Weather experts are warning of a dramatic festive freeze, with a 15-hour 'snow bomb' predicted to strike parts of the United Kingdom. The significant weather shift is expected to bring heavy snow and travel chaos across 16 English counties during the crucial Christmas period.
When and Where the Snow Will Strike
Forecasters have pinpointed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day as the most likely time for conditions to deteriorate sharply. Advanced modelling from WX Charts indicates that wintry flurries could start from around 9pm on Christmas Day, continuing well into Boxing Day.
The affected regions span from the north to the south of England. Key areas identified for significant disruption include:
- Greater London
- The West Midlands (specifically Birmingham and Staffordshire)
- Kent, Sussex, Norfolk, and Suffolk
- Greater Manchester
Data from forecasters at Ventusky supports these projections, increasing the likelihood of a white Christmas for many. The Peak District and the Pennines are also expected to face challenging conditions.
The Cause Behind the Christmas Chill
Meteorologists attribute the sudden temperature drop to a plume of cold air arriving from Eastern Europe. Daytime temperatures are forecast to fall several degrees below the seasonal average, struggling to reach between 6C and 9C.
There is a further risk that even colder air from Scandinavia could push into the UK, which would increase the chance of showers in eastern areas turning into heavy sleet or snow.
BBC Weather experts confirm the upcoming week will mark a sharp transition from recent mild weather to a much chillier environment. This change brings a heightened risk of morning frost, dense fog, and the predicted snowfall.
Travel Warnings and Regional Impacts
Residents across the highlighted counties are being urged to prepare for potentially hazardous road conditions. The combination of ice and snow during one of the year's busiest travel periods is likely to cause significant transport delays and disruption to holiday plans.
Coastal areas near the North Sea are expected to remain quite cloudy, with frequent showers developing over the water. The clearest and sunniest intervals during this cold snap are most likely to occur in the north and west of the country.
With the festive period in full swing, this severe weather warning underscores the importance of checking forecasts and travel advice before embarking on any journeys.
