Bookies slash odds as definition of White Christmas changes

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A snow-covered sign on the A939 Cock Bridge to Tomintoul Road in Scotland today
A snow-covered sign on the A939 Cock Bridge to Tomintoul Road in Scotland today

Two hardy souls take a stroll through frosty grass next to a misty stream in this picture-postcard perfect wintry scene.

And if these walkers in London’s Richmond Park are dreaming of a white Christmas, they may well be in luck. Forecasters predict cold from Europe will bring snow and ice and bookies’ odds on a white December 25 have shortened from 5-2 to 4-5.

The definition of a white Christmas has changed, from snowfall at the Met Office’s London building, to a flake seen to fall in the 24 hours of December 25 somewhere in the UK. One of the places that has felt cold enough for snow in recent days is high land near Builth Wells in Powys.

Bookies slash odds as definition of White Christmas changes qhidqxiqrdidrinvA wintry landscape on high land near Builth Wells in Powys, Wales (Graham M. Lawrence/LNP)

Dawn broke there today after a night when temperatures plunged to -6C. In north east Scotland, snow had obscured a road sign on the A939 between Cock Bridge, Aberdeenshire and Tomintoul, Moray.

With more cold spells, overnight frosts and rain turning into sleet in parts, it looks winter really is coming. Met Office deputy chief meteorologist, Dan Harris, warned Britain may be facing harsher weather.

Gales, snow and rain to batter country today with 80mph wind gustsGales, snow and rain to batter country today with 80mph wind gusts
Bookies slash odds as definition of White Christmas changesThe snow forecast across the UK on Friday, December 1 (WX Chart)

He said: “The most likely outcome beyond midweek is rain from the west slowly moving east, with snow possible over higher ground, and a continued risk of showers over eastern part.”

But he said a more active weather system may arrive from the southwest, bringing more widespread rain, stronger winds and, potentially, more significant snowfall should the air over the UK become sufficiently cold.

UK 5 day weather forecast

This Evening and Tonight:

Isolated showers along North Sea coasts easing overnight. Otherwise a widespread frost developing with a few freezing fog patches forming. Temperatures rising in the west later as cloud arrives with outbreaks of light rain.

Sunday:

A frosty start in the east, but cloud and rain moves eastwards through the day. Drier with sunny spells across Scotland, though showery rain affecting the Northern Isles. Feeling cold.

Outlook for Monday to Wednesday:

Outbreaks of rain gradually easing through Monday, before some brighter skies develop on Tuesday and Wednesday. Staying cold throughout with frost overnight.

Louise Lazell

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