Hoping for a white Christmas? ... then dream on
IF YOU are dreaming of a white Christmas, it may be prudent to start preparing yourself for disappointment. We haven’t had a properly white one since 2010 – in the sense of widespread snow, rather than localised accumulations on high ground – so we should be getting used to the reality not living up to the Christmas card scenes, and this time round the omens aren’t looking good.
If it helps sugar the almond, at least it isn’t looking likely to be a soggy Christmas – despite the whole country having been drenched for much of December. The rain that afflicted southern England and East Anglia yesterday should depart pretty promptly this morning, giving way to drier but colder conditions. There may be some showers along the west coast, especially over mid Wales, and with temperatures down at the seasonal averages, London will manage an undistinguished 50F (10C), Birmingham 46F (8C) and Glasgow and Belfast 44F (7C).
Monday will see more rain encroaching from the west, as has been the pattern of late, but not great deluges. Instead expect sunshine and showers in most parts, though north west Scotland could have less of the former and more of the latter. Christmas Eve, by contrast, is preparing to check in first thing with frost on the ground and widespread fog, but then evolve into a bright and breezy day for those doing their shopping at the last minute. And, current forecasts are suggesting more of the same on the big day itself, though perhaps a little damper.
Yet, as we all know to our cost, our weather can turn on sixpence – as long as it’s not buried in the Christmas pud – so don’t give up hope completely. Just don’t set too much store on there being a winter wonderland when you open the curtains on Christmas Day.