Part of the UK is “more odds on than against” there being snowfall on Christmas Day, a weather forecaster told Express.co.uk. Other parts of Britain were “not out of the frame” for a dusting on December 25 too.
Britain hasn’t seen a widespread snowfall on Christmas Day since 2010, and although it appears unlikely that the whole country will be blanketed, specific parts of the UK are expecting a festive flurry or two.
Jim Dale told this website: “It’s not yet locked in but northern areas [are] currently not out of the frame [for snow] on the day itself and much of northern Scotland are more odds on than against.”
He continued: “A real battle is on between mild air to the south west and the polar air, so at the moment it’s far from certain which way this is going to go by the 25th. All to play.”
It’s not only Mr Dale that’s predicting possible snowfall on Christmas Day, the Met Office isn’t ruling it out either.
Forecasters have said it “looks probable” that a fierce cold snap could blast Britain before Boxing Day.
The long-range forecast says, from December 17 to 26, says: “For most locations more settled weather continues into Sunday with high pressure close to the southwest of the UK. Though northern and western Scotland likely remaining in a more wet and windy, but exceptionally mild regime.
“Settled conditions in the south with well above average temperatures here too, but cloudy at times with some patchy light rain, mainly near western coasts and over hills. From next week high pressure will likely move further west into the central Atlantic, allowing a return to unsettled conditions and typically nearer average temperatures nationwide.
“It now looks probable that there will be at least one short-lived colder interlude next week, with a period of north or northwesterly winds that could bring some snow and ice, especially in the north.”
Meanwhile in the run-up to the seasonal celebration, Britain will bask in relatively mild conditions for the time of year.
Met Office Chief Forecaster, Paul Gundersen, said: “The high pressure will draw up warmer air from the southwest and as we go into the coming weekend, we will see milder conditions by both day and by night for all. The Foehn effect could result in particularly mild conditions for areas such as east Scotland.
“It looks like this pattern will last into the first half of next week meaning the mild conditions will continue with some outbreaks of rain likely at times, mostly across the north and the northwest.
“Later next week and the days running up to Christmas there are some suggestions that the jet stream will drift further south, allowing conditions to turn more widely unsettled.
“There is also a chance of winds switching to more of a northwesterly direction, allowing conditions to become a little colder, with a risk of some wintry showers developing in the north. At this stage there is very little sign of any widespread or severe cold and wintry weather.”
