New snow maps for the UK indicate that a large portion of the country might experience continuous snowfall for a minimum of nine consecutive days. According to the latest predictions from WXCharts based on MetDesk data, north-west Scotland is expected to face persistent snow starting from December 20. The maps show that areas such as the Highlands, Grampian Mountains, and the Cairngorms could be covered in heavy snow leading up to Christmas Day, increasing the chances of a white Christmas for Scotland. The most recent widespread white Christmas in the UK was in 2010, with Scotland likely to receive snow while England, Wales, and Northern Ireland may miss out during the festive season.
The forecast indicates that snow will initially be concentrated in north-west Scotland from December 20 to 23 before spreading across the country. By midday on Christmas Eve, snowy conditions are expected to extend to central and eastern Scotland, including regions around Aberdeen and Glasgow. Snowfall is anticipated to persist in parts of Scotland on Christmas Day, with flakes set to settle more widely in central and eastern areas on Boxing Day. From December 27 onwards, the snowfall is likely to retreat back to north-west Scotland.
The Met Office’s long-range forecast for December 19 to December 28 suggests that showers or prolonged periods of rain will persist initially across many parts of the country, potentially heavy at times. However, over the weekend, the weather is projected to become more stable, with Scotland and Northern Ireland likely to experience this shift first, while rain may take longer to clear in the south.
Looking ahead to the week starting on Christmas Day, the Met Office anticipates that high pressure will become more predominant, bringing settled weather, cooler temperatures, overnight frosts, and morning fog.
