As Christmas Day approaches, people nationwide are eager to know if snow will grace the holiday this year. The last widespread White Christmas occurred in 2010, when snow covered the ground at 83% of weather stations, following a year where it was recorded at 57% of stations.
For an official White Christmas designation by the Met Office, just one snowflake needs to fall anywhere in the UK on December 25. In 2023, snow fell at 11% of weather stations, technically meeting this criterion.
The BBC’s forecast for December 20 to 28 predicts a shift in weather patterns during Christmas week, potentially bringing drier conditions. Expect Christmas Eve and Christmas Day to be breezy, notably chillier, with possible light rain or drizzle in some areas and wintriness on higher ground.
The Met Office’s forecast for December 24 to January 2 anticipates a strengthening easterly wind, making it feel colder than usual. Showers are possible, particularly in eastern and southern regions, with some chance of wintry showers closer to New Year’s, especially over elevated terrain.
High pressure is expected to dominate the weather leading up to New Year’s, maintaining mostly settled conditions but with increasing chances of showers later on. Temperatures will be below average, with frost likely in clear skies and light winds.
The latest Netweather forecast for December 22 to 28 indicates high pressure dominating the weather, leading to generally easterly flows and near-average temperatures. Cloudy skies with light, showery rain are expected, with sunny spells in western areas, colder nights, and potential frost.
As the high pressure extends across more regions, sunny spells are likely in western areas, while eastern Britain may experience predominantly cloudy weather with occasional light rain or drizzle near eastern coasts.