Weather UK Christmas forecast: Snow to fall TODAY with -2C chill as Brits can expect more white stuff tomorrow
BRITS, brace yourselves as the Met Office has issued warnings for ice and a -2C chill this Christmas.
Temperatures are forecast to plunge as low as a freezing -2C in parts of the north and east of England between Christmas Day and December 28.
Two yellow snow warnings has been issued for some upland areas starting from midnight Sunday to midday.
Boxing Day will be "bitingly" cold as strong winds set in – despite highs of 6C in Scotland, 7C in Northern Ireland, 9C in Wales and 11C in England.
The Met Office has said that strong gusts on Boxing Day could bring challenging travel conditions across upland areas, so be careful if you need to drive.
Weather maps show also shows more snow is on the way from December 27, meaning a truly wintry festive period. It will continue until January 2 when warmer air will turn snowfall into rain.
Read our weather live blog for the latest news and forecasts
- Milica Cosic
Mapped: Which parts of UK will see a White Christmas
Many families have woken up to an extra sprinkle of festive magic this morning with even more snow due on Boxing Day and beyond.
According to forecaster WXCharts, parts of Scotland have been blanketed in up to four inches of snow this morning.
Meanwhile, parts of northern England including the Lake District have seen a centimetre or two of the white stuff.
According to the Met Office, many of us will have to do without snow today as rain showers – some heavy – are expected across southern areas of England and Wales.
The agency has forecast mild conditions for these areas, with highs of 11C in the south-west.
- Milica Cosic
Odds slashed on coldest January
Leading bookmaker Coral has cut the odds on this January being the coldest since records began to just 2-1 (from 5-1) as forecasters warn of an end to the mild winter temperatures.
“We have enjoyed some very mild temperatures through December but the outlook for January looks a lot colder and we have slashed the odds on next month being the coldest first month of the year we have ever had,” said Coral’s Harry Aitkenhead.
Coral make Edinburgh the favourite for snow on Christmas Day, at odds of 3-1, with Newcastle the most likely of the English cities at 7-2 according to the odds.
Harry also said: “We are offering odds on all major UK cities for any punters dreaming of a White Christmas, with Edinburgh the most likely according to our odds”.
- Milica Cosic
Avoid these when driving in the snow and ice
- If you come across black ice, many drivers will hit the brakes and steer into a skid as they start to lose control – but that can be a dangerous move for in-experienced drivers. Instead, slowly take your foot off the accelerator and straighten up as your vehicle rides it out.
- Accelerating and braking too quickly is a recipe for disaster in icy conditions. Be sure to take it slow when turning and avoid any overtaking.
- It might seem urgent at the time, but it’s important not to take unnecessary journeys when it’s icy.
- If you do need to go somewhere, don’t take an unfamiliar route as road signs are likely to be covered in snow and phone reception could be limited.
- Some drivers rely on pouring boiling water over a frozen windscreen to remove ice, but it’s more than likely to crack the glass. Investing in a decent ice scrapper or de-ice spray can work just as well and will protect your windscreen.
- Don’t take any shortcuts and stay off rural roads as these might not have been cleared, and are often challenging even in warm weather. Stick to main roads as much as possible.
- Finally, don’t forget to top up your oil, fuel and screen-wash before every winter trip.
- Milica Cosic
A ‘battle’ for Brits in terms of weather
The director of Weathertrending, Sarah Thornton, told The Sun that the UK will find itself in a “battleground” between freezing air coming from the Arctic and Scandinavia, and much milder air trying to head in from the Atlantic.
“Most models now suggest that the cold air will be winning and spreading lower temperatures southwards as we head through Christmas Day.
“However another assault of mild air will arrive from the southwest through the day, bringing rain. At the boundary between the two, there’s an increasing chance of snow.”
- Milica Cosic
Heavy snow will hit south coast on December 27
Meteorologists earlier predicted snow could arrive as early as Friday in the South, while the Met Office warned blizzards could be in store for Scotland.
The Met said conditions will be mild on Thursday before rain sets in, but don’t let that dampen your spirits.
“Colder and clearer” conditions are set to take hold on December 25, with northern parts of the country most likely to see snow.
Meanwhile, the Weather Outlook suggest “heavy snow” will hit the south coast on December 27.
- Milica Cosic
Santa's cold but quiet afternoon
After delivering all those presents, Santa is due a quiet afternoon with his feet up!
However, it's really cold in Lapland so let's hope he left the heating on…
- Milica Cosic
Bookies odds on a white Christmas
Bookies William Hill have slashed the odds on a White Christmas after meteorologists warned Brits to expect “unsettled weather”.
Edinburgh and Leeds are joint favourites for snowy scenes, with odds of 4-9, while Newcastle, Birmingham and Manchester all sit at 10-11.
Scotland’s capital Edinburgh and Leeds now top the betting for a White Christmas.
William Hill spokesperson Rupert Adams said: “As ironic as this may sound, we’re now seeing forecasters slowly warming to the idea of a White Christmas.
“As soon as we ticked into the crucial five-day window of being able to forecast snow, those calling snow on the big day got a bit louder and as a consequence punters have been indulging in a festive flurry flutter with renewed confidence.
“After such a turbulent, and at times torrid, 12 months, wouldn’t it be magical to wake up on Christmas day to blankets of fluffy white snow!”
- Milica Cosic
Snow today, snow tomorrow
BRITS, brace yourselves as the Met Office has issued warnings for ice and a -2C chill this Christmas.
Temperatures are forecast to plunge as low as a freezing -2C in parts of the north and east of England between Christmas Day and December 28.
Two yellow snow warnings has been issued for some upland areas starting from midnight Sunday to midday.
Boxing Day will be "bitingly" cold as strong winds set in – despite highs of 6C in Scotland, 7C in Northern Ireland, 9C in Wales and 11C in England.
The Met Office has said that strong gusts on Boxing Day could bring challenging travel conditions across upland areas, so be careful if you need to drive.
Weather maps show also shows more snow is on the way from December 27, meaning a truly wintry festive period. It will continue until January 2 when warmer air will turn snowfall into rain.
- Milica Cosic
UK weather outlook for Monday and Tuesday
A largely dry but dull, misty day on Monday. Some early morning showers for Scotland with the odd spots of drizzle throughout the day for southern England. Light winds.
Persistent rain for much of northern England, Northern Ireland and Scotland on Tuesday. Bright spells for Wales and the south-west.
- Milica Cosic
Boxing Day weather forecast
A cloudy start for most tomorrow with rain and drizzle for some, turning wintry over higher ground, especially in Scotland.
Remaining dull for most in the afternoon.
A drier afternoon to the south with bright spells for south-western England.
Gentle easterly winds, stronger for Scotland
- Milica Cosic
Tonight's weather
A band of persistent rain will move across Wales, Northern Ireland and southern England overnight, affecting all areas apart from Scotland in the early hours.
The rain may turn to sleet or snow for northern England.
An overcast night but clear spells for northern Scotland. A moderate easterly breeze.
- Milica Cosic
Four ways you’re breaking the law driving in snow
With snow expected for Christmas, these tips will help you avoid a penalty as in some cases you could be met with a fine worth up to £1,000.
- Defrosting your car – the lazy way
- Driving with snow still on the roof
- Not cleaning every window or your lights
- Not de-icing your license plate
Read the article in full here.
- Milica Cosic
When will Winter be over?
When people are looking for the Winter season to be officially over, they can look forward to the Spring Equinox, which will mark the start of the Spring season.
The Summer Solstice will then signify that the Spring time has come to an end and hot and sunny Summer weather will be present until the next seasonal change.
Remembering the seasonal equinoxes and solstices are the key to knowing which time of year you are in.
Although a lot of territories experience differing weather conditions prior to the solstices and equinoxes, the dates are significant to know the official starts of the four seasons.
- Louis Allwood
Four ways you’re breaking the law driving in snow
With snow expected for Christmas, these tips will help you avoid a penalty as in some cases you could be met with a fine worth up to £1,000.
- Defrosting your car – the lazy way
- Driving with snow still on the roof
- Not cleaning every window or your lights
- Not de-icing your license plate
Read the article in full here.
- Louis Allwood
Four ways you’re breaking the law driving in snow
With snow expected for Christmas, these tips will help you avoid a penalty as in some cases you could be met with a fine worth up to £1,000.
- Defrosting your car – the lazy way
- Driving with snow still on the roof
- Not cleaning every window or your lights
- Not de-icing your license plate
Read the article in full here.
- Louis Allwood
Avoid these when driving in the snow and ice
- If you come across black ice, many drivers will hit the brakes and steer into a skid as they start to lose control – but that can be a dangerous move for in-experienced drivers. Instead, slowly take your foot off the accelerator and straighten up as your vehicle rides it out.
- Accelerating and braking too quickly is a recipe for disaster in icy conditions. Be sure to take it slow when turning and avoid any overtaking.
- It might seem urgent at the time, but it’s important not to take unnecessary journeys when it’s icy.
- If you do need to go somewhere, don’t take an unfamiliar route as road signs are likely to be covered in snow and phone reception could be limited.
- Some drivers rely on pouring boiling water over a frozen windscreen to remove ice, but it’s more than likely to crack the glass. Investing in a decent ice scrapper or de-ice spray can work just as well and will protect your windscreen.
- Don’t take any shortcuts and stay off rural roads as these might not have been cleared, and are often challenging even in warm weather. Stick to main roads as much as possible.
- Finally, don’t forget to top up your oil, fuel and screen-wash before every winter trip.
- Louis Allwood
Avoid these when driving in the snow and ice
- If you come across black ice, many drivers will hit the brakes and steer into a skid as they start to lose control – but that can be a dangerous move for in-experienced drivers. Instead, slowly take your foot off the accelerator and straighten up as your vehicle rides it out.
- Accelerating and braking too quickly is a recipe for disaster in icy conditions. Be sure to take it slow when turning and avoid any overtaking.
- It might seem urgent at the time, but it’s important not to take unnecessary journeys when it’s icy.
- If you do need to go somewhere, don’t take an unfamiliar route as road signs are likely to be covered in snow and phone reception could be limited.
- Some drivers rely on pouring boiling water over a frozen windscreen to remove ice, but it’s more than likely to crack the glass. Investing in a decent ice scrapper or de-ice spray can work just as well and will protect your windscreen.
- Don’t take any shortcuts and stay off rural roads as these might not have been cleared, and are often challenging even in warm weather. Stick to main roads as much as possible.
- Finally, don’t forget to top up your oil, fuel and screen-wash before every winter trip.
- Louis Allwood
Odds slashed on coldest January
Leading bookmaker Coral has cut the odds on this January being the coldest since records began to just 2-1 (from 5-1) as forecasters warn of an end to the mild winter temperatures.
“We have enjoyed some very mild temperatures through December but the outlook for January looks a lot colder and we have slashed the odds on next month being the coldest first month of the year we have ever had,” said Coral’s Harry Aitkenhead.
Coral make Edinburgh the favourite for snow on Christmas Day, at odds of 3-1, with Newcastle the most likely of the English cities at 7-2 according to the odds.
Harry also said: “We are offering odds on all major UK cities for any punters dreaming of a White Christmas, with Edinburgh the most likely according to our odds”.
- Louis Allwood
Odds slashed on coldest January
Leading bookmaker Coral has cut the odds on this January being the coldest since records began to just 2-1 (from 5-1) as forecasters warn of an end to the mild winter temperatures.
“We have enjoyed some very mild temperatures through December but the outlook for January looks a lot colder and we have slashed the odds on next month being the coldest first month of the year we have ever had,” said Coral’s Harry Aitkenhead.
Coral make Edinburgh the favourite for snow on Christmas Day, at odds of 3-1, with Newcastle the most likely of the English cities at 7-2 according to the odds.
Harry also said: “We are offering odds on all major UK cities for any punters dreaming of a White Christmas, with Edinburgh the most likely according to our odds”.
- Louis Allwood
Can I still have the Covid booster if I have a cold?
The short answer is yes.
If you are certain it is not Covid you are suffering with and you are well enough to leave home, you can get your third shot with confidence.
It might make you feel a bit rougher than if you weren’t ill, but overall it’s perfectly safe – and you can emerge from your sickly funk safe in the knowledge you are protected against coronavirus.
A cold shouldn’t have an effect on your body’s ability to build an immune response to the flu, even though it is fighting an illness.
NHS guidance says you should still attend your appointment even if you have a mild illness, including a common cold.
- Louis Allwood
Can I still have the Covid booster if I have a cold?
The short answer is yes.
If you are certain it is not Covid you are suffering with and you are well enough to leave home, you can get your third shot with confidence.
It might make you feel a bit rougher than if you weren’t ill, but overall it’s perfectly safe – and you can emerge from your sickly funk safe in the knowledge you are protected against coronavirus.
A cold shouldn’t have an effect on your body’s ability to build an immune response to the flu, even though it is fighting an illness.
NHS guidance says you should still attend your appointment even if you have a mild illness, including a common cold.
- Louis Allwood
When will Winter be over?
When people are looking for the Winter season to be officially over, they can look forward to the Spring Equinox, which will mark the start of the Spring season.
The Summer Solstice will then signify that the Spring time has come to an end and hot and sunny Summer weather will be present until the next seasonal change.
Remembering the seasonal equinoxes and solstices are the key to knowing which time of year you are in.
Although a lot of territories experience differing weather conditions prior to the solstices and equinoxes, the dates are significant to know the official starts of the four seasons.
- Louis Allwood
When will Winter be over?
When people are looking for the Winter season to be officially over, they can look forward to the Spring Equinox, which will mark the start of the Spring season.
The Summer Solstice will then signify that the Spring time has come to an end and hot and sunny Summer weather will be present until the next seasonal change.
Remembering the seasonal equinoxes and solstices are the key to knowing which time of year you are in.
Although a lot of territories experience differing weather conditions prior to the solstices and equinoxes, the dates are significant to know the official starts of the four seasons.
- Louis Allwood
28th December to 6th January outlook
This period remains somewhat uncertain in detail, but generally sees a split between colder air to the north and milder air to the south.
Looking to remain unsettled with further spells of rain for most at first. To the south, mild, unsettled weather, with rain and occasional strong winds.
To the north, more settled conditions with brighter spells and winds slowly easing to lead to perhaps some frost or ice.
Becoming very mild across all areas in time. Along the boundary, potential for significant weather with snow likely at times, in addition to the associated wintry hazards.
It will be colder than average heading into January with any unsettled, milder spells most likely for the west and south.
- Louis Allwood
28th December to 6th January outlook
This period remains somewhat uncertain in detail, but generally sees a split between colder air to the north and milder air to the south.
Looking to remain unsettled with further spells of rain for most at first. To the south, mild, unsettled weather, with rain and occasional strong winds.
To the north, more settled conditions with brighter spells and winds slowly easing to lead to perhaps some frost or ice.
Becoming very mild across all areas in time. Along the boundary, potential for significant weather with snow likely at times, in addition to the associated wintry hazards.
It will be colder than average heading into January with any unsettled, milder spells most likely for the west and south.
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