Snowfall may reach all parts of the UK by the end of Christmas Day as a cold weather system moves in from Russia. Forecaster Nick Finnis from Netweather has indicated that next week’s weather is expected to turn drier and colder, potentially creating a southeasterly airflow that could bring frigid air in time for Christmas.
Certain weather models suggest temperatures could plunge to as low as -9°C across England and Wales on December 25, providing conditions cold enough for sleet and snow showers. Finnis noted that various forecast models are aligning on the possibility of deep cold air moving westward from northwest Russia, driven by an easterly flow surrounding high pressure to the north of the UK.
The GFS model predicts snow showers may start in northern areas, while the GEM and ICON models show air cold enough for snow across the entire country by Christmas evening. The exact impact depends heavily on the positioning of high pressure systems over northern parts and low pressure to the south, which can influence how much cold air penetrates the UK.
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Despite these forecasts, the Met Office maintains the likelihood of a White Christmas remains very low. Operational meteorologist Tom Morgan highlighted that next week’s weather will transition to drier conditions dominated by high pressure, contrasting with the wet, low-pressure systems that have prevailed so far this month.
BBC Weather also considers a white Christmas improbable for most, forecasting that easterly winds will cool temperatures gradually toward the December average. Any snowfall is expected mainly at higher elevations, while clearer nights could bring frost and fog, but snow across widespread lowland areas is unlikely.