Friday:
Showers persist, primarily in coastal counties with a wintry touch in the east. Overall, dry and bright for most, albeit cold with widespread frost early and late.
Saturday:
The majority of the UK stays dry and bright. Western and northern regions may see showers, potentially falling as sleet or snow. Cold conditions persist with widespread frost.
Sunday:
Patchy rain, sleet, and hill snow in southern and central areas clear eastward, leaving dry conditions. Coastal counties may experience ongoing showers. Cold temperatures prevail, with widespread frost in central and northern regions.
Monday:
Rain outbreaks expected in southern and central Britain, with a risk of sleet or wet snow over high ground. Northern areas see sunny spells and scattered showers. Very cold in the north, a slight temperature rise in the south.
Tuesday to Thursday:
Mostly dry and cold initially, with bands of rain pushing northward and eastward later in the week. Milder air follows, introducing uncertainty and the potential for sleet or snow in the boundary zone. Windy conditions possible in the south.
Forecast confidence: High initially, falling to medium.
Week 2: 08/12 to 14/12 – Unsettled and Potentially Milder
Expected Weather: Unsettled weather prevails with wet and windy spells across all regions. Temperatures hover close to or slightly above the seasonal average. A 30% chance of a colder outcome with increased frost and snow risk.
Forecast confidence: Very low.
Key Developments: Week 1: The period begins with a cold northeasterly flow, gradually replaced by low-pressure systems from the Atlantic. Rain, sleet, and snow risks persist but introduce less cold air, especially in southern and central regions.
Week 2: Uncertain developments, favoring an Atlantic flow for milder and unsettled conditions. However, an alternative possibility involves high pressure, potentially bringing colder conditions, especially in the south and east.
Weather Insights: After a cold start, a shift towards more unsettled and milder weather is expected. The timing and details remain uncertain, with a possibility of snow, particularly in the north, as milder air attempts to return.