Key Highlights
- Advanced weather models predict up to three snowstorms before Christmas.
- Northern Ireland could see the heaviest initial snowfall on December 20.
- The Met Office and BBC forecast suggest potential heavy snow in northern regions by Christmas Day.
- Snow coverage maps for December 22 indicate significant snowfall across half of Britain.
Upcoming Snowstorms: A White Christmas Looms Over the UK
The Met Office and BBC Weather forecasts are painting a picture that suggests Christmas Day could see its fair share of winter wonderland conditions, with as many as three snowstorms expected to blanket the United Kingdom. Advanced weather models indicate that these snow events could leave parts of Britain under a thick layer of white before the holiday season kicks off.
The First Snowstorm: An Early Winter Arrival
According to WX Charts, the first signs of the Arctic blast are set to make their presence felt on December 20. The GFS weather model predicts that an Atlantic weather front will bring both snow and rain sweeping across the UK, with Northern Ireland being the initial hotspot for heavy snowfall. This could potentially deliver up to 1 cm of snow per hour in some areas.
The Snowfront Sweeps South
As the first wave moves out, the second storm is forecasted to strike Northern Ireland at 6 am on December 21, delivering another layer of snow. This event could be followed by a third snowy front depositing several centimetres over Northern Ireland, northern England, and Scotland by December 22. The Met Office highlights that up to 12 cm (approximately five inches) could settle in the north of Scotland, with similar amounts possible in parts of northern England and Northern Ireland.
Christmas Day Forecast: A White Carpet
The data suggests that these snow events might linger into Christmas Day, making for a potentially memorable winter celebration. However, the exact amount will depend on whether temperatures remain low enough to prevent melting. Weather maps reveal that by December 25, approximately half of the country could still be covered in snow, with the north-west of England expected to see the most intense flurries.
Uncertainty Amidst the White Blanket
The Met Office warns that despite these predictions, there is considerable uncertainty. Their forecast for December 20 to January 3 states: “Changeable conditions are expected across the UK during this period, with low pressure systems probably dominating and bringing showers or longer spells of rain, heavy at times, for much of the UK and some hill snow in the north.” Periods of strong wind are also possible, especially around coasts. Some drier, more settled spells could occur but their duration is highly uncertain.
BBC Weather adds that while a positive NAO pattern suggests further changeable weather with occasional rain or showers, there is still a chance for colder intervals confined to northern uplands. However, the situation remains complex, with potential changes in atmospheric disturbances affecting the region’s climate patterns over the coming weeks.
