UK weather: Met Office gives early verdict on white Christmas as first snow flurries hit today | The Sun
THE Met Office has released an early verdict on a white Christmas as the first snow flurries hit this morning.
Brits have already been facing chilly weather, with the temperatures plummeting in recent days.
The Met Office previously warned a cold snap is expected to hit the country this week, bringing sub-zero temperatures across the UK.
Now, meteorologists have given a clue as to what the weather may be like on Christmas Day.
The Met Office's long range forecast covers dates from December 11 to December 25.
Temperatures are likely to be at or above average on Christmas day so the chances of snow on Christmas seem low, say the Met Office.
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But forecasters warmed there could be spells of cold weather and "associated wintry hazards" meaning it's not been completely ruled out.
And as it is only a long-range forecast, this prediction is subject to change with Christmas being a month away.
It comes as as the first snow showers of winter arrived in County Durham this morning.
Arctic winds in Scotland also saw motorists battling through icy conditions.
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And there are reports that the white stuff is currently falling – but not settling – on higher ground in the Staffordshire Moorlands.
A fresh weather forecast from the Met Office says "colder air is feeding from the north across many parts of the UK", which could bring wintry showers.
"These may bring some snow and ice impacts in the coming days," the forecast continues.
While the forecast is uncertain, there is also a possibility of snow falling across central and southern England.
Later this week the North of England could see these conditions from Wednesday – before an area of low pressure arrives from the South West on Thursday.
The Met Office said there may be hill snow on Thursday in Scotland and Wales.
Up to 5cm of snow could fall in parts of Wales and northwest England over higher ground, forecasters said – with smaller amounts possible at lower levels too.
Met Office spokesman Oli Claydon said snow showers are expected on the North Sea coast, including Scotland and the north east of England, from Wednesday and heading into the weekend.
"There will be snow showers but we are not likely to see significant accumulation on the ground," he said.
The rest of the UK will see frosty weather from Tuesday, with temperatures forecast to dip as low as minus eight degrees Celsius in sheltered hills and glens in Scotland.
Meanwhile, parts of rural eastern England could see temperatures as low as minus five.
"We could see some snow moving into southeastern parts of the UK towards the end of the week, including Hampshire," he said.
"However, it may also remain dry."
Mr Claydon advised the public to check the weather before travelling.
Temperatures are expected to remain above freezing on Monday, reaching only 5C or 6C for most parts but will become more pleasant in the west and south west around 12C.
The weather will turn sunny for many places with restricted showers near the coasts that could potentially move inland.
But the sky will brighten up on Tuesday and Wednesday, before the rain returns on Thursday.
Nevertheless, the whole week is predicted to be cold, with frost settling every night.
There are no weather warnings in place for this week.
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