Britain is bracing for a potential pre-Christmas freeze as weather charts predict a prolonged period of snowfall that could last up to 60 hours. The wintry onslaught is forecast to begin around December 17, bringing significant disruption just days before the festive holiday.
Snow Timeline: From Scotland to the South
According to data from WX Charts, which uses MetDesk information, the first flurries are expected to arrive over Western Scotland on the 17th. The system is then predicted to push southwards, blanketing parts of North West England by the evening.
The heavy snow is forecast to continue overnight and into December 18, hitting much of Northern England, including Lancashire and Yorkshire. Current models suggest the snow could reach further south than initially expected, potentially covering central Wales and pushing as far south as Devon.
By the morning of the 18th, the focus is expected to shift northwards again, covering southern Scotland. The wintry conditions are not set to ease quickly, with further snowfall predicted for parts of Scotland and North Yorkshire on December 19.
Met Office Urges Caution Amid White Christmas Hopes
The Met Office's official long-range forecast for December 11-20 presents a more cautious picture. It anticipates spells of rain and strong winds across the country, similar to early December's pattern.
However, the national weather service does note a potential shift later in the period. It states there is a "slightly higher chance of some wintry hazards across northern parts of the UK," particularly over high ground. This raises the tantalising possibility of snow on Christmas Day for some regions.
Christmas Period Outlook
Looking further ahead to the festive core from December 21 to January 4, the Met Office predicts generally "changeable conditions" nationwide. The weather is likely to be dominated by low-pressure systems, bringing the risk of prolonged rain and, for northern hills, some further snow.
While the detailed snow maps from WX Charts capture attention, experts remind the public that such long-range forecasts carry inherent uncertainty. The exact track and intensity of the weather system will become clearer as the potential event draws nearer.
