UK weather: White Christmas unlikely despite a chilly festive forecast

On Tuesday, and for a time on Christmas Eve, there will be a lot of cloud which could produce some drizzle.

This will begin to break, initially in western and southern areas, as drier air begins to arrive.

These cloud breaks will allow for a frost in some areas on Christmas morning – perhaps the closest we will get to a winter wonderland.

It also means many areas should see some festive sunshine, especially in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, with a little more cloud lingering in parts of Scotland.

Daytime highs on Christmas Day will reach 4-7C (39-45F). This is nothing exceptional for the time of year and not far off the seasonal average, but it will mark a significant change after a mild month so far.

Strong winds in the south of the UK will exacerbate the cold feel.

Those winds will ease on Boxing Day with most areas seeing dry weather and sunny spells, although it will still feel chilly.