As the downtime edges closer, many in the UK are hoping for a sprinkle of snow to make the season feel festive.
But the latest Met Office cast suggests we may have to stay a little longer for a white Christmas. Rather than snowstorms, most of the country is set to see wet and windy conditions over the coming days.
UK Winter Weather Set to Bring Rain, Ice, and Chilly Conditions
The Met Office has warned that frequent areas of low pressure from the west will keep much of the UK’s weather unsettled. In plain terms, that means further rain than snow for the moment.
Temperatures are anticipated to drop sharply on Thursday, December 4, bringing icy patches and fog in some areas, making exchanging tricky.
Chief Meteorologist Matthew Lehnert explained: “The UK will see further unsettled weather through the weekend and into next week.
After a chilly start with the chance of some icy patches and fog in the southeast of England, wind and rain will move across the UK through Friday.
It’ll be an unpleasant evening rush hour, so do leave extra time if you’re out on the roads.
The highest rainfall totals from Friday into Saturday will be over high ground in south Wales, southwest England, Cumbria, southwest Scotland and Northern Ireland.
20-30 mm of rain is likely in these areas, most of which will fall in around 6-9 hours. Given how wet it has already been, the additional rainfall, especially in western areas, could lead to localized flooding and travel disruption.”
Rain, Fog, and Wind Warnings
The Met Office has also issued a yellow rainfall warning for fog in the southeast, effective from tonight until 9 am on Friday, December 5. Indurating fog may cause delays on roads and at airfields, so it’s a good idea to plan ahead.
Heading into the weekend, rain is anticipated to linger through much of the UK. Eastern Scotland is likely to see further patient showers, while other regions will face intermittent wet spells.
Deputy Chief Meteorologist Steven Keates added: “A deep area of low pressure will approach the UK from the southwest later on Monday, bringing with it heavy rain and strong winds.
While the details of exactly where we will see the strongest gusts and heaviest rain are still uncertain, there is the potential for the weather to cause some disruption.
People should keep up to date with the forecast through the weekend, and keep an eye out for severe weather warnings that may be issued for this area of low pressure.”
Will the UK Get a White Christmas?
For anyone hoping for snow this December, the Met Office advises caution. “It is currently too far ahead to give any certainty” about whether the UK will see snow later in the month.
So while the gleeful dream of a snowy Christmas remains alive, it’s wise to prepare for rain, ice, and breezy winds rather.
In short, snow may be a little way out, but the coming week is set to be chilly, wet, and sometimes windy.
Whether you’re exchanging, travelling, or simply planning a downtime walk, it’s stylish to check the latest UK rainfall updates and prepare for slippery roads and soggy conditions.
