Parts of England are bracing for a wintry blast just after Christmas, with new data indicating a six-hour spell of snow is now expected to hit on Saturday, December 27. The forecast has been revised forward from initial suggestions of early January.
Revised Forecast and Timing
Advanced modelling from WX Charts, which utilises Met Desk data, shows the cold snap arriving in the early hours of December 27. The snow is projected to begin around 6am and persist until approximately midday (12pm), before melting away by the evening. During this period, temperatures could plummet to a biting -3C.
This places the onset of disruptive wintry conditions just 48 hours after Christmas Day, altering travel and holiday plans for many.
Which Areas Are at Risk?
Weather maps highlight a band of snow affecting northern regions of England. The areas most likely to see a blanket of white include:
- The North East and North West of England
- Greater Manchester and Lancashire
- Cheshire and Cumbria
- Northumberland, Durham, and Yorkshire
The projections show distinct white blotches across these areas on radars following Boxing Day.
Expert Analysis and Christmas Outlook
Ian Simpson, a forecaster from Netweather, provided context for the broader festive period. He noted that easterly winds on Christmas Day are expected to bring colder air but likely won't be cold enough for widespread lowland snow in Scotland and northern England.
"The snow line will typically be around 300-400m in these regions," Simpson said, adding that most places will be dry with only scattered coastal showers.
However, he highlighted significant uncertainty for areas further south. "The GFS model has increasingly been showing a pool of much colder air coming into the south of Britain... which would bring potential for enhanced showery activity over the North Sea and sleet and snow showers pushing inland at low levels," Simpson explained.
This scenario raises the possibility of wintry precipitation affecting the south-east, including falling snow on Christmas Day itself for some, though substantial accumulations would still be mainly on high ground.
Residents in the affected regions are advised to monitor the latest forecasts as the situation develops, with the potential for travel disruption around the December 27 period.
