If you are dreaming of a white Christmas, your hopes could be dashed.
Many of us have experienced freezing temperatures and even some snowflakes over the past week but the Northern Ireland forecast for the start of Christmas week is set to be dramatically different.
The Met Office has said temperatures will peak in the low to mid teens on Monday before returning to normal seasonal levels as the week progresses.
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Sunday night will remain cloudy with rain spreading from the southwest at times. A breezy and much milder night than of late with a minimum temperature 7°C.
Monday looks set to be very mild with rain at times and temperatures reaching highs of around 13°C.
From Tuesday to Friday temperatures will range from a high of 7°C to a low of 0°C.
Meanwhile betting sites are now saying the odds of a white Christmas are less likely than last year, with wet and windy weather replacing the icy conditions.
Hills bookmakers are saying that the best chance of a white Christmas are to be found in Glasgow and Edinburgh, each having a 33.3% chance of snowfall on December 25, at odds of 2/1. For Belfast, the odds are 9/2.
Chances of a white Christmas
City |
Odds |
Glasgow |
2/1 |
Edinburgh |
2/1 |
Leeds |
7/2 |
Manchester |
7/2 |
London |
4/1 |
Newcastle |
4/1 |
Belfast |
9/2 |
Birmingham |
9/2 |
Cardiff |
8/1 |
Here is the latest weather forecast for the coming days.
Monday:
A cloudy day with rain at times, turning drier and clearer from the southwest later in the afternoon. Feeling much milder than of late. Brisk southerly winds. Maximum temperature 13°C.
Outlook for Tuesday to Thursday:
Breezy with showers or longer spells of rain later on Tuesday and on Wednesday. Cloudy with rain on Thursday.
UK long range weather forecast - Friday 23 December - Sunday 1 January
Early in the period and towards Christmas conditions are likely to be less cold than of late although a north south divide is expected to develop. Temperatures will remain rather cold in the north with wintry showers likely and a risk of overnight frosts.
Towards the south it will remain milder with temperatures close to, or rather above average. Spells of rain and stronger winds are likely at times, particularly in central and southern areas. Away from the north, any snow will likely stay confined to higher levels, with perhaps some low-level snow on the boundary of the divide.
Towards New Year, there is potential for a more settled spell to bring overnight frosts and morning fog, before a trend towards changeable but probably more milder conditions.
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