As temperatures start to plummet, it's got us wondering what are the chances of snow on Christmas Day?
While it is hard to predict when snow might fall in the UK, Met Office spokesperson Nicola Maxey told The I Newspaper that December 25th still sits outside the range of its long-term forecast, meaning it is "too far ahead" to provide accurate information.
"There is often a fine line between who sees snow and who sees rain. Sometimes just a fraction of a degree Celsius change in temperature can make the difference between rain or snow falling, making forecasting snow weeks in advance extremely difficult," she says.
"Freezing temperatures do not guarantee snow," either – "you need moisture in the air too."
While the forecast for the festive period remains "very uncertain," according to Sky News weather producer, Christopher England says "there's a small chance of something more wintry developing after Christmas and into the New Year."
As part of the Met Office's long range forecast, which covers the period between December 16th and January 9th, "the chance of a colder spell of weather, with hazards such as snow and ice, does increase later in December and into the New Year period. However, on balance conditions are most likely to remain generally mild and wetter than average."
So, we will still need to keep an eye on our local weather reports as we get closer to Christmas Day and the holiday period more generally.
According to research by the Met Office, we are more likely to see snow between January and March than in December, with snow or sleet falling an average 3.9 days in December. Many of us might be dreaming of a white Christmas, but climate change has sadly meant the chances of snowfall over the holidays are slim.
In fact, the last widespread white Christmas in the UK was back in 2010 and was described by forecasters as "extremely unusual". Not only was there snow on the ground at 83% of stations (the highest amount ever recorded), but snow or sleet also fell at 19% of stations. More recently, however, 2020 was recorded as a white Christmas after parts of East Yorkshire and Suffolk woke up to a beautiful dusting of white.
If you do want to check whether it will snow in your local area, keep an eye on the Met Office website for up-to-date information five days beforehand. You can also type your local area into their long-range forecast to get a glimpse into what is to come.
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The best thermal gloves to buy right now
We love this Fairisle pair of knitted thermal gloves for women, featuring a wonderful wintry design. They're made from double-lined acrylic fabric, including a Thinsulate material that retains heat and removes moisture. The anti-pill thermal gloves also stay soft and smooth after washing.
These fleece thermal gloves are designed for extreme weather conditions, so whether you're off skiing or simply want to be well equipped for frosty days in the city they've got you covered. The thermal gloves will keep your hands warm and toasty in cold and windy conditions, while the slip-resistant palms ensure you've got good grip, whatever you're doing.
With dozens of positive reviews from women saying they're "super warm" and "comfortable to wear," these thermal gloves are worth checking out. They're affordable too and are made with a double lining of Thinsulate fabric, while stretching to fit. Perfect for every day wear, these thermal gloves come as one size that fits all, for an easy online purchase.
As affordable as a sandwich, these ladies' thermal gloves have received hundreds of positive reviews for being warm. The Thinsulate thermal gloves are made from fleecy material and have an insulating lining. The elasticated cuffs and hook and loop strap help keep the heat in. For an affordable pair of thermal gloves, these are soft and insulating.
Extremities Insulated Waterproof Sticky Power Liner Glove
These thermal liner gloves are insulated, dextrous and waterproof for an all-round pair. They can be worn under another pair of gloves in extreme weather, while ideal for occasions and activities where dexterity is key but you also need dry hands. The stretchy fabric is quick drying and the sticky silicone print palm offers a secure grip.
Available in small to medium and medium to large sizes, as well as various colours and styles, Heat Holders' cable knit thermal gloves for women are made from advanced insulation material to keep the cold out. The heat waver living is a plush fleece fur like thermal lining that maximises the amount of warm air held close to your skin. They feel soft against your skin and come with a 2.3 Tog rating (the standard thermal glove is usually 0.89 Tog).
A pair to invest in, these thermal gloves for men have a recycled polyester outer and lofting merino insulation. The outer is water and wind resistant and breathes better than a fully waterproof glove, keeping your hands as comfortable as you need. The insulation is provided by lofting MerinoLOFT fibres, which trap warm air even when wet. There is also a merino blend lining which feels soft.
SealSkinz Mens Waterproof All Weather Insulated Glove
Lightweight, windproof and offering rain protection, many wearers will argue that these SealSkinz thermal gloves are worth their price tag. The men's thermal gloves are ideal for packing for all situations, whether you're commuting, hiking or boating. They're also touchscreen-friendly, feature goatskin palms and pre-curved fingers.
Lisa Joyner is the Deputy Daily Editor at House Beautiful UK and Country Living UK, where she's busy writing about home and interiors, gardening, dog breeds, pets, health and wellbeing, countryside news, small space inspiration, and the hottest properties on the market. Previously, she has written for Conde Nast Traveller, House & Garden and Marie Claire magazine. Lisa studied at University For The Creative Arts, where she completed a BA in Fashion Journalism.
Ellis Cochrane is a Freelance Contributor for House Beautiful UK and Country Living UK, covering everything from expert tips and tricks, to gardening advice, product roundups and the newest properties to hit the market. Ellis has been writing about homes, interiors and gardens for four years now, and her work has also been published on Ideal Home, Prima and Elle Japan. Over the years, Ellis has also written at a number of publications such as Cosmopolitan, Tyla, Daily Express, Expert Reviews UK, Stylist and IndyBest, covering beauty and style, TV and films, books and celebrity news. Ellis studied at the University of Strathclyde, where she completed a Joint BA Hons Degree in English and Politics. Follow Ellis on Instagram at @ellistuesday.
