The further we get into December, the more the likelihood of snow, the Met Office predicts, as weather maps show some of the white stuff could be falling on Christmas Day. The “unsettled” conditions could carry with them rain, ice and possibly snow, the weather agency said.
The snow on Christmas Day will likely be residual from a heavy burst of snow leading up to the festive day. Snowfall is forecast to hit on December 23 with up to 2cm of snow across the north of England and north of the border in Scotland.
The Met Office long-range forecast, predicting weather patterns between December 24 and January 7 says: “It is more likely to be unsettled compared to the preceding settled spell with bands of rain crossing the UK with brighter conditions and showers in between.
“The wettest and windiest conditions are most likely in the west and northwest. The chance of a colder spell of weather, with hazards such as snow and ice, does increase later in December and into the New Year period, they also go on to say.
“However, conditions are more likely to remain generally mild and wet.”
December 23 and 24 are when the predicted unsettled weather first kicks off. However, it is likely to initially comprise a wave of rainfall across much of Scotland.
As much as 7cm on rain is predicted for a large portion of Scotland, including Glasgow and Edinburgh, on the night of December 23. This will be swiftly followed by a wave of about 2cm of the white stuff on December 24 – although it is unclear if the snow will settle.
Meanwhile the rest of the country will be relatively dry, with a possibility of showers moving further south throughout Christmas Eve.
Last year was officially declared a White Christmas, even though no snow was recorded on the ground. Nine percent of the Met Office’s weather stations recorded snow on December 25 2022.
The Met Office declares a White Christmas if any snow is recorded across the country on the day.
As for the coming days, there will be a brief drier interlude for many on Monday. Further unsettled weather is then likely to move in on Tuesday as the next area of low-pressure moves in from the west.
A yellow warning for rain has been issued for eastern Scotland from Tuesday morning through to the early hours of Wednesday and will continue to be reviewed in the coming days. There are signs there will be a more settled period of weather coming in from the south.
Today:
After any early rain clears the east a generally fine day for many with sunny spells, and lighter winds. However, some cloud and showers in the north and northwest. Cloud increasing in the far west into the afternoon.
Tonight:
Chilly at first in the north and east with some clear spells. Cloud increasing from the west with bands of heavy rain spreading eastwards accompanied by stronger winds.
Tuesday:
Unsettled with frequent heavy showers, perhaps with the odd rumble of thunder. Longer spells of rain at times, especially in the north. Blustery, especially along the coasts.
Outlook for Wednesday to Friday:
Turning brighter, but colder from the northwest into Wednesday. More rain moving southeast early on Thursday ahead of drier conditions for many on Friday, except the far northwest.
