What's happened
The UK is experiencing cold weather with temperatures dropping as low as -5C, but snow is unlikely on Christmas Day. Most of the country will see dry, sunny conditions with brisk winds, and 2025 may become the UK's hottest year on record.
What's behind the headline?
Cold, Dry, and Windy Weather Will Persist
The UK will experience a significant cold snap, with temperatures dropping to -5C in northern Scotland and as low as 2C in other regions. Wind chill will make it feel even colder, especially in the south where coastal gales are possible. Despite the chill, the weather will remain largely dry and settled, with blue skies dominating most of the country.
No Snow, But a Record-Breaking Year
While a white Christmas is highly unlikely, the overall weather pattern favors clear, cold conditions rather than snow accumulation. The absence of snow on Christmas Day aligns with recent trends, as last year saw no snow across the UK. However, 2025 is on track to be the warmest year on record, with the mean temperature expected to reach 10.05C, slightly surpassing 2022.
Broader Climate Context
This cold spell occurs amid a broader warming trend, with 2025 potentially marking a new high in annual temperatures. The combination of cold snaps and record warmth highlights the complexity of climate change, where extreme weather events can occur simultaneously with long-term warming. The forecast suggests that while the immediate weather is cold, the overall climate trajectory remains one of increasing temperatures.
Implications for Public and Environment
The cold weather may impact travel and outdoor activities, especially with the risk of coastal gales and brisk winds. The lack of snow means fewer disruptions related to winter weather, but the persistent cold could pose health risks, particularly for vulnerable populations. The record warmth of 2025 underscores the importance of climate resilience planning, even during cold spells.
What the papers say
The Independent reports that while temperatures will drop to as low as -5C, snow remains unlikely on Christmas Day, with only a small chance of snow in Dartmoor. The article emphasizes that most of the UK will experience dry, sunny weather with brisk winds, and highlights that 2025 could be the UK's hottest year on record, with a mean temperature expected to surpass 2022. Sky News confirms the dry and sunny forecast, noting that temperatures will feel close to freezing due to wind chill, and that snow is improbable, with only a 10% chance of winter flurries on the south coast. Both sources agree on the cold, dry conditions and the low likelihood of a white Christmas, while also emphasizing the record warmth of 2025. The Met Office's detailed forecast supports these points, indicating cold temperatures, windy conditions, and settled weather into the New Year.
How we got here
Recent weather patterns have seen a trend of colder temperatures across the UK, driven by seasonal atmospheric conditions. Despite the cold snap, the likelihood of a white Christmas remains low, with only a small chance of snow in specific areas like Dartmoor. The year 2025 has been unusually warm, with records indicating it could surpass 2022 as the hottest year on record, influenced by broader climate trends and recent temperature data.
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The Meteorological Office, abbreviated as the Met Office is the United Kingdom's national weather service. It is an executive agency and trading fund of the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy led by CEO Penelope Endersby, who took on