Janice R. Andrews
Britain has woken up to a surprisingly mild Christmas, with no snow or frost predicted anywhere across the country. Instead of the usual wintry scene, the UK is experiencing a “green Christmas,” as forecasted by the Met Office.
Cloudy and Dry Christmas Day Ahead
The Met Office has predicted a dry, cloudy Christmas Day for most of the UK, which will bring relief to travelers and outdoor event organizers. King Charles III, Queen Camilla, and other members of the royal family are set to attend a morning church service at Sandringham, and the mild, dry weather will be appreciated by those gathering to greet them.
Met Office meteorologist Tom Morgan explained, “This year’s Christmas will be green, with no snow or frost expected anywhere in the country.” He added, “It’s good news for travelers, as there are no disruptive weather warnings, but for those hoping for a snowy festive atmosphere, it’s not ideal.”
Record-Breaking Temperatures
Christmas Eve brought unusually high temperatures, peaking at 15.2°C in Cassley, Sutherland in northern Scotland, with the coldest recorded temperature being 3.5°C in Wattisham, Suffolk. While this year’s Christmas Eve was warm, it didn’t break the record of 15.6°C set in 1931 in Banff and Aberdeenshire.
The highest temperature ever recorded on Christmas Day in the UK is also 15.6°C, which was achieved in Killerton, Devon, in 1920. On the other hand, the coldest Christmas on record was last year, when temperatures dipped to -12.4°C in East Malling, Kent, and at Exeter Airport in Devon.
Overcast Skies Expected Across the UK
Christmas Day will see cloudy skies across most of the country, with only a few areas, such as the Shetland Isles, possibly enjoying some sunshine. Most regions will remain dry, but with little chance of clear, bright weather.
“It’s unlikely to be a sunny day for most people, though there may be a few brief sunny spells in some locations,” said Morgan.
Warm Conditions Bring Joy to Christmas Swimmers
The unseasonably mild weather has encouraged thousands to take part in the annual Christmas sea swims. These festive dips, often organized to raise money for local charities or simply for the fun of it, were much more pleasant this year due to the warmer temperatures, which reached 12°C in many parts of the UK.
At Helen’s Bay in County Down, swimmers sported Santa hats and embraced the unusually warm conditions with great enthusiasm.
Outlook: Colder Weather on the Horizon
While the mild Christmas may be a welcome change for many, colder and wetter conditions are expected to return as the New Year approaches. The Met Office predicts that by the end of the year, the UK could experience rain and possibly some snow, although it’s too early to determine where exactly the snow will fall.
Morgan added, “As we move into the New Year, we could see a shift to cooler, wetter weather, with the potential for heavy rain and snow in some areas.”
For now, the unusually mild Christmas provides an opportunity for stress-free travel, outdoor festivities, and a brief break before more typical winter weather settles in.
