'Small chance' Christmas Day could be hottest on record in UK, says Met Office
The forecaster reckons only the Scottish mountains are likely to see snow
Last updated 23rd Dec 2023
Christmas Day could reach record temperatures, with only the Scottish mountains likely to see snow, the Met Office has said.
The forecaster said December 25 will be damp and windy but especially mild, with highs of 13C or 14C in parts of England.
The hottest Christmas Day on record was 15.6C in 1920, so there is a "small chance" of it being a record, the Met Office added.
Milder than usual
Meteorologist Liam Eslick said there may be snow on Christmas Day on mountains in Scotland, but it is "not looking likely that there will be a white Christmas in England".
He added: "It's looking like a damp picture across the UK, heavy rain possibly in Wales, past Christmas lunch there could be some breaks if people are looking to go out and about.
"Boxing Day is probably going to be the best day if people are looking to go for a walk."
He added that Christmas Day is expected to be a lot milder than usual, with the average December temperature between 7C and 8C, but the top temperature that could be seen this December 25 is 14C.
Mr Eslick said there is a "small chance" the UK could see the warmest Christmas Day on record.
Weather warning
A yellow rain warning is in force for western Scotland until 11.45pm on Saturday, with 20mm to 55mm of rain expected widely and 80mm to 100mm on higher ground.
A snow and ice warning is in place for north and east Scotland until 3pm on Saturday.