Met Office Long-Range Forecast Suggests Mild Weather for London
Despite snow covering large parts of the country during last week’s cold snap — including rare wintry showers in London — temperatures are now set to rise as December approaches.
London to See Mild Conditions Before Christmas
Forecasters expect milder, wetter weather across the capital, with temperatures in London predicted to reach 13°C on Thursday and Friday. The Met Office warns that late November will bring periods of heavy rain, signalling a shift away from the icy conditions that briefly gripped the UK.
Snow Unlikely Across the UK During the Festive Period
Early indications suggest that snowfall is unlikely across most of the UK over the Christmas period. The warmer spell reduces the odds of the nation waking up to a festive dusting this year.
Bookmakers Adjust Odds After Cold Snap
Following last week’s chill, bookmakers temporarily shortened odds on a White Christmas, but the latest forecast has dampened expectations:
Aberdeen: 6/5
Glasgow & Edinburgh: 6/4
Newcastle: 7/4 (England’s most likely city for Christmas Day snow)
London: 7/1, reflecting the capital’s typically milder climate
According to the Met Office, a Christmas is officially classed as “white” if a single snowflake is observed at any of its 300 weather stations on 25 December.
When Did the UK Last See a Widespread White Christmas?
The last truly widespread White Christmas occurred in 2010, when:
- 19% of weather stations recorded falling snow
- An exceptional 83% reported snow lying on the ground
Since 2020, every year except 2024 has technically met the criteria for a White Christmas, though very few places saw snowfall settle.
