The UK has experienced a wild swing in temperatures over the past few weeks, but hopes of a white Christmas for many across the country are yet to be cast down.
However, forecasters predict that not all regions in the UK will witness a dusting of the white stuff, with many experiencing a more mild Christmas day - with a risk of rain.
With only days to go until the big day, millions of people will be left curious and checking the weather forecast as they prepare to travel to see friends and family over the festive period.
Met Office Deputy Chief Meteorologist David Oliver said: “An unsettled Christmas weekend is on the way for many, with those in the north and west seeing the most frequent and the heaviest showers. High winds will affect some coasts through the weekend with gales in places, especially the north and west.
“Christmas Day will be unsettled for many, with the most frequent showers in the northern half of the UK and some more sporadic and mostly lighter showers further south.
"There is some uncertainty about the timing of colder air from the northwest, but it looks like this will introduce some snow showers to the northwest of Scotland late on Christmas Day.”
Here's your weather forecast for the Christmas period.
Saturday, December 24
The Met Office says Christmas Eve will be mostly dry for many southern and eastern parts of the UK. Further north and west, strong southwesterly winds will bring showers or some longer spells of rain, these heavy at times and falling as snow over the high ground of Scotland.
For London on Christmas Eve, the early morning temperature are expected to be around 9°C, although experts have warned that it might feel more like 6°C when factoring in the wind and other weather conditions.
Meanwhile, for areas in Scotland, including Edinburgh, Glasgow and Aberdeen, the current forecast for Christmas Eve is for it to be dry with a mix of sunshine and cloud, with temperatures ranging between 2C-5C.
And in places in northwest England, like Lancaster, the big day will be cloudy and milder with temperatures set to peak at 6C.
Sunday, December 25
Experts say that December 25 for areas in the south, particularly the far south, temperatures should be mild, with a risk of rain or showers.
The Met Office says: "Christmas Day will see a continuation of unsettled weather with strong winds and spells of rain for many northern and western areas of the UK. Whilst those further south won’t be immune to the occasional shower, the driest weather conditions are expected in central and eastern parts of England.
"A white Christmas, which is defined as a single snowflake falling anywhere in the UK on Christmas Day, is most likely in northwest Scotland later on Sunday. Some snow could be seen here at low levels overnight and into Boxing Day."
Any cold air or wintry conditions will most likely be confined to the north of the UK, but have however added that their predictions could change.
In Edinburgh, the current forecast for Christmas Day is for a dry day with extended sunny spells and temperatures ranging from 1C-2C. And in Aberdeen it’s predicted to be 3C-4C with mainly sunny skies.
And the bookies reckon that there’s a fair chance of snow falling in Scotland – with odds of just 4/9 offered by William Hill for a single flake to fall on either Edinburgh or Glasgow Airport.
On the big day, for the North West, the most likely locations to see snow are the higher parts of the Peak District, Yorkshire Dales and the Lake District.
Monday, December 26
A white Christmas in North Wales is becoming a distinct a possibility, with some forecasters predicting a dusting of snow on Christmas Day and heavier falls on Boxing day.
Forecaster WX Charts expects a large snow cloud to move over parts of the country in the early hours of Boxing Day morning, with much North Wales seeing snow of up to 7cm.
For London though, Boxing Day is expected to start off sunny, but there will be outbreaks of heavy rain later in the day in some parts. The temperature will average at 7°C, and it will be a mild but breezy night.
Overall outlook
Speaking about the overall temperatures across the UK, Met Office Deputy Chief Meteorologist, Dan Harris, has said: “From mid-week we expect to see a north / south split develop with colder weather arriving in the north, while the south hangs onto the mild conditions. There are, however, large uncertainties concerning where the boundary between these two air masses will eventually end up, especially as we head into the Christmas weekend.
“Uncertainty in the weather forecast details is not unusual at 6-7 days out, and the current weather patterns are heightening those uncertainties. Confidence in the forecast is unlikely to increase until mid-week at the earliest and a range of outcomes are still possible.
“However, what we can say is that Christmas Day will most likely be mild with a risk of rain or showers in places for the south, especially the far south, while any cold air and wintry conditions will most likely be confined to the north of the UK.”
Meanwhile, the Met Office's long-range forecast alludes to a north-south split when it comes to temperatures and snowfall for Friday, December 23 to January 1.
Forecasters predict that after Christmas and towards the New Year, there could be overnight frosts and morning fog, before more changeable and milder conditions.
It says: "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."
For those who are looking to travel during the Christmas period, they have been warned to be cautious and plan their journey well in advance, especially with weather conditions being "more adverse" during this period.
Stephen Basterfield, National Network Manager, at National Highways, has advised motorists, saying : “Even light or moderate rain can have an impact on visibility and vehicle performance, so it’s important to adjust your driving behaviour and take extra care.
“It is therefore always important to plan ahead for your journey. This advice is especially important during the winter season when weather conditions are traditionally more adverse.
“We have a section of our website dedicated to travelling when it is raining, as part of our guide to travelling in severe weather. It’s also a good idea for people to check their vehicles, such as tyres, coolant and oil levels, before heading out to reduce the risk of breakdowns.”
