The South Coast of England could be treated to a rare festive flurry this Christmas, as the Met Office has suggested there is a “just a chance” of snow on 25 December. While the nation is bracing for a chilly day, residents along the southern seaboard may glimpse the white touch that makes Christmas feel truly seasonal.
Forecasters warn that the UK will experience a colder Christmas than in recent years, with temperatures unlikely to rise above 7C. “By Christmas Day, (temperatures will be) no better than 5 to 7C across the UK, so quite a drop from what we’ve seen of late, and feeling cold in that wind, as well,” said Met Office meteorologist Marco Petagna.
Petagna highlighted that the far south, particularly the coast, has the greatest chance of wintry showers. “There’s just a chance we could see one or two wintry flurries developing,” he said. While the probability of significant snow is low at around 10%, the arrival of a single flake anywhere in the UK would technically mark a white Christmas.
For much of the country, the scene will be more about crisp cold than thick snow, with any flurries unlikely to settle. The UK has been enjoying comparatively mild Christmases in recent years, with last year seeing snow in only 11% of weather stations without accumulation.
The last widespread white Christmas occurred in 2010, when 83% of weather stations recorded snow on the ground. Petagna cautioned that while scenes reminiscent of a Christmas card are improbable, the possibility of sleet or wet snow cannot be ruled out entirely. “In terms of the showers that we’re looking at, there’s a chance of a bit of sleet or wet snow falling, rather than any significant accumulations,” he said.
Across the nation, preparations are underway for a cold, bright day. Those travelling to the south coast or planning outdoor activities are advised to dress warmly and stay updated with the latest forecasts, particularly if they hope to witness a rare white Christmas this year.
