The Met Office has indicated that parts of the UK could finally witness a white Christmas next week, potentially ending a 15-year snow drought that has persisted since 2010. Weather maps are beginning to show wintry conditions developing, bringing a glimmer of festive hope to the nation.
Chilling Forecast for the Festive Period
According to the latest projections, falling temperatures will increase the likelihood of snow and "wintry showers", particularly in eastern areas of the country during Christmas week. This marks a shift from the Met Office's earlier assessment, which suggested a "very low chance" of widespread festive snow.
Deputy Chief Forecaster Tom Crabtree explained the evolving situation. "High pressure is expected to build into next week, bringing drier and less mild conditions for the Christmas period," he stated. "Although temperatures will drop, they are not plummeting. Overnight frosts are likely, and some mist and fog is possible in places, but significant cold weather looks less probable."
He added a note of caution for those dreaming of a snowy scene, saying, "Falling temperatures do bring the potential for some wintry showers in the east, but it is too early to discern details for any particular day over the Christmas period."
Current Unsettled Conditions and Warnings
This hopeful forecast follows a period of distinctly un-festive weather. A yellow weather warning for fog was in force across South East England, the East of England, the East Midlands, and South West England until 10am on Wednesday 18th December.
Chief Forecaster Rebekah Hicks detailed the immediate outlook. "Low-pressure systems will bring further unsettled weather to the UK this week, with strong winds and further heavy rain at times over the next few days," she said. "Today (Wednesday) brings periods of rain, which will be heavy at times, especially over high ground in the west of Britain."
She warned of ongoing disruptions, noting, "Coming off the back of recent very wet weather, some travel disruption and flooding is likely across parts of southwest England and south Wales. It will also become widely windy throughout the day too, with gales in some coastal areas."
Looking Ahead to Christmas Week
The forecast for the beginning of the crucial festive week suggests a change. "Monday brings further rain at times, especially across some western areas, while the east stays largely dry with some bright or sunny intervals developing. Temperatures will be close to average for most," the Met Office stated.
This sets the stage for the colder, drier conditions that could allow for any precipitation to fall as snow in the east. The nation will be watching closely, as the last official white Christmas, where snow was observed falling at a network of major stations, occurred a staggering 15 years ago in 2010.
