Brits eager for a seasonal sprinkle of snow might just see their dreams come true, as the Met Office has predicted flurries just hours before Christmas day. The early weather maps are hinting that a frosty blanket could cover several parts of the country.
Major cities such as Manchester, Newcastle, Leeds, Glasgow, Dundee, Aberdeen, and Edinburgh may witness wintry showers around December 25. Delving into the Met Office’s long-range forecast for December 24 to early January, indications are that certain locations can expect a mix of snow and sleet.
The forecast specifies: “Mainly unsettled conditions appear likely for most, with spells of wind and rain followed by showers affecting most areas but especially the north and northwest of the UK.”
Crucially, the forecast doesn’t rule out the chance of snow, stating: “Some sleet and snow is also likely at times, especially on high ground in the north. However, there are also some signs more settled conditions are possible at times, these perhaps most likely across the south late in December or into early January.”
So far as temperatures go, they’re expected to hover around the average mark. But don’t let that fool you calm spells could bring the risk of frost and fog, reports the Mirror.
For those travelling over the festive period, beware another map warns that the mercury could plummet to a chilly -5C, potentially leading to treacherous icy conditions. This is a concern for drivers in Ireland, Northern Ireland, vast parts of Scotland and Northern England. Still, its not all doom and gloom, as a white Christmas could very well be on the cards for some.
Scotland is bracing for the harshest winter conditions with forecasts showing Inverness in line for a heavy snow battering. Parts of the Scottish Highlands are predicted to see up to 56cm of the white stuff, while the Lowlands aren’t safe from nature’s icy grip either, expecting up to 7cm. Even northern England isn’t out of the woods, with a potential covering of 4cm.
As we look towards tonight, the Met Office has advised that it will: “Staying mostly cloudy across central and southern areas with scattered showers, these most frequent towards the southeast. Breezy too, especially along coastal stretches. Fog and frost developing under the clearest skies in the north.”
By Tuesday, the forecast is a tad brighter outside the south: “On Tuesday, showers becoming confined to the far south and remaining cloudy. Frost and fog persisting through the morning across Northern Ireland and Scotland but sunny elsewhere.”
In the betting world, bookie firm Coral has now reinforced chances of a chilly climax to December, narrowing odds from 2-1 to an icy 6-4. This bet is for this month making history as the UK’s coldest December ever as temperatures plunge. It’s also offering odds of 1-2 for a white Christmas on our shores.
Coral’s John Hill has reflected the nation’s heightened expectations for a big freeze, saying: “With temperatures set to drop once again this week, and parts of the UK forecast to get a blanket of snow, we have slashed the odds on this month ending as the coldest December since records began.”
He added that falling mercury also increases the dream of a classic festive scene, stating, “Plummeting temperatures also raise the prospects of a White Christmas this year. We make it odds-on for now to fall on a major city in the UK on Christmas Day this year.”