A giant 409-mile polar blast is headed straight for the UK on Christmas Eve, weather maps and forecasts show – as many Brits up and down the country remain hopeful for snowfall this December 25.
Data from WXCharts reveals the huge front of wintry weather to land the day before Christmas, bringing with it sub-zero temperatures. The white stuff is predicted to land in Scotland overnight on December 23, following a large influx of rain.
As much as three centimetres per hour will fall in some parts of the country, the maps show, using data from Met Desk. Snow will reach as far south as Manchester and parts of north Wales. One map, which is predicting the forecast for midnight on Christmas Eve, shows an area from Belfast, Northern Ireland, to the northern town of Wick in Scotland covered in an icy storm, with heavy snowfall expected on higher ground.
As much as 9.5 inches (24cm) could accumulate in the most affected areas, and the maps suggest there will plenty on the ground on Christmas Day. The snow will be accompanied by biting low temperatures, with the mercury dropping to -10C in some parts of the country on December 25.
The Met Office differs slightly from WXCharts’ predictions, however. The weather agency is instead suggesting that rain is likely to be the dominant weather over Christmas. It said in its latest long-range forecast that there may be “short periods where colder air affects the UK”, creating the “potential for wintry showers in northern areas”.
It added there could “potentially” be snow in Scotland by the Christmas period, but this “could be short-lived, and may not reach the far south before a milder Atlantic, westerly flow, becomes re-established.”
Giving the outlook for the week ahead, Chief Meteorologist, Matthew Lehnert, said: “Into early next week, this weather front will move slowly south and bring some rain to the remainder of the UK. As the front clears south, temperatures will return to near average. It will remain changeable through midweek, with the best of any prolonged drier spells in the south and east.”
Motorists have been warned of “disruptive winds” and bursts of rain on Thursday and Friday by the RAC. Millions will be travelling home to see loved ones for the festive season, but must be aware of the added dangers of travelling during wet and windy conditions.
Saturday is also due to see some gusty winds. A yellow weather warning is also in place on Sunday night for northwest Scotland until 11:59pm following heavy rain over the weekend, with residents warned of “flooding and travel disruption”, including delays or cancellations to train and bus services.
Jim Dale, chief meteorologist and founder of British Weather Services, recently told Express.co.uk that Scotland would likely see snow in time for the big day.
He said: “I think Scotland is in the main frame for Christmas snow but it could well be the run into New Year’s Day that we see the ‘whites of the Arctic’s eyes’ for most other places.”
The Met Office’s long-range forecast for December 22 to December 31 reads: “Unsettled with milder, mobile spells of wind and rain, and briefer colder interludes most likely. Initially, for the north, showers, heavy in places and wintry to low levels, with drier and brighter conditions further south. Lingering strong winds should ease early in the period.
“Milder conditions, likely returning for a time over the weekend. By the Christmas period, a chance of a colder, showery interlude with northerly winds potentially bringing some snowfall, mainly across hills in the north.
“However, this colder interlude could be short-lived, and may not reach the far south before a milder Atlantic, westerly flow, becomes re-established. This pattern most probable towards New Year’s Eve, with the majority of cloud and rain likely across the west, and drier and brighter conditions more probable in the east.”
Today:
Monday will be mostly cloudy with some rain, mainly in the west, heavy at times. However, southeast England should see some brightness, whilst sunny spells and showers develop across Scotland and Northern Ireland, where it will feel a little cooler.
Tonight:
Further locally heavy rain arrives from the southwest, spreading to most of England and Wales. Scotland and Northern Ireland staying drier, cooler with scattered showers in the north.
Tuesday:
Rain clearing southeast with drier, brighter conditions following from the north. Scattered showers in the north. Turning windy for all, gales in the north. Feeling a little cooler for all.
Outlook for Wednesday to Friday:
Windy throughout, especially on Thursday with severe gales possible in the north. Bright or sunny spells with showers or longer spells of rain, showers wintry in the north on Friday.
