Met Office and BBC Weekly/Monthly Outlooks

[Summer Sun]

Friday 16 Dec - Sunday 25 Dec

Sleet and snow showers are likely to continue across the north and east, and perhaps into the southwest of the UK at the beginning of the period, although these should be mainly confined to coastal regions. Elsewhere it should be mostly dry, clear and often sunny further inland with light to moderate winds. Generally feeling cold to very cold, with widespread frosts overnight and a chance of freezing fog in places. A more unsettled regime is likely to develop later on in the period, bringing spells of rain and possibly snow into many parts of the UK, especially the south and the west with strong winds in places. Temperatures are likely to turn less cold through the remainder of this period.

Monday 26 Dec - Monday 9 Jan

General themes remain uncertain for the rest of the period. Conditions may be widely changeable, with some spells of rain, and at times snow. Colder and more settled conditions with occasional wintry showers could continue, particularly in the north, with the south possibly seeing more unsettled conditions. Temperatures staying colder than average towards the end of December and start of January, although perhaps less cold in the south.

https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/weather/forecast/uk

 

[Don]

1 hour ago, Summer Sun said:

Friday 16 Dec - Sunday 25 Dec

Sleet and snow showers are likely to continue across the north and east, and perhaps into the southwest of the UK at the beginning of the period, although these should be mainly confined to coastal regions. Elsewhere it should be mostly dry, clear and often sunny further inland with light to moderate winds. Generally feeling cold to very cold, with widespread frosts overnight and a chance of freezing fog in places. A more unsettled regime is likely to develop later on in the period, bringing spells of rain and possibly snow into many parts of the UK, especially the south and the west with strong winds in places. Temperatures are likely to turn less cold through the remainder of this period.

Monday 26 Dec - Monday 9 Jan

General themes remain uncertain for the rest of the period. Conditions may be widely changeable, with some spells of rain, and at times snow. Colder and more settled conditions with occasional wintry showers could continue, particularly in the north, with the south possibly seeing more unsettled conditions. Temperatures staying colder than average towards the end of December and start of January, although perhaps less cold in the south.

https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/weather/forecast/uk

 

Looks like they now expect more widespread less cold conditions and not just confined to the south and west!

[Summer Sun]

BBC Weather for the Week Ahead on Countryfile

Next Few days

• Staying cold
• Wintry showers
• Icy stretches
• Freezing fog

Midweek

• Cold, northerly wind
• Wintry showers
• Improved visibility

Temperatures then expected to gradually warm up by this time next week

[damianslaw]

What is 'less cold', its not necessarily mild, and I feel this wording is wise, still caution of how mild it may become, the signal for cold to never be far away and come back again around or just after christmas is interesting. 

[Don]

2 hours ago, damianslaw said:

What is 'less cold', its not necessarily mild, and I feel this wording is wise, still caution of how mild it may become, the signal for cold to never be far away and come back again around or just after christmas is interesting. 

Always a risk though that once mild comes back, it's here to stay!!

[Methuselah]

Here is the latest Weekly Forecast from the Met. Office... Milder weather looking more certain:

 

[Summer Sun]

Saturday 17 Dec - Monday 26 Dec

Cold conditions are still expected at the start of this period, with wintry showers in places, most frequent in the north and west. Drier further southeast with some sunshine, but also hard overnight frosts. However, a change to milder and more unsettled weather is soon expected, probably during the first Sunday, as an area of cloud, rain and strong wind sweeps across much of the UK, with a period of snow on its leading edge for many regions. Beyond this, details become more elusive but it is likely to remain changeable with periods of rain and strong wind interspersed with drier, more settled spells. Although below average temperatures are still possible at times, especially across the north, overall it should remain less cold than at present.

Tuesday 27 Dec - Tuesday 10 Jan

Most likely for the end of December and early January is a continuation of the changeable theme we are likely to see in the run-up to Christmas, with temperatures overall near normal for the time of year. However, there is a chance of more settled and colder conditions returning for a time.

https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/weather/forecast/uk

 

[Don]

8 minutes ago, Summer Sun said:

Saturday 17 Dec - Monday 26 Dec

Cold conditions are still expected at the start of this period, with wintry showers in places, most frequent in the north and west. Drier further southeast with some sunshine, but also hard overnight frosts. However, a change to milder and more unsettled weather is soon expected, probably during the first Sunday, as an area of cloud, rain and strong wind sweeps across much of the UK, with a period of snow on its leading edge for many regions. Beyond this, details become more elusive but it is likely to remain changeable with periods of rain and strong wind interspersed with drier, more settled spells. Although below average temperatures are still possible at times, especially across the north, overall it should remain less cold than at present.

Tuesday 27 Dec - Tuesday 10 Jan

Most likely for the end of December and early January is a continuation of the changeable theme we are likely to see in the run-up to Christmas, with temperatures overall near normal for the time of year. However, there is a chance of more settled and colder conditions returning for a time.

https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/weather/forecast/uk

 

The climbdown from the colder outlook continues just as I feared yesterday!!

[Summer Sun]

BBC Weather for the Week Ahead

Midweek

• Cold, northerly wind
• Wintry showers, mainly in Scotland
• Improved visibility

Next week

• Temperatures closer to normal
• Rain rather than snow for most
• Some night frosts

https://www.bbc.co.uk/weather/features/63950762

 

[saintkip]

2 hours ago, Don said:

The climbdown from the colder outlook continues just as I feared yesterday!!

They’re a waste of time, just change with each model run

[Rain All Night]

Hedgy news post from the Met Office on the upcoming change: https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/about-us/press-office/news/weather-and-climate/2022/changing-conditions-on-the-horizon

[ItNeverSnowsInWindsor]

Hmmm, a rather underwhelming forecast again from the Met Office who are now favouring normal temperatures after Xmas.

[Don]

13 minutes ago, prolongedSnowLover said:

Hmmm, a rather underwhelming forecast again from the Met Office who are now favouring normal temperatures after Xmas.

Actually a bit of an upgrade on yesterday.

[Summer Sun]

Sunday 18 Dec - Tuesday 27 Dec

On Sunday, outbreaks of rain, sleet or snow spreading northwards. Rain, heavy and prolonged at times, will spread from the southwest, with a transient risk of snow, especially in higher areas. Most parts becoming much milder than of late by the end of the weekend. Into the start of next week, turning cooler again with showers, heavy at times, across the north and northwest and some rain in the far south. Drier, brighter conditions likely in between. The remainder of the period carries some uncertainty, but less cold and more changeable conditions seem more likely, especially in southern areas. Meanwhile, further north, we stand a greater chance of colder weather along with some wintry showers being more prevalent.

Wednesday 28 Dec - Wednesday 11 Jan

Conditions in late December and early January are associated with reasonable degree of uncertainty. The most likely weather pattern is one of weather systems running in from the Atlantic from time to time, bringing some wet weather and briefly milder conditions. However there will also like be some colder interludes, bringing the risk of ice, snow and overnight frosts, though at present no strong signal for any cold spell to be particularly long-lived or exceptional.

https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/weather/forecast/uk

 

[Summer Sun]

BBC Weather for the Week Ahead

Next few days

• Staying cold
• Snow showers in north
• Cold and frosty night
• Improving visibility

https://www.bbc.co.uk/weather/features/63959636

 

[Don]

5 hours ago, Summer Sun said:

Sunday 18 Dec - Tuesday 27 Dec

On Sunday, outbreaks of rain, sleet or snow spreading northwards. Rain, heavy and prolonged at times, will spread from the southwest, with a transient risk of snow, especially in higher areas. Most parts becoming much milder than of late by the end of the weekend. Into the start of next week, turning cooler again with showers, heavy at times, across the north and northwest and some rain in the far south. Drier, brighter conditions likely in between. The remainder of the period carries some uncertainty, but less cold and more changeable conditions seem more likely, especially in southern areas. Meanwhile, further north, we stand a greater chance of colder weather along with some wintry showers being more prevalent.

Wednesday 28 Dec - Wednesday 11 Jan

Conditions in late December and early January are associated with reasonable degree of uncertainty. The most likely weather pattern is one of weather systems running in from the Atlantic from time to time, bringing some wet weather and briefly milder conditions. However there will also like be some colder interludes, bringing the risk of ice, snow and overnight frosts, though at present no strong signal for any cold spell to be particularly long-lived or exceptional.

https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/weather/forecast/uk

 

Overall a bit of an upgrade for cold and snow seekers today.

[damianslaw]

5 hours ago, Summer Sun said:

Sunday 18 Dec - Tuesday 27 Dec

On Sunday, outbreaks of rain, sleet or snow spreading northwards. Rain, heavy and prolonged at times, will spread from the southwest, with a transient risk of snow, especially in higher areas. Most parts becoming much milder than of late by the end of the weekend. Into the start of next week, turning cooler again with showers, heavy at times, across the north and northwest and some rain in the far south. Drier, brighter conditions likely in between. The remainder of the period carries some uncertainty, but less cold and more changeable conditions seem more likely, especially in southern areas. Meanwhile, further north, we stand a greater chance of colder weather along with some wintry showers being more prevalent.

Wednesday 28 Dec - Wednesday 11 Jan

Conditions in late December and early January are associated with reasonable degree of uncertainty. The most likely weather pattern is one of weather systems running in from the Atlantic from time to time, bringing some wet weather and briefly milder conditions. However there will also like be some colder interludes, bringing the risk of ice, snow and overnight frosts, though at present no strong signal for any cold spell to be particularly long-lived or exceptional.

https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/weather/forecast/uk

 

The update suggests to me battleground scenarios with cold air never that far away to the north, and on occasion making inroads south, with the north holding on to colder weather rather than mild. Will make for interesting forecasts. Expecting the fells after very little snow to be pasted throughout.

[snowblind]

This was updated today. I find it quite encouraging, from a cold weather perspective.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/weather/outlook

[Summer Sun]

Monday 19 Dec - Wednesday 28 Dec

Monday is likely to be wet to start for many, with outbreaks of rain, heavy in places, and perhaps still some snow over northern Scottish mountains. Brighter weather is expected to follow, although with showers, wintry at times, spreading from the northwest in the afternoon. Showers or longer spells of wet weather are expected to continue in the following days, perhaps with some snow at times, mainly to higher ground. For the rest of the period, confidence is low, however conditions may continue to be changeable, with the occasional wetter periods bringing rain or showers. Northern parts are likely to be most unsettled, where a risk of snow persists. Generally rather windy, although some lighter winds possible. Temperatures close to normal in the south, and rather cold in the north.

Thursday 29 Dec - Thursday 12 Jan

Confidence remains low for the period. Unsettled and changeable conditions could become more prevalent later in the period, bringing wetter conditions interspersed with drier spells. The most unsettled conditions are expected in the north, where snow is possible at times. Winds generally variable, with some stronger winds possible at times. Temperatures likely to remain around average, although with sporadic colder periods possible during more settled conditions.

https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/weather/forecast/uk

 

[Summer Sun]

BBC weather for the week ahead

Very mild to start next week before temperatures return back to more normal for December

https://www.bbc.co.uk/weather/features/63971619

 

[Summer Sun]

Tuesday 20 Dec - Thursday 29 Dec

Tuesday is likely to start with rain for a time in southeast England, clearing slowly east. A mix of sunshine and showers elsewhere these most frequent in the northwest, perhaps turning to sleet or snow over high ground in Scotland. Windy in places, with a chance of gales in the north. Temperatures will be near normal to mild. The weather will likely continue to be mainly unsettled with showers or some longer spells of rain, most frequent in the north and northwest. These may occasionally fall as snow, over higher ground in the south, but possibly reaching low levels in the north. It will probably continue to be windy with the possibility of gales in the north. The temperature will turn colder again, feeling chilly in the strong winds.

Friday 30 Dec - Friday 13 Jan

For the rest of the period, confidence is low, however conditions may continue to be changeable, with occasional wetter periods interspersed with drier spells. Northern parts are likely to be most unsettled, where a risk of snow persists. Generally, rather windy, although some lighter winds possible. Temperatures likely around average, although colder periods possible during more settled conditions.

https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/weather/forecast/uk

 

[Summer Sun]

Wednesday 21 Dec - Friday 30 Dec

Early in the period and around Christmas conditions are likely to be less cold than of late though still rather cold in the north. Temperatures in the south more likely to be around average. Spells of rain and stronger winds are likely at times, these mainly impacting central and southern areas. Some northern areas are likely to see wintry showers. Away from the north, any snow will probably be restricted to hills though there is a chance snow could fall to lower levels. Towards New Year, there is the potential for a more settled spell bringing overnight frost and some morning fog patches before a trend towards changeable but probable a little milder condition around the turn of the year.

Saturday 31 Dec - Saturday 14 Jan

Confidence is relatively low during early and mid-January. Temperatures overall are most likely to be around average though there is a greater likelihood of cold spells compared to normal. There is likely to be a mixture of conditions with some settled interludes bringing overnight frosts and morning fog. These interspersed with more unsettled spells with outbreaks of rain and stronger winds. Snow remains possible at times, most likely over hills in the north but could fall to lower levels at times.

https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/weather/forecast/uk

[Summer Sun]

BBC Weather for the Week Ahead

This weekend

• Turning milder

https://www.bbc.co.uk/weather/features/64008141

 

[Summer Sun]

Thursday 22 Dec - Saturday 31 Dec

Early in the period and towards Christmas conditions are likely to be less cold than of late although a north south divide is expected to develop. Temperatures will remain rather cold in the north with wintry showers likely and a risk of overnight frosts. Towards the south it will remain milder with temperatures close to, or rather above average. Spells of rain and stronger winds are likely at times, particularly in central and southern areas. Away from the north, any snow will likely stay confined to higher levels, with perhaps some low-level snow on the boundary of the divide. Towards New Year, there is potential for a more settled spell to bring overnight frosts and morning fog, before a trend towards changeable but probably more milder conditions.

Sunday 1 Jan - Sunday 15 Jan

Confidence is relatively low during early and mid-January. Temperatures overall are most likely to be around average though there is a greater likelihood of cold spells compared to normal. There is likely to be a mixture of conditions with some settled interludes bringing overnight frosts and morning fog. These interspersed with more unsettled spells with outbreaks of rain and stronger winds. Snow remains possible at times, most likely over hills in the north but could fall to lower levels at times.

https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/weather/forecast/uk

 

[Summer Sun]

Friday 23 Dec - Sunday 1 Jan

Early in the period and towards Christmas conditions are likely to be less cold than of late although a north south divide is expected to develop. Temperatures will remain rather cold in the north with wintry showers likely and a risk of overnight frosts. Towards the south it will remain milder with temperatures close to, or rather above average. Spells of rain and stronger winds are likely at times, particularly in central and southern areas. Away from the north, any snow will likely stay confined to higher levels, with perhaps some low-level snow on the boundary of the divide. Towards New Year, there is potential for a more settled spell to bring overnight frosts and morning fog, before a trend towards changeable but probably more milder conditions.

Monday 2 Jan - Monday 16 Jan

Confidence is relatively low during early and mid-January. Temperatures overall are most likely to be around average though there is a greater likelihood of cold spells compared to normal. There is likely to be a mixture of conditions with some settled interludes bringing overnight frosts and morning fog. These interspersed with more unsettled spells with outbreaks of rain and stronger winds. Snow remains possible at times, most likely over hills in the north but could fall to lower levels at times.

https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/weather/forecast/uk