Britons may be able to enjoy a balmy Christmas this year, as forecasters predict record-breaking mild temperatures for December 25th, making it the warmest Christmas Day in more than a century.
While the UK is expected to experience a damp and windy Christmas Day, the mercury is forecasted to reach double digits, with a potential high of 14°C. This would be only one degree shy of the long-standing record of 15°C, which was set back in 1920.
Meteorologists at the Met Office have indicated that there is a “small chance” that 2023 could surpass this century-old record, despite a lack of prospects for a white Christmas in England. Snowfall is anticipated primarily in Scotland.
Meteorologist Liam Eslick commented on the weather outlook, stating, “It’s looking like a damp picture across the UK, heavy rain possibly in Wales. Past Christmas lunch, there could be some breaks if people are looking to go out and about. Boxing Day is probably going to be the best day if people are looking to go for a walk.
However, the mild Christmas Day weather is not expected to extend beyond that, as yellow warnings have been issued for parts of Wales and Scotland on December 24th.
The Met Office has posted two separate wind warnings, along with a yellow rain alert for several UK regions. Strong, gusty winds could lead to travel disruption, particularly for drivers of high-sided vehicles. Some areas, especially those to the east of the Pennines, may experience gusts of 40 to 50 mph, with localized values reaching up to 60 mph. A few locations could even see potentially damaging gusts of around 70 mph.
In Wales, a yellow rain warning has been issued, with predictions of “persistent and at times heavy rain” that could cause disruption. Rainfall totals of 20-40 mm are expected in the warning area, with west-facing high ground potentially receiving 60-80 mm of rain during the period. These rainfall conditions will be accompanied by strong and gusty winds.
While the UK may not experience a white Christmas this year, it appears that the warmth of the festive season will offer a pleasant surprise to residents and visitors alike. The Met Office continues to monitor weather conditions and provide updates as necessary.
