A weather map shows snow is forecast on Christmas Day as a low pressure system moves in from the east – and it could be cold enough for a white Christmas in several areas
This dramatic weather chart predicts SNOW on Christmas Day across multiple regions of the UK. Wintry downpours are anticipated as far south as East Sussex during the early morning hours of December 25, based on Metdesk data.
These conditions will persist throughout the day in various locations, including south Wales, South Yorkshire, West Yorkshire, Lancashire and County Durham.
Weather experts at Metdesk have published meteorological charts on the Ventusky website, revealing a low pressure system set to arrive from the east in time for the festive celebration. The information, taken from a trusted computer model utilised by the United States’ National Weather Service, indicates snowfall will be most intense across the Yorkshire Dales and throughout Fife in Scotland.
Nick Finnis, a meteorologist with independent forecasting service NetWeather, explained that the low pressure system will then travel southward – fittingly from Greenland – and will cause temperatures to plummet.
He posted on the website’s blog: “00z EC high res (the computer model used by Metdesk), coldest of the overnight runs, shows -8 to -9C across England and Wales on Xmas Day, which could be cold enough for sleet/snow in showery easterly flow.”
This analysis is in contrast to the Met Office’s blunt assessment earlier this week, when their forecasters declared a white Christmas was unlikely. The data has shifted dramatically and the weather system now seems to be approaching from the north – rather than the west as initially predicted, reports the Mirror.
Next week will bring particularly blustery conditions, making temperatures feel significantly chillier than the actual readings. Whilst meteorologists predict overnight lows could drop to -8C, daytime temperatures on Christmas Day are expected to hover between 2C and 3C.
However, the easterly winds could make it feel more like -5C across regions such as Cumbria and the Yorkshire Dales.
Mr Finnis explained: “12z GFS (a computer model used by Metdesk) has air cold enough for snow to fall from showers across the north, while 12z GEM (a computer model used by Metdesk) and ICON (an alternative computer model) has air cold enough air for snow across all parts of the UK by the end of Christmas Day.”
Wednesday saw pleasant conditions with temperatures reaching 13.2C in East Malling, Kent, according to the Met Office. However, the weather service has emphasised that this mild spell won’t last.
Their extended forecast states: “There could be some isolated showers to eastern parts, that could perhaps be wintry at times… Temperatures will lower compared to recent weeks, closer to or perhaps a little below average for many. Overnight frost and fog or freezing fog could become more prevalent.”
Nevertheless, rainfall remains the immediate threat this week, with torrential downpours predicted for today, particularly severe across Southwest England. Already, 50mm of precipitation has battered parts of south Wales on Wednesday.
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