Christmas Day is expected to be dry and bright across much of the UK, but a yellow cold health alert has been issued by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), warning of a greater risk to life for vulnerable people. The alert applies to south-west England from 6pm on Christmas Day until noon on 27 December, with low temperatures likely to have a minor impact on health and social care services.
According to the Met Office, the prospect of a white Christmas is highly unlikely this year. Met Office spokesperson Oli Claydon said conditions would be “pretty decent” with mainly dry weather. Southern England will see a bright start, extending to Wales as cloud clears, while northern areas will be cloudier but with sunny spells developing by lunchtime. However, a strong easterly wind is expected, particularly along the south coast, creating gusty conditions.
High pressure is dominating UK weather, bringing cooler temperatures. The highest temperatures on Christmas Day are forecast to be around 7°C in north-east England and 6°C in the south and south-east. In rural areas of Scotland, temperatures could drop to minus 6°C overnight into Boxing Day, with rural Wales potentially seeing minus 4°C and widespread frost in western rural areas.
The RAC is predicting a peak in festive getaway trips on Christmas Eve, with 4.2 million journeys expected. Traffic is likely to be heaviest on major roads between 1pm and 7pm, and drivers are advised to travel earlier if possible. Key routes to watch for congestion include the clockwise northern and western sections of the M25 from mid-morning, and the M5 north from Gloucestershire towards the West Midlands later in the afternoon.
