Snowfall is expected in various English counties on Christmas and Boxing Day, based on recent snow maps. Regions near London, such as Kent and Suffolk, may wake up to snow on December 25, as per forecasts from WXCharts utilizing data from MetDesk. Northern England, specifically around the Pennines, is also likely to experience snow on Christmas Day. The following day, the maps indicate snowfall across significant parts of South West England from Plymouth to Exeter, with ongoing snowfall around the Pennines.
While the North West commonly sees a white Christmas, with nearly 40% of years since 1960 having snow on December 25, it is uncommon in the South East. London has had only five white Christmases since 1960, the most recent in 2001. The Met Office defines a white Christmas as any snowfall on Christmas Day, regardless of snow accumulation on the ground.
In the long-range forecast for December 21 to December 30, the Met Office anticipates unsettled conditions initially, with low pressure expected southwest of the UK while high pressure attempts to move in from the east across northern regions. This setup is likely to establish an easterly flow, with rain or showers mainly affecting southern or southwestern areas.
The forecast indicates that high pressure will prevail, leading to drier and more settled weather. Starting from Boxing Day, overnight frost and fog or freezing fog could become widespread, the Met Office suggests.
Today’s forecast from the Met Office mentions a foggy and frosty start in some southeastern areas, with rain approaching from the northwest, potentially heavy and accompanied by coastal gales. The west will experience milder air, while the east remains chilly. Later in the day, rain will push southeastward, bringing possible thundery showers in the North West, with chances of patchy frost in Scotland.
A yellow weather warning for fog was in effect until 10 am today in South East England, the East of England, the East Midlands, and South West England, including London. Additionally, a yellow warning for rain remains active in South West England and Wales until the end of the day.