The UK is set to experience a “grey Christmas” rather than the traditional White Christmas, with the Met Office predicting mild conditions and only occasional sunny spells for the holiday period. While Christmas Day itself is expected to remain snow-free, there is a glimmer of hope for wintry weather as temperatures are likely to drop around the turn of the year.
Unseasonably Warm Weather Expected This Christmas
Met Office meteorologists anticipate unseasonably mild temperatures for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Dan Stroud from the Met Office explained:
“We’re expecting to see some sunny spells further east and a lot of cloud from the west. Temperatures should rise considerably, and it will be extremely mild over Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.”
Daytime highs in England and Wales are forecast to reach 12 °C to 13 °C on Christmas Eve and 11 °C to 12 °C on Christmas Day, significantly warmer than the seasonal average of 7 °C to 8 °C. Even overnight lows in Scotland will remain unusually mild, marking a stark departure from the frosty conditions many associate with this time of year.
Dan Harris of the Met Office added:
“Temperatures are expected to be widely mild, so if you are hoping for a blanket of snow across the country on Christmas Day, I’m sorry to say you will be disappointed.”
Forecasted Temperatures for Christmas:
| Region | Christmas Eve | Christmas Day | Seasonal Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| England & Wales | 12 °C – 13 °C | 11 °C – 12 °C | 7 °C – 8 °C |
| Scotland (Overnight) | Mild | Mild | Sub-zero in places |
Colder Conditions Expected Around New Year
While the festive weekend is set to remain mild, colder weather may arrive as we approach the start of 2024. The Met Office suggests a shift to more typical winter conditions, particularly in northern and central areas, with a potential for ice, sleet, and snow.
The long-range outlook notes:
“Around the turn of the year, it looks more probable that colder, more showery conditions will likely make at least some ingress into northern and perhaps central areas, bringing a risk of some impacts from ice, sleet, and snow.”
Weather Disruption Over the Christmas Getaway
The run-up to Christmas has already seen significant weather-related travel disruptions. A combination of adverse weather, road congestion, and heavy snow on motorways caused delays for millions attempting to make their festive journeys.
On Sunday, over 100 flights at Heathrow Airport, the UK’s busiest, were cancelled, while ferry services across Scotland and Ireland were severely impacted. Northern Rail suspended all services on 11 routes.
Snowfall also disrupted traffic on the M62, with one lane closed, creating further challenges during one of the busiest travel periods of the year.
Slight Improvement in Weather Conditions as Year Ends
As we move into the final week of the year, conditions are expected to improve slightly, with some brighter spells for eastern parts of the UK. However, cloud cover and continued mild temperatures will dominate across much of the country. The weather narrative may take a more wintry turn as the year concludes, offering a chance for some areas to see snow before January begins.
Whether this shift will bring widespread snow remains uncertain, but the return to more seasonable conditions will be welcomed by those longing for a touch of traditional winter weather.
