Advanced weather modelling maps show as many as three snowstorms could sweep across the UK in the days before Christmas, with the white stuff possibly still on the ground by December 25
16:31, 06 Dec 2025
Approximately half of the country could be affected (Image: WX Charts)
Advanced weather forecasts suggest that as many as three snowstorms could blanket the UK in the run-up to Christmas. They could potentially leave a white carpet on the ground for December 25.
The GFS weather model indicates that approximately half of the country could be affected by this Arctic onslaught, with several inches of snow predicted in some areas. The frosty turmoil is set to kick off on December 20, as an Atlantic weather front brings both snow and rain sweeping across the UK.
Northern Ireland appears to be in line for the heaviest snowfall initially, before Wales, the Midlands, northern England and Scotland also experience a dusting. The second snowstorm is forecasted to strike Northern Ireland at 6am on December 21, potentially delivering 1cm of snow per hour.
Northern Ireland appears to be in line for the heaviest snowfall initially(Image: WX Charts)
The maps suggest this snow will then drift over the rest of the UK, with the north-west of England expected to see the most intense flurries. Incredibly, weather maps for December 22 reveal a third snowy front depositing several centimetres of snow in Northern Ireland, northern England and Scotland.
It remains to be seen whether temperatures will stay low enough for the snow to linger until Christmas Day, reports the Mirror.
Snow is set to smash the UK(Image: Getty Images)
Snow coverage maps for December 22 depict a layer of the white stuff settled across roughly half the UK, blanketing nearly every region above Manchester. The data suggests up to 12cm (approximately five inches) could settle in the north of Scotland, with 6cm possible in some parts of northern England and Northern Ireland.
Met Office Christmas weather forecast
The Met Office forecast indicates that snow could arrive towards the end of December. Its prediction for December 20 to January 3 states: “Changeable conditions are expected across the UK during this period.
The frosty turmoil is set to kick off on December 20(Image: WX Charts)
“Low pressure systems will probably dominate, meaning showers or longer spells of rain, heavy at times, for much of the UK and some hill snow in the north.
“Periods of strong wind are also possible, especially around coasts. Some drier, more settled spells are possible but how long these last is very uncertain. Temperatures will likely be close to average or slightly above overall.”
BBC Christmas weather forecast
BBC Weather predicts for December 22 to January 4: “From the Christmas period through to the New Year, there is a high degree of uncertainty. However, the positive NAO pattern is most likely to continue for a while. As such, the most probable outcome is for further changeable weather, with occasional rain or showers and periods of strong winds.
“This should also mean that mostly mild conditions should prevail. A few brief colder intervals are possible, but any snow should still be confined mainly to northern uplands.
Winter snow over the river Nidd and famous landmark railway viaduct in Knaresborough(Image: mikeuk via Getty Images)
“Having said that, there are some hints that the pattern could change by January, with indications that the NAO may switch from positive to negative.
“In other words, we could see high pressure starting to develop in the vicinity of Iceland and Greenland instead of low pressure. If that were to occur then we could see a change in weather type, with a growing chance of colder weather.
“The situation is complicated by disturbances in the upper atmosphere that might have an impact on the northern hemisphere’s circulation in three to four weeks time.”
