Could the UK see a white Christmas this year?
Will the UK see a white Christmas this year?(Image: Sean Hansford | Manchester Evening News)
The Met Office’s long range forecast predicts there could be snow later in December, not ruling out the chance of a white Christmas for some. As we head into the festive season, many will be wondering if snow is expected to fall in time for the big day.
With current temperatures mild for December, it’s looking less likely that snowfall is set to fall in the coming days. And, according to the Met Office’s long-range forecast (Sunday December 14 – Tuesday December 23), it’s more likely that rain and strong winds will dominate the UK’s weather.
Early December will see weather systems from the Atlantic spread into and across the UK bringing rain, which may be heavy at times. This will be interspersed with some drier periods.
The Met Office says: “In addition, there is also potential for some periods of strong winds at times too. Whilst it will often be mild, later in the period there may be a slight downward trend in temperature, especially across northern parts of the UK, and the chance of drier spells increases. There may also be a slightly higher chance of some wintry hazards at times in the north.”
Looking ahead further, from December 24 to January 7, more conditions are likely to give way to slower moving weather patterns. This could include some snowfall for those who live on higher ground.
The Met Office says: “This means that whilst outbreaks of rain and showers remains probable at times there will also be drier interludes, which may be more prolonged than of late. Some spells of strong winds are possible but in the drier periods frost and fog becomes likely.
“On balance temperatures will likely be near normal with any snowfall most likely in the north over higher ground.”
