and -3°C, a frosty night.

“Latest indications are that on New Year’s Day in Scotland and northernmost England you may not see temperatures rise above zero. London only has a maximum of 4°C on Friday.

“A really cold start to 2010 everywhere but especially in the north.”

The Scottish Government is urging the public and motorists to take extra care and urged them to visit travel-related websites or listen to the news for updates before venturing out.

Public Health Minister Shona Robison also praised the efforts of those involved in trying to keep Scotland’s transport network as free from disruption as possible in the face of further snow and freezing conditions.

She said: “Although we’ve seen some delays and closures today it would have been much worse were it not for

the tireless efforts of those who have sacrificed their Christmas break in an attempt to keep Scotland moving.

“Police across Scotland have issued warnings urging drivers not to travel in the areas worst affected by black ice and fresh snow.

“I would remind the public to plan carefully and check forecasts and travel websites before making their journeys if absolutely essential.

“Traffic Scotland, the traffic management service, is continuing to liaise closely with ministers, the police and operating companies to ensure that restrictions are posted as required and warning signs for drivers are in operation.”

Meanwhile, snow continued to cause havoc for people returning home from visiting family and friends over Christmas, with airports closed.

Glasgow Airport suspended operations on the runway from 11.30am to 1pm on Saturday to allow for snow-clearing operations to take place.

Police are urging drivers not to travel in the worst-affected areas, with black ice on roads creating treacherous conditions. For more information log onto www.trafficscotland.org