A cold health alert has been issued for Christmas Day, with meteorologists indicating that the likelihood of experiencing a snowy Christmas is very slim.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has declared a yellow cold health alert for south-west England from 6pm on Christmas Day until 12pm on December 27. This alert warns of potential minor health impacts and increased healthcare service utilization by vulnerable individuals.
According to Oli Claydon, a spokesperson from the Met Office, Christmas Day is expected to have generally fair weather conditions. He mentioned that the day will start brightly in southern England and Wales, with cloud cover dissipating as the day progresses. However, northern regions may experience more cloudiness, but some sunny intervals are anticipated.
Claydon highlighted the presence of strong easterly winds, particularly along the south coast of England, due to high-pressure systems dominating the UK’s weather patterns. He noted a shift towards cooler temperatures and settled weather conditions compared to recent days.
Despite hopes for a white Christmas, Claydon expressed skepticism due to the predominantly dry weather forecasted for the upcoming days. He mentioned a slight chance of rain brushing the south-west of England, with minimal possibilities of snowfall.
Temperatures on Christmas Day are projected to reach around 7C in north-east England and 6C in southern regions. Frost and freezing temperatures, with lows of minus 6C in rural Scotland and minus 4C in rural Wales, are expected overnight from Christmas Day into Boxing Day.
The RAC anticipates peak festive getaway traffic on Christmas Eve, with approximately 4.2 million car journeys expected. Commuter traffic is likely to be lighter than usual, with major congestion predicted on key routes during specific timeframes.
Drivers are advised to embark on their journeys before the anticipated peak traffic hours, particularly on major roads such as the northern and western sections of the M25 and the M5 northwards from Gloucestershire towards the West Midlands.
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