The United Kingdom is preparing for a significant cold snap, with forecasters warning of a snow storm bringing temperatures as low as -2C and a dramatic 7-degree plunge over the festive period. The Met Office indicates that parts of southern England will be particularly affected, with three counties set to bear the brunt of the wintry conditions.
Sharp Temperature Drop and Snow Forecast
The Met Office has highlighted a stark contrast, predicting that areas in the south, including Dorset, could see daytime temperatures plummet from a mild 12C to a chilly 5C at times. The cold is expected to intensify from Christmas Day, becoming "biting" before dropping even further across Scotland. While Scotland may see highs of just 1C this week, the wind chill will make it feel like a frigid -2C, with the Scottish Highlands and Aberdeenshire worst affected.
Snow is considered likely in the North East of England, with Durham, Cumbria, and Northumberland on alert for potential accumulations. This pattern has drawn comparisons to the infamous 'Beast from the East' weather event, raising concerns for travel and holiday plans.
Expert Outlook for a Chilly Christmas Week
Jo Farrow from Netweather TV provided a detailed outlook, explaining the shift in conditions. "As the colder air reaches the UK, there will be more sunshine as the cloud breaks up," she commented. "Don’t underestimate the cold as the easterly wind picks up for southern England. It might look nicer through the window, but it will be chilly."
She elaborated that air temperatures will hover around 6C during the day, falling to 2C or 3C at night. However, the wind chill factor will slash the 'feels-like' temperature for the southern half of the UK. In a potential silver lining for some, she noted that Northern Ireland, Scotland, and northern England could all witness a frosty, white Christmas morning due to lighter winds, though significant snowfall remains unlikely.
Longer-Term Forecast and Pattern Change
The BBC Weather team corroborates the forecast, stating that after an unsettled start, drier and colder conditions will develop through the coming week. This change will halt the recent parade of Atlantic low-pressure systems. The team explained the shift: "A change in pattern will come through Christmas week... so conditions will become drier. One more low pressure circulation will try to approach from the south-west, but it will get shoved away southwards on Tuesday and Wednesday by high pressure extending towards the UK from southern Scandinavia."
The duration of this cold spell remains uncertain, with the possibility of milder weather starting to return by mid-January. The Met Office has also broken its silence on the prospect of an official White Christmas, which requires a single snowflake to be observed falling at a designated weather station on 25 December. The current conditions have certainly triggered speculation that this rare meteorological event could occur.
