The UK is bracing for a potential 'snow bomb' that could trigger a weather event described as 'very unusual' by forecasters, raising the tantalising prospect of the first widespread white Christmas in 16 years.
What Defines a White Christmas?
According to the Met Office, the official definition of a white Christmas requires just a single snowflake to be recorded falling during the 24 hours of 25 December at any one of its approximately 300 weather stations across the country. The last time the UK experienced a widespread white Christmas was in 2010. That year, snow was recorded falling at 19% of weather stations, and, in a notably rare occurrence, 83% of stations reported snow lying on the ground.
The Met Office Christmas Forecast
In its outlook covering the period from Christmas Eve to 2nd January, the Met Office indicates that changeable conditions will dominate initially before a shift. High pressure is expected to build to the north of the UK, leading to a strengthening easterly wind over the festive period. This will make it feel 'noticeably colder' than recent days.
The forecast states: 'Whilst there will be a fair amount of dry weather, a few showers will still be possible, particularly across eastern and southern parts which may be wintry in places, more especially over high ground.'
High pressure is then predicted to dominate into the New Year, slowly drifting west. This will maintain largely settled conditions, although with an increasing chance of showers later in the period. Temperatures will be below average much of the time, with frost likely where skies are clear and winds are light.
Weekend Weather and Looking Ahead
This weekend, forecasters predict a bright start to Saturday before a band of showers moves into the southwest during the day. It may be windy in the southwest and Northern Ireland, but calmer elsewhere, with temperatures near average for the time of year.
The combination of the incoming colder air from the east and potential precipitation sets the stage for the possible 'very unusual' event flagged by the BBC. As the nation prepares for the holidays, all eyes will be on the skies to see if 2025 will deliver a truly festive, snow-dusted landscape for the first time in over a decade and a half.
