Little chance of a white Christmas, but cold on way

LATEST data suggest a cold spell is on the way between Christmas and the New Year.

- By ANDREW FORGRAVE Countryside and Tourism Editor

However a white Christmas in Wales now looks unlikely despite promising signs earlier this month.Both the European ECMWF and US GES models suggest a shift towards colder and drier weather in the run-up to December 25. If this persists, weather experts believe it could usher in some wintry spells heading towards the New Year.

As high pressure settles over the UK during Christmas week, the most likely scenario is dry and colder conditions with increased potential for fog and frost.

If this materialises, the more settled outlook will be a relief after weeks of wind and rain.

‘There is some uncertainty over how long the high pressure will persist. But at this stage, forecasters expect cooler air to flood in from the east after Christmas - and this may remain well into January.

‘The ECMWF indicates overnight temperatures could fall as low as -4C in parts of Gwynedd on Sunday, December 28.

More widely, current model runs indicate widespread frosts across Wales towards the end of the year.