Issued: 0900 Friday 22nd December 2017
Duty forecaster: Dr. Simon Keeling

Turning colder from Boxing Day for a few days, then milder and windier

Mild and breezy over the coming pre-Christmas weekend. Conditions look set to be wet for many on Christmas Day ahead of a change taking pace for Boxing Day. Colder air arrives and there is a risk of snow on hills. Uncertainty over where the snow will be, but at this time northern England and northern Wales as well as parts of Northern Ireland and southern Scotland seem most likely to see a risk of snow. Turning milder, wetter and windier towards the end of the week.

For the weather for the next few days click here


Christmas Day 25/12/17
Low pressure over Scotland on Christmas Day. Cloud and rain across much of Scotland, Ireland, western England and Wales. The rain heavy at times. Colder air follows into Ireland and western Scotland and this may turn rain to snow over the hills. Central and eastern areas of England should be mainly dry and cloud, but will be windy. Rain affects southern coasts and hills. Highs at 12C in southeast England, 5C in western Scotland.

Boxing Day 26/12/17
A complex area of low pressure remains across the UK and Ireland on Boxing Day. This brings an areas of cloud and rain across much of Ireland, England and Wales. The rain could be heavy and is likely to be turning to snow over the hills of northern Wales and northern England. Colder weather across Scotland with sunny spells and a scattering of snow showers over the hills. A chilly day for all with highs of 2 to 8C.

Wednesday 27/12/17
A weak ridge of high pressure builds on Wednesday, although the flow is mainly chilly from the northwest. Wintry showers in northern and eastern Scotland and eastern England. Cloud and rain arriving in Ireland and southwest England later. Drier elsewhere with sunny spells. Highs at 2 to 7C.
 

Thursday 28/12/17
Another area of rain passes east through the country on Thursday with low pressure to the north. A breezy day is expected for all. There is the risk of some sleet and snow on the hills of Scotland. Strongest winds in the west and south. Highs at 2 to 7C.

Friday 29/12/17
Low pressure dominates on Friday bringing cloud, wind and outbreaks of rain, most of it in the west. Eastern and northern parts tending to be brighter with sunny spells. Highs at 4 to 8C.

Saturday 30/12/17
Another breezy day with low pressure passing through Scotland with high pressure to the south. Gales affecting many western areas with rain bands passing east during the day. Highs at 6 to 12C.