Snowfall is expected in various counties in England on Christmas Day and Boxing Day, as indicated by new snow maps. Kent, Suffolk, and parts of northern England, particularly around the Pennines, are projected to experience snow on December 25. The following day, snow is forecasted to cover significant portions of South West England, including Plymouth to Exeter, while continuing in the Pennines region.
While the North West often witnesses a white Christmas, with nearly 40% of years since 1960 having snow on December 25, it is a rare occurrence in the South East. London has only encountered five white Christmases since 1960, the most recent in 2001. The Met Office defines a white Christmas as one where snow falls on Christmas Day, not solely snow lying on the ground.
In the extended forecast from December 21 to December 30, the Met Office anticipates unsettled conditions initially, with low pressure likely southwest of the UK and high pressure attempting to influence northern regions from the east. This setup is expected to establish an easterly flow with rain mainly confined to southern or southwestern areas.
Subsequently, high pressure is expected to dominate, bringing dry and settled weather. Starting from Boxing Day, there could be more widespread overnight frost and fog or freezing fog, according to the Met Office.
Today’s Met Office forecast mentions a foggy and frosty start in the southeast, with rain moving in from the northwest, potentially heavy with coastal gales. While mild air is expected in the west, the east will remain chilly. As the day progresses, rain will push southeastward, with possible thundery showers in the North West and chances of patchy frost in Scotland.
A yellow weather warning for fog was in effect until 10 am today in South East England, the East of England, the East Midlands, and South West England, including London. Additionally, a yellow warning for rain was issued for South West England and Wales for the entire day.
