The prospect of a festive blanket of snow is hanging in the balance for parts of the UK, with forecasters identifying a dozen major cities at risk of wintry flurries in the run-up to Christmas Day.
While the so-called 'snow bomb' could still strike on December 25th, meteorologists have conceded there is only a 'chance' of a White Christmas this year. The latest predictions suggest any snowfall in southern regions will likely be isolated rather than widespread.
Bookmakers Adjust Odds for Festive Snow
Leading bookmaker William Hill has significantly revised its betting markets, reflecting a shift towards milder conditions in recent weeks. Edinburgh is now the frontrunner to see snowfall on Christmas Day, with odds of 5/1.
Lee Phelps, a spokesman for William Hill, commented on the changing forecasts. "With the unseasonably mild weather the chances of a White Christmas look to be slipping away," he said. "Edinburgh is now the most likely UK capital to see snowfall on December 25th at 5/1."
He noted this represents a considerable drift from odds of 5/4 earlier in December, highlighting the declining likelihood as the big day approaches.
Cities on the Snow Watch List
The bookmaker's list of cities with the highest probability of Christmas snow now includes a broad spread across the UK and Ireland. The latest odds cover the following urban centres:
- Edinburgh: 5/1
- London, Cardiff, Belfast, Dublin: 6/1
- Aberdeen: Evens
- Newcastle, Leeds, Liverpool, Manchester, Birmingham, Bristol: Between 6/4 and 6/1
"London, Cardiff, Belfast and Dublin are all close behind in the market at 6/1," Phelps added, "but it looks as though their residents could be waiting another 12 months at least for snow to fall on Christmas Day."
Christmas Day Forecast: Chilly but Not Exceptional
Despite the snow risk, temperatures on December 25th are expected to be seasonally typical. The Met Office forecasts daytime highs of 4-7C (39-45F), which is close to the seasonal average.
However, this will mark a noticeable change from the unusually mild weather experienced for much of December. The cold feel will be exacerbated by strong winds across southern parts of the UK, making it feel chillier than the thermometer suggests.
While the dream of a picture-perfect White Christmas is fading for many, residents in a dozen cities from Aberdeen to London will be keeping a watchful eye on the skies this Thursday.
