Forecasters are predicting a record-breaking warm Christmas Day in the UK, with temperatures expected to reach highs of 14C. The Met Office has provisionally recorded the highest daily minimum temperature for Christmas Day on record, with both Exeter Airport and East Malling reporting temperatures above 12.4C. This follows the warmest Christmas Eve in over 20 years, dashing hopes of a White Christmas for many across the country. Although some areas in northern Scotland may still see some snow, the overall trend is towards milder temperatures.
The mild weather has been attributed to weather patterns drawing warm air from the mid-Atlantic. This warm direction is unusual for this time of year, with average maximum temperatures for December typically around 7C. The expected highs of 13 to 14C in London and the southeast of England would make it the mildest Christmas Day since 2016 when temperatures reached 15.1C.
While the warmer temperatures may be a disappointment for those hoping for snowy landscapes, it provides an opportunity for families to enjoy outdoor activities without the need for heavy winter apparel. However, the forecast for Monday suggests a wet and gloomy day for much of England and Wales, while northern areas, Scotland, and Northern Ireland may experience a mix of sunny spells and showers.
The lack of snow and the unseasonable warmth extend a trend that began on Christmas Eve when temperatures in Heathrow, southwest London, and Cippenham, Berkshire rose to a balmy 15.3C, marking the warmest Christmas Eve since 1997. In contrast, Scotland experienced strong winds, with speeds reaching up to 70mph, while the northeast of England recorded winds of 60mph.
Although the lack of wintry conditions may disappoint some, the previous records highlight the rarity of warmer temperatures during this time of year. The warmest Christmas Day on record dates back to 1920 when temperatures reached 15.6C. The highest Christmas Eve temperatures of 15.5C were documented in Aberdeen and Banff in Scotland in 1931.
Despite the absence of snow for most of the UK, northern Scotland still has the possibility of experiencing a White Christmas according to the Met Office's definition, which requires at least a single snowflake falling on December 25. For the majority of the country, however, a cozy fireside Christmas may be more fitting than a winter wonderland scene this year.