Balmy Xmas looms

The mercury has risen in the past week, with the temperature hitting 14C — well above average.

The rise comes after the city experienced the fifth coldest November since records began in 1954.

Ladbrokes is currently offering odds of 3/1 on the chance of snow on Christmas Day — but a spokeswoman said that the odds are fluctuating as much as the weather.

The betting firm’s Jessica Bridge said: “Mother Nature is toying with punters in the run-up to Christmas.

“But unfortunately for those dreaming of a White Christmas, it’s looking unlikely.

“The balmy temperatures all over the UK could instead see the turkey being barbecued instead.”

“So far there are suggestions the new year could see a significant drop in temperatures, but it’s still too early to tell.”

The spokeswoman explained: “Snow is very difficult to predict as t here are a lot of variables involved.

“The slightest thing can prevent the water droplets from becoming snowflakes.”

Long-range weather sites are forecasting different temperatures this Christmas.

AccuWeather predicting a high of 9C and a low of 3C.

But another forecaster — Wunderground — suggests temperatures in the city will peak at 5C with a low of 2C.

Recent research by Scottish Gas showed that more than 70% of Dundonians are hoping for a white Christmas this year, a higher proportion than anywhere else in the UK.

IT seems there’s snow chance of a white Christmas in Dundee — with forecasters predicting that the festive temperature will be relatively balmy.

People hoping for a snowy scene this Christmas — like this one at Glenprosen Terrace — are likely to be disappointed according to forecasters.

Snow in Dundee during the UK’s coldest recorded winter in 2010/2011.