Met Office issues Christmas snow verdict in latest long-range forecast
Forecasters at the Met Office have given their verdict on the possibility of snow over the Christmas period. Temperatures took a plunge across the UK last week with snow and ice hitting Cornwall.
The Met Office has recently issued a long-range forecast which covers Christmas Day. It predicts that there is a "risk of snow" in the UK between Friday, December 13 and Friday, December 27.
Meanwhile, the nation could also be hit by wet and windy weather over the same period. The temperatures are expected to remain closed to average for this time of year.
The Met Office forecast from Friday, December 13 until Friday, December 27 says: "Across the south of the country, high pressure is signalled to be prevalent through the second half of December. Less settled weather is more likely at times though, especially across the north and west.
"This means wetter and windier spells are possible with a risk of some snow, especially across northern hills. These weather systems are expected to move fairly promptly, with settled spells developing between them, with settled conditions perhaps becoming UK-wide.
"As a result of these, frost and fog will be notably present where skies clear overnight. Temperatures generally close to average through the period, or slightly above in areas which are wet and windy."
Met Office five-day forecast for the South West
Today: Cloudy and windy for many but sunnier in eastern counties. Showery rain spreading east later. A milder day than on Thursday but blustery with strong winds in places. Maximum temperature 13 °C.
Tonight: Largely cloudy with showery rain clearing eastwards. Drier overnight with patchy drizzle over the hills and occasional clear spells. Staying blustery but mild. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
Saturday: Often cloudy with some brighter spells developing in the east. Cloud thick enough for patchy drizzle over the moors. Mild for the time of year and rather windy. Maximum temperature 15 °C.
Outlook for Sunday to Tuesday: Cloudy with outbreaks of rain on Sunday. Colder with showers on Monday mixed with sunny intervals. Cold start to Tuesday with hazy sunshine, rain arriving later.