Despite misleading reports in some media outlets, the Met Office hasn’t warned that this coming December could be the coldest in a decade.
The actual forecast from the Met Office states:
Sunday 13 Dec – Tuesday 22 Dec
Remaining unsettled and mild to start the period. A band of cloud, rain, and some Scottish hill snow at first, arriving from the Atlantic. The rain, accompanied by strong winds and coastal gales at times, will likely be heaviest in the west and north, whilst areas further east should remain drier for longer. Towards the end of the period, it is likely that things will start becoming more settled again, though outbreaks of rain or showers are still expected at times. Showers could become wintry on high ground, and perhaps at lower levels. Temperatures are likely to begin near normal and continue to trend around average. However, a chance of turning colder again later in the period.
Tuesday 22 Dec – Tuesday 5 Jan
Confidence is very low during this period, with forecast signals weak and rather mixed. On balance, most likely to remain changeable with periods of more settled and unsettled weather both likely. Outbreaks of rain and windy conditions likely at times, particularly in the east and south, with wintry showers possible on high ground and maybe to lower levels at times. The west and northwest is most likely to see drier weather and sunshine, though this may extend to other parts at times. This will bring potential for fog, frost, and very cold nights. Temperatures are likely to be at or slightly above average for this time of year, though some colder interludes are possible. There is a possibility that conditions may become wetter and milder at the start of January.
