URGENT UPDATE: A major weather system from Russia threatens to bring snow to all parts of the UK by the end of Christmas Day. Forecasters are predicting the possibility of a white Christmas, with temperatures potentially plunging to as low as -9C across England and Wales.
According to Netweather forecaster Nick Finnis, conditions are expected to shift to drier and colder weather next week. This change could activate a southeasterly flow that will usher in colder air from Russia, coinciding with the Christmas holiday. Finnis stated that recent weather models indicate a robust push of cold air from northwest Russia, enhancing the likelihood of snow across the UK.
Forecasts show that the GFS model supports the potential for snow showers in northern regions, while the GEM and ICON models suggest that snow could blanket the entire UK by Christmas Day. Finnis elaborated, “Much depends on the positioning of high pressure over the UK and low pressure to the south, as slight variations can significantly impact the cold air’s arrival.”
Despite these forecasts, the Met Office warns that the chances of experiencing a white Christmas are currently deemed “extremely low.” Operational meteorologist Tom Morgan stated, “Next week will see a transition to much drier conditions due to high pressure dominating the UK.” He added that the wet weather of December has been primarily driven by low pressure systems, and a shift in this pattern is expected.
The BBC Weather team concurs, suggesting that while some colder air may filter in, significant snow is unlikely for most areas. Their forecast indicates, “With easterly winds, temperatures will drop daily, nearing the December average. By week’s end, high pressure may shift westward, allowing for potential colder air, but any snow showers will likely be limited to higher elevations.”
Residents are urged to prepare for possible frost and fog in calm nights, despite the low likelihood of widespread snow. As the situation develops, all eyes will be on the weather patterns leading up to Christmas Day, and whether the anticipated cold air will deliver a festive snowfall.
Stay tuned for the latest updates as we continue to monitor this evolving weather situation.
