Issued: 0800 Monday 21st December 2020
Duty forecaster: Simon Keeling

Turning colder for Christmas and then again next week with a risk of snow

The weather is set to turn colder through the Christmas period. There is a risk of some ice and snow on Christmas Eve, although Christmas Day is looking dry. Briefly becoming milder for Boxing Day but then temperatures take a tumble into next week, with a risk of snow showers for many.

For the weather for the next few days click here

Christmas Eve 24/12/20
Cold air is going to be spreading southwards through Christmas Eve to be affecting all areas. High-pressure will be to the west of Ireland with low-pressure to the east of England. There may be some early morning rain, sleet and perhaps even some wet snow across south east England. Snow showers will affect eastern coast of Scotland and England through the day. Much brighter and drier to the west with some good spells of sunshine. Highs at 3 to 6C.

Christmas Day 25/12/20
A ridge of high-pressure built over the UK and Ireland on Christmas Day. Frost will be widespread in the morning but for most of the day should be dry and bright with good spells of sunshine. Increasing cloud across Scotland, northern and western Ireland and Northwest England in the afternoon. Rain probably affecting western Scotland by evening. A cold day at 3 to 6C.

Boxing Day 26/12/20
Low-pressure to the north of Scotland for Boxing Day with high-pressure to the south. A strong westerly wind affects most areas. Rain in northern and western Scotland will be heavy. Patchy outbreaks of rain elsewhere particularly over western coast and hills. Drier in the east. Rather misty throughout the day. Milder for all. Tops near 5 to 8C.

Sunday 27/12/20
An area of rain spread southwards through the UK into Sunday and will turn to sleet and perhaps snow across Scotland and northern England. The rain clears southern areas in the afternoon with colder weather following. Sunny spells developing but wintry showers in the west. Highs at 3 to 6C.

Monday 28/12/20
Low-pressure to the east on Monday. This brings a cold day with some wintry showers over eastern Scotland and eastern England. Some heavier wintry showers in Ireland and the far south-west of England. Drive for other areas with sunny spells. Highs at 2 to 4C.

Tuesday 29/12/20
Low pressure remains in control through Tuesday. There may be a few wintry showers affecting eastern coast. An area of more persistent rain, sleet and snow may pass through Ireland and into Wales and west in England. Another cold day. Highs at 2 to 4C.