New weather maps are predicting a widespread white Christmas for the UK, with snow flurries expected to reach every Home Nation. Forecast data indicates that heavy snowfall could smash into parts of England on December 25th, with significant accumulations likely across Scotland and dustings in Wales and Northern Ireland.
Which Counties Are At Risk Of Snow?
According to projections from WX Charts, which uses Met Desk data, the festive snowfall will not be confined to one region. The charts show areas at risk spanning England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. In Northern Ireland, County Antrim looks most likely to be affected.
South Wales could see a light dusting, impacting areas such as Glamorgan, Pembrokeshire, Brecon, Carmarthen, and Monmouthshire. Across England, numerous counties are on alert, including:
- West Yorkshire and Lancashire
- County Durham and Northumberland
- Cumbria, Greater Manchester, and Staffordshire
- Norfolk, Devon, and the West Midlands
Heavy Snow Forecast For Scotland And Northern England
Ventusky maps, which support the forecasts, suggest the heaviest snow will blanket the Yorkshire Dales and parts of Fife in Scotland. The entire Scottish Highlands could be covered in white, with maps showing patches of grey, blue, and purple—signifying intense snowfall—across vast swathes of the country.
Counties in Scotland facing a high risk include:
- Aberdeenshire, Angus, and the Grampians
- The Highlands, Caithness, and Sutherland
- Ross and Cromarty, Moray, Nairn, Banff, and Inverness-shire
Met Office Warns Of Wind And Rain Before The Cold Snap
Before any potential snow arrives, the Met Office is warning of unsettled conditions. The forecast for Thursday, December 18th, indicates bright spells in the north initially, before heavy rain spreads northwards through the day.
The greatest rainfall accumulations are expected across south England and south Wales. These areas will also experience strong winds, gusting over 50 mph in exposed coastal spots, which may exacerbate impacts.
"Today will be mostly cloudy and windy," the Met Office says. "Outbreaks of rain, heavy and persistent for many, will move in from the south, reaching northern Scotland in the late afternoon to evening."
The forecast for tonight adds that patchy rain will continue to push north, leaving behind mostly dry conditions and clear spells for some. However, further cloud and showers are expected across Scotland, Northern Ireland, and north-west England, with conditions remaining windy.
Residents across the UK are advised to stay updated with the latest forecasts as Christmas approaches, with the potential for significant travel disruption due to the combination of rain, wind, and impending snow.
