Latest UK weather maps suggest some areas of the UK could have a white Christmas for the first time since 2021 – but many hoping for snow over the festive period could be disappointed
New UK snow maps indicate a large portion of the UK could face continuous snow for at least nine consecutive days – raising the possibility of a white Christmas.
Persistent snowfall is predicted to hit north-west Scotland from 20th December, according to the latest forecasts from WXCharts, which utilise MetDesk data. The maps suggest that areas such as the Highlands, Grampian Mountains and the Cairngorms could be smothered under heavy snow in the lead-up to Christmas Day.
This increases the likelihood of a white Christmas for Scotland for the first time since 2021. The last widespread white Christmas across the UK occurred in 2010 – but while Scotland appears set for snow, England, Wales and Northern Ireland are now expected to miss out on the white stuff during this festive season.
Snow is projected to be concentrated across north-west Scotland from 20th to 23rd December, before dispersing more broadly across the country. By midday on Christmas Eve, snowy conditions could extend to central and eastern Scotland, encompassing areas around Aberdeen and Glasgow.
Snow seems poised to persist across parts of Scotland on Christmas Day, while on Boxing Day, it is expected to settle more extensively across central and eastern regions.
From 27th December onwards, snowfall appears likely to recede back to north-west Scotland, reports the Mirror.
Counties that could experience snow between Christmas Eve and Boxing Day include:
- Highland
- Aberdeenshire
- Moray
- Perth and Kinross
- Angus
Outside of Scotland, however, Brits are more likely to face rain than snow over the festive period.
In its extended forecast covering December 19 to December 28, the Met Office states: “Showers or longer spells of rain are likely to continue at first for many parts of the country, perhaps heavy at times, but gradually over the weekend the weather is expected to become more settled.
“Scotland and Northern Ireland are likely to see this change first, with spells of rain perhaps slower to clear further across the south.”
For the week commencing Christmas Day, the Met Office anticipates that “high pressure is expected to become more widely established”, delivering calmer conditions, chillier temperatures, nocturnal frosts and dawn mist.
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