Weather maps show a wave of snow and icy weather on its way to the UK from the direction of Iceland, just in time for Christmas.
Maps from WXCharts, which uses Met Desk data, suggests Britain could once again find itself in -10C temperatures, hitting on Christmas Day. The map shows the whole country plunged into sub-zero temperatures on the special day – as others depict a wave of snow coming from the northeast.
As far south as Birmingham may need to brace for snow next weekend, with the Scottish Highlands in particular likely to be blanketed. However, the Met Office is less certain of the potential icy blast.
Met Office forecaster Craig Snell says the main concern looking towards the days before Christmas is strong winds. He told BirminghamLive: “Just before Christmas, certainly in the South, temperatures will be very average for this time of year looking ahead.”
He added: “But there is an increasing chance of cold temperatures in Scotland and the North of England. I would say at the moment we’re looking at a mild start to the week with temperatures turning downwards in the North becoming maybe a bit colder than normal.
“My main concern towards next weekend is the risk of strong winds and maybe some snow or wintry showers on the higher areas, such as the Pennines and Scottish Highlands.”
He added there was a “possible risk of wintry showers”, but made it clear there was “nothing to indicate anything other than a mild day on Christmas Day.”
Issuing its early forecast for December 21 to December 30, the Met Office said to expect “rainfall” with “disruptive winds”. It added there’s an “increased” chance of a colder interlude towards Christmas – but meteorologists added this could be “very short lived”, and may not reach further south.
Today the weather agency has issued an amber alert for rain in areas near the northeast coast of Scotland.
It warns of possible power cuts and flooding, leading to road closures. Homes and businesses may also be flooded, while communities may be blocked off.
The regions affected include Highland, and Argyll and Bute in Strathclyde. Central, Tayside and Fife are under yellow alerts for rain while Dumfries, Galloway, Lothian and Borders are facing yellow warnings for strong winds.
England is also under threat with residents in the North East warned of strong gusts throughout the day with potential for major disruption and damage.
Today:
Sunday’s weather will be very similar to Saturday. Largely cloudy, with heavy rain still affecting western Scotland, leading to the risk of some flooding here. Very mild and staying windy in the north. Best of the brightness in the east.
Tonight:
Rain slowly edges southwards overnight, reaching mid Wales and the Midlands by dawn. Drier a cooler conditions edging into northern Scotland. Mainly dry to the south, staying mild for many.
Monday:
Outbreaks of rain, mainly in the west. Drier with some sunny spells across Scotland, but some showery rain in the west later. Mild for many, but cooler in the north.
Outlook for Tuesday to Thursday:
Further rain in the south on Tuesday, sunny spells and showers in the north. Brighter, with sunny spells and showers on Wednesday and Thursday. Colder by Wednesday. Generally windy throughout.
