Londoners hoping for a picturesque white Christmas are set for disappointment, according to the latest long-range forecast from the Met Office. The initial outlook for the capital points towards a damp and chilly beginning to the festive month, with any hopes of snowfall before December 25th effectively dashed.
A Wet and Windy Start to December
The national forecaster's predictions for the period from Friday, December 5, to Sunday, December 14 paint a gloomy picture. The city is braced for patchy rain and drizzle that is expected to develop into heavier downpours at times, accompanied by strong southerly winds. Throughout this first half of the month, temperatures are forecast to remain around the seasonal average, ensuring a distinctly chilly feel.
This unsettled spell has already prompted the Met Office to issue weather warnings for other parts of the UK. An amber warning for heavy rain is in force for South Wales, with risks of flooding and communities being cut off. A broader yellow warning covers all of Wales and much of South West England, indicating potential travel disruption.
Mid-Month Milder Spell Offers Brief Respite
There is a glimmer of slightly better news as we move towards the middle of December. The forecast suggests conditions may become warmer than initially anticipated, though this does not signify a return to fine, dry weather. Instead, London can expect somewhat more bearable conditions with only light rain, a significant improvement from the heavier precipitation predicted for early December.
However, the long-range forecast explicitly mentions no possibility of snow in the capital towards the end of the month. This definitive statement extinguishes any traditional hopes for a white Christmas, with the latter part of December likely to be drier than the first half.
Looking Ahead: Forecast Limitations and Daily Outlook
Meteorologists caution that predicting specific conditions more than two weeks ahead remains a challenging task. The weather is inherently changeable, meaning the current outlook could still shift. For now, Londoners are advised to keep umbrellas close at hand for the coming fortnight.
The immediate forecast for London, provided by the Met Office, is as follows:
- Monday, December 1: High of 12°C, Low of 7°C – Light rain.
- Tuesday, December 2: High of 11°C, Low of 6°C – Sunny intervals.
- Wednesday, December 3: High of 10°C, Low of 7°C – Sunny intervals.
- Thursday, December 4: High of 9°C, Low of 4°C – Light showers.
- Friday, December 5: High of 9°C, Low of 7°C – Light rain.
- Saturday, December 6: High of 11°C, Low of 6°C – Overcast.
- Sunday, December 7: High of 10°C, Low of 7°C – Cloudy.
As the festive season approaches, the message from forecasters is clear: prepare for a traditional British Christmas characterised by rain and cloud, rather than a blanket of snow.
