The UK is bracing for a possible snow event on Christmas Day, one that could mark the first widespread White Christmas since 1981. The Met Office has forecast snow for some parts of England on December 25, raising hopes of a festive, snowy holiday for many.
To declare a ‘white Christmas,’ the Met Office requires just a single snowflake to fall anywhere in the UK during the 24 hours of December 25. This observation can be made either by an official Met Office observer or by an automated weather station.
Marco Petagna from the Met Office shared with The Guardian that southern coastal areas, including South Devon and Cornwall, have the highest chance of witnessing light snow flurries. “Technically, all we need now is one flake of snow anywhere in the UK. While snow falling is not uncommon, snow lying on the ground on Christmas Day is much rarer,” he explained.
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BBC Lead Weather Presenter Ben Rich highlighted the challenges of forecasting snow in the UK, noting that two key factors—cold air and precipitation—must coincide. He pointed out that high pressure systems dominating the region typically keep the weather dry, which limits precipitation. This dryness is a relief for areas like Cumbria and South Wales, which recently experienced heavy rainfall.
Though some computer models suggest wet weather might edge across the Channel Islands into the far south of England, meaning the possibility of sleet or snow on the highest ground, this remains highly unlikely. Most regions are expected to have a chilly but bright Christmas.
Looking ahead, high pressure is expected to stay near the UK through the New Year, bringing largely settled weather with frost and fog in certain areas.