The UK may experience some snow over the festive period, leading to hopes we will see a white Christmas this year.
In their long-range forecast, the Met Office predicted a period of north winds next week could bring in some snow and ice up until December 26.
They said: ‘It now looks probable there will be at least one short-lived colder interlude next week, with a period of north of northwesterly winds that could bring some snow and ice, especially in the north.’
But does this mean the UK will see any sizable amounts of snow over Christmas?
Here is what you need to know.
Forecasters insist it is still too early to say whether the UK will see any snow settled on the ground on Christmas day.
‘It is too soon to give an exact date of specific conditions at this range,’ they said.
‘Our weather is likely to be mainly sourced from the Atlantic, resulting in milder spells, with cold interludes, which could bring snow to some.
‘This isn’t usual for December and the chance of significant snow is low.’
But bookies are feeling optimistic the UK could see some snow, with the odds of snow falling anywhere in the country on Christmas Day hitting 1/2, according to Ladbrokes.
The Met Office can only accurately forecast whether snow is likely up to five days beforehand.
Edinburgh – 4/6
Newcastle – 10/11
Belfast – 2/1
Manchester – 3/1
Liverpool – 7/2
Birmingham – 4/1
Dublin – 4/1
Cardiff – 6/1
London – 6/1
According to the Met Office’s definition, it is a White Christmas if one snowflake falls in the 24 hours of 25 December somewhere in the UK.
So far, December has seen a mixture of cold and wet weather, with a yellow weather warning covering the northeast in place last night due to the risk of flooding.
Temperatures dropped to as low as -10 at the start of the month, with the UK ‘turning into the Alps’.
Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@metro.co.uk.
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