The Met Office has issued a detailed weather forecast for the United Kingdom covering the crucial Christmas and Boxing Day period, indicating a shift towards colder, drier conditions.
From Wet to Wintry: A Changeable Festive Build-Up
Forecasters state that the run-up to Christmas will be characterised by changeable and unsettled weather. A spell of heavy rain and showers is predicted to affect many areas over the coming weekend, with these conditions likely to linger into early next week.
However, a significant shift is expected as Christmas Eve approaches. High pressure is set to build towards the northeast of the country, marking a transition to a much drier and more settled period. The recent wet weather will give way to clearer, colder skies.
Chilly Winds and Widespread Frost Expected
The calm will be accompanied by a notable drop in temperature. Strengthening easterly winds moving across the country during the middle of next week will make it feel noticeably colder, although the Met Office confirms these temperatures are typical for late December.
Where skies remain clear overnight, widespread frost is highly probable on both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. This frost may be accompanied by patches of mist and fog, particularly across northern and western regions of the UK.
Christmas Day Outlook: Showers, Cloud, and a Significant Chill
Occasional showers are predicted over the festive period, with a higher likelihood in southern and eastern England. Some of these could turn wintry, especially over higher ground. However, Chief Meteorologist Jason Kelly has clarified that there are no strong signals for significant or widespread snowfall, making a nationwide "White Christmas" unlikely based on current data.
The forecast for Birmingham on Christmas Day paints a chilly picture. The city can expect a maximum temperature of just 1°C, accompanied by relatively strong winds of up to 23mph, which will add a significant wind chill. The sky over the West Midlands is expected to be largely cloudy, though the chance of rain remains low at around five to ten per cent.
The Met Office advises the public to stay informed by checking for regular updates as the festive weekend approaches, particularly if planning long-distance travel to visit family.
