Britons hoping for a festive dusting of snow have been left disappointed, as the Met Office confirmed no snowfall across the UK on Christmas Day. However, the holiday weather is set to bring its own challenges, with a significant cold snap and strong winds prompting official warnings.
Weather Warnings and Health Alerts Activated
The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for wind, affecting much of Wales and south-west England. This warning is in force until 11.59pm on Thursday, 25 December.
Concurrently, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has put a yellow cold health alert in place for south-west England from 6pm on Christmas Day until noon on Friday, 27 December. The agency warns that the low temperatures could have minor impacts on health and social care services.
These impacts are expected to include an increased use of healthcare services by vulnerable people and present a greater risk to life for the vulnerable.
Wind, Waves, and Disruption Forecast
According to the Met Office, easterly to north-easterly winds will strengthen and become gusty during Christmas Day. Peak gusts are forecast to be widely between 45-55 mph, with the potential for 55-65 mph gusts along some exposed coasts and to the west of prominent hills.
The forecaster noted that the unusual wind direction may lead to some disruption to transport and power supplies. Large waves will also pose an additional hazard along some coastal areas.
Despite the wind, the day will see dry conditions under the influence of high pressure. Met Office spokesman Oli Claydon described Thursday as having "pretty decent" weather overall.
Chilly and Clear: The Festive Forecast
Mr Claydon provided a regional breakdown for Christmas Day, stating: "There will be a bright start in the south of England and then into Wales as the cloud clears. It will be cloudier further north, but some cloud breaks will start to appear by lunchtime, with good sunny spells establishing further north as well."
He emphasised that the highest temperatures are only expected to reach around 7°C in north-east England and 6°C in the south or south-east. The high pressure bringing settled conditions is also ushering in cooler air.
Overnight into Boxing Day, frost and freezing temperatures are likely in western rural areas. Forecasters warn that temperatures could plunge to minus 6°C in rural parts of Scotland and minus 4°C in rural Wales.
On the prospect of snow, the verdict is definitive. Mr Claydon said it was "highly unlikely" the UK would see a white Christmas this year, adding, "We've got a very dry picture across the UK over the next few days." By 8am on Christmas Day, no snow had been observed at any Met Office station, which is the official criterion for confirmation.
The only reported snowfall in the British Isles was in Jersey, which is not part of the UK. The Jersey Met Section noted snowflakes at Jersey Airport around 4.45am, marking it as the island's third official white Christmas since records began.
