UK Braces for Bitter Cold and Possible Snow This Christmas Season
The UK is gearing up for a frosty festive season as a polar vortex threatens to usher in a spell of bitterly cold weather in the days leading up to Christmas. Forecasts suggest significant snowfall in several regions, creating the possibility of a white Christmas for some.
Data from WXCharts indicates that the polar air front could bring up to 20cm of snow to parts of the country, with north-west Scotland potentially receiving as much as 22cm.
On Christmas Day itself, snow accumulations between 1cm and 5cm are expected across northern England, Wales, and the home counties. Northern England and Scotland may even see snowfall rates reaching 5cm per hour, while central and southern areas are more likely to experience heavy rain.
Netweather’s projections align with WXCharts, showing a high likelihood of snow across Scotland and northern England.
Temperatures are forecast to plunge dramatically, with daytime lows of -4°C expected in parts of central Scotland on Christmas Eve, and dipping further to -6°C by Boxing Day.
The Met Office’s forecast for December 16-25 paints a mixed picture. Early in the period, cloudy but mild conditions are expected across much of the UK.
Rain is predicted for the far north, particularly in north-west Scotland, with lighter rain and drizzle across west-facing hills elsewhere.
Midweek, unsettled conditions driven by low pressure could dominate, bringing spells of mild, wet, and windy weather. As the week progresses, high pressure may briefly develop in southern regions, but the likelihood of a return to unsettled conditions remains high.
This could include wind, rain, and potential hill snow in northern areas, followed by blustery and possibly wintry showers in the northwest.
Temperatures are expected to oscillate between colder and milder intervals, creating a rollercoaster effect throughout the festive period.
For those dreaming of a white Christmas, the official definition requires at least one snowflake to fall anywhere in the UK on December 25. While the forecast offers hope for snowy scenes, the chance of a truly widespread white Christmas remains uncertain.
