Met Office Warns of Cold, Windy Weather but White Christmas Highly Unlikely
The Met Office has issued a yellow wind warning covering south-west England and much of Wales, valid until 11:59pm on Christmas Day. Gusts of 45–55 mph are expected generally, with 55–65 mph on exposed coasts and west of prominent hills. These conditions could disrupt transport and power, with large waves likely on some coasts.
Temperatures are forecast to be around 7°C in north-east England and 6°C in south/south-east England, with frost and freezing conditions possible overnight from Christmas Day into Boxing Day. Rural Scotland could see temperatures reach −6°C and rural Wales around −4°C. A high-pressure system is bringing a settled spell with cooler temperatures and a gusty easterly wind across the south coast.
The UK Health Security Agency has issued a yellow cold health alert for south-west England from 6pm on Christmas Day to noon on 27 December, noting potential minor health service impacts for vulnerable individuals.
Despite the cold and windy conditions, a white Christmas is highly unlikely in the UK, as no snow had been confirmed by 8am on Christmas Day. Snow would require observation at a Met Office station to be officially confirmed. However, Jersey, which is not part of the UK, recorded snow at Jersey Airport around 04:45 on Christmas morning, marking the third official white Christmas on the island since records began.
Forecasters also indicate that 2025 is more likely than not to be the UK's hottest year on record.
