Snowfall may grace the Christmas week, as per the latest update from the Met Office.
The national weather service previously indicated a slim chance of snow during the festive season. However, the most recent forecast suggests that dropping temperatures could enhance the likelihood, keeping the dream of a White Christmas alive.
The Met Office now mentions the possibility of “wintry showers” in the eastern regions of the UK next week. Initially, the forecasters had deemed the chances of a widespread White Christmas as very low.
Deputy Chief Forecaster at the Met Office, Tom Crabtree, provided optimism for snow enthusiasts anticipating snowfall on the upcoming Thursday. He mentioned that high pressure is anticipated to bring drier and less mild conditions for the Christmas period.
Although temperatures are expected to decrease, a drastic plunge is not foreseen. Overnight frosts are probable, along with chances of mist and fog in certain areas, but extreme cold conditions seem less likely.
The drop in temperatures raises the potential for wintry showers in the east, though specific details for any particular day during Christmas remain uncertain at this moment.
The UK’s last widespread White Christmas occurred in 2010, while the official definition by the Met Office, of at least one snowflake falling on December 25, was met as recently as 2023.
The Met Office’s forecast for next week indicates that Monday may bring intermittent rain, particularly in western areas, while the eastern regions are likely to remain mostly dry with occasional periods of sunshine. Temperatures are expected to hover around average levels for the most part.
Current weather alerts include a yellow warning for fog until 10 am in South East England, the East of England, the East Midlands, and South West England, including London. Additionally, a yellow warning for rain is in effect for South West England and Wales until the end of the day.
Chief Forecaster at the Met Office, Rebekah Hicks, mentioned that low-pressure systems will continue to bring unsettled weather to the UK, with strong winds and heavy rain expected over the upcoming days.
Today’s weather involves periods of heavy rain, especially over elevated areas in western Britain, following recent wet conditions. This may lead to travel disruptions and potential flooding in parts of southwest England and south Wales. Increasing winds are also anticipated, with coastal areas likely to experience gales.