Met Office gives verdict on white Christmas in new UK weather forecast | Weather | News

The Met Office has released a new weather forecast and verdict on the possibility of a white Christmas this week. The big question this time of year is whether we’ll see a white Christmas.

For the Met Office to declare a ‘white Christmas’, a single snowflake must be observed falling by an official Met Office observer or the Met Office automatic weather station during the 24 hours of 25 December. However, the chances of this happening are “relatively low” but snow and sleet could fall in higher elevations. It looks like Christmas Day will be a cold day with temperatures predicted to drop as low as 2°C but will feel even colder due to the strong easterly wind.

Christmas Day is expected to be mostly dry, with varying amounts of clouds and partly sunny. Light showers are expected later in the day, especially on the southwestern coast.

The Met Office advises Britons to monitor forecasts and warnings.

Met Office Chief Meteorologist Paul Gundersen said: “The biggest question we get at this time of year is about the possibility of snow on Christmas Day.

“The chance of light showers is very low, if it does occur it will be rain, sleet and some snow in higher elevations. This chance is relatively low as it stands now and there are no strong signals of significant or widespread snowfall.”

“As always, we would advise everyone to keep up to date with the Met Office’s latest forecasts and warnings, especially if you are planning over the festive period.”

Meanwhile, on Christmas Eve, Wednesday, December 24, temperatures will drop as high pressure will bring drier, more stable conditions and cold easterly winds.

High pressure is likely to remain near the UK as we approach the new year, bringing largely stable conditions with occasional frost and fog.