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Snow unlikely for Christmas, rain and wind expected
29 Nov
Summary
- Widespread snow is unlikely across the UK for Christmas.
- Heavy rain and strong winds are forecast for England and Wales.
- Scotland may see some sleet and snow over higher ground.
The prospect of a white Christmas appears increasingly unlikely for much of the UK. This weekend, forecasters predict heavy rain and strong winds moving across England and Wales, while Scotland could see some sleet and snow, particularly on higher elevations.
Further uncertainty surrounds the exact track and intensity of a developing low-pressure system. Depending on its path, wetter conditions may dominate the south, with wintry precipitation less probable. Conversely, if the system tracks further north, there's a greater chance of sleet or snow, mainly over higher ground in northern England and southern Scotland.
Traditionally, a 'white Christmas' is recorded if a single snowflake falls anywhere in the UK on Christmas Day. The last time this occurred with recorded snow falling at weather stations was in 2023, though widespread settled snow was last seen in 2010. Clarity on Christmas Day snowfall predictions typically emerges closer to the holiday.
