What are the chances of getting a white Christmas this year in Northern Ireland?
Last updated 14th Dec 2023
It's believed that the UK may experience some snow over the festive period this year, leading to hopes we will see a white Christmas after all.
In their long-range forecast, the Met Office has predicted a period of north winds next week that could bring snow and ice in the next couple of weeks.
They said: "It now looks probable there will be at least one short-lived colder interlude next week, with a period of north of northwesterly winds that could bring some snow and ice, especially in the north."
Forecaster insist it's still too early to say whether the UK will see any snow settled on the ground on Christmas day - they can accurately forecast up to five days beforehand.
Since 1960, around half of the years have seen at least 5% of the network record snow falling on Christmas Day. This means we can probably expect more than half of all Christmas Days to be a 'white Christmas'.
However, the Dickensian scene of widespread snow lying on the ground on Christmas Day is much rarer. There has only been a widespread covering of snow on the ground four times since 1960—in 1981, 1995, 2009 and 2010.
Bookies are feeling optimistic the UK could see snow, with the odds of snow falling anywhere in the country on Christmas day hitting 3/1 according to Ladbrokes.
Check out Northern Ireland's five day forecast:
Today: A bright and mainly dry day with sunny spells. Cloud tending to bubble up in the afternoon, with perhaps the odd light shower breaking out across the northwest. Moderate westerly winds, but fresher winds towards the north coast. Maximum temperature 9 °C.
Tonight: Perhaps still the odd shower in the northwest, but largely dry overnight with clear periods. Winds turning southwest and could fall light at times with the odd fog developing. Minimum temperature 2 °C.
Friday: A bright start with some sunshine but gradually clouding over from the west. A little rain in afternoon and evening, but mostly in north and west with southwesterly winds strengthening. Maximum temperature 12 °C.
Outlook for Saturday to Monday: Cloudy with outbreaks of light rain or drizzle, perhaps heavy rain in northwest Saturday night, but mainly dry later Monday.. Very mild, but rather strong southwest winds at the weekend.
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