Global meteorologist Jim Dale has revealed the likelihood of snow this Christmas for major regions across the UK. Whilst Highland destinations Skye, Inverness and Glencoe are amongst the most likely to see snow this winter, Cornwall is the least likely, averaging just 7.4 days of snow each year.
The Wettest Regions Study for WhichBingo, also found that the nation is more likely to see unpredictable weather this winter as a result of the record-breaking temperatures experienced in June and July - with temperatures soaring over 40C back in July.
Looking forward, December itself contains the lowest number of daylight hours, with the 21st being the shortest day. As the angle of the Earth tilts away from the Sun it often bodes well for a concerted drop in temperatures, particularly if we experience the majority of winds from the northerly quarter, with northern parts of the UK almost always most at risk.
North West/ Lancashire: “Areas in and around the Cumbrian mountains & the Pennines tend to do the best for snow, less so nearer to the coastal fringes. Wintry showers within a north-westerly airflow provide the best snow opportunities, converting to a 25-35% festive period snow risk and a 15%-25% white Christmas opportunity, even if it is just a single wet flake!”
Edinburgh: “A northerly, north-easterly or easterly wind flow will do this City no harm in the snow stakes. Second only to Glasgow in the pecking order given its northern latitude and helpful higher surrounding ground. A 40% expectation of some snow across the Christmas period, and 25% for a flake or more on Christmas Day.”
Glasgow: “A festive northern favourite. Particularly in a north-westerly airstream. Surrounded by hills and in the distance mountains, this one is the pick of the bunch. Coming in with a 40% chance of snow across the festive period, and 30% for a flake or more on Christmas Day.”
Yorkshire: “Akin the Lancashire, the high ground of the Pennines is the most likely area to see a festive snowy period, though a wind from the northeast or east wind can be just as helpful to the East Riding region, with snow showers riding in off the helpful North Sea. So, a 30-35% chance of festive snow and a 15%-25% chance of a white Christmas.”
Merseyside: “Possibly the lowest ranking region for the threat or chance of snow from this contingent. Low-lying and snuggling up to the Irish Sea makes snow chances a little more remote, though wintry showers in a northwest airstream statistically provide the best hope. Therefore, a 20% risk for the festive snow and a 15% for the Christmas snowflake.”
West Midlands: “Sitting deceptively high for the most part and very much land-locked, this region can become as cold as any on the list. The height and potential cold assist when it comes to the chances of snow events, but it's more southerly latitude plays against it. Expected festive snow chances are 25% and the single flake or more on Christmas Day sits at 18%.”
A white Christmas isn’t too hard to achieve, given there only needs to be a single snowflake falling within 24 hours of December 25 at one of the 13 major airports in the UK for it to be classed as a White Christmas. And, the snow doesn’t technically even need to settle.
An increased chance of rain means an increased chance of snow if temperatures are low enough, with the heaviest snowfall occurring when the air temperature is between 0-2C.
We’re on track to record these temperatures sooner rather than later, with a chilly ‘polar air’ blast already started hitting the UK recently, leading the Met Office to forecast snow for some areas already.
The predicted cold snap could see snowflakes starting to fall in the next few weeks - which could see many Brits resorting to putting their heating on already, despite rising costs.
