White Christmas unlikely as weather set to be 'warm'

Hopes for a White Christmas are rapidly declining - as it looks like many parts of the country will enjoy temperatures running into double figures.

Weather forecasters are suggesting that temperatures could be above average over the holiday period, dashing ideas of a picturesque snow-capped Christmas card scene.

See also: Top five British Christmas shopping breaks

See also: UK set for 'snowiest winter for 27 years'

Temperatures on Christmas Day in London look to be hovering around 11C while up in Glasgow it's 12C.

The Met Office forecast for Friday 22 December to Sunday 31 December suggests that the run up to Christmas could be relatively warm with more unsettled weather moving in after Christmas Day. It reads: "In the run up to Christmas it is most probable that the UK should see temperatures near to or above average for the time of year.

"On Friday it will probably start mainly fine and dry with bright spells for many.

"However, skies are likely to turn cloudier in the north and west with outbreaks of rain developing into Saturday.

"Into the Christmas period, timings remain uncertain, however rain and cloud should clear southeastwards, leaving drier, brighter and colder conditions for a time.

"Showers are likely for some, and these could turn wintry in the north. In the period between Christmas and New Year, very unsettled conditions look likely with gales at times, and perhaps showery conditions in the north and west."

Perfect time to stoke the fire, put your feet up, drink hot chocolate without feeling guilty - and plan your 2018 holiday...