According to a prominent weather expert, there are 13 cities in the UK that have a high likelihood of experiencing snow this Christmas, with a specific factor potentially increasing the chances in southern regions.

As winter sets in early across the UK with temperatures plunging to -11C, snowfall is anticipated in various parts of the country. The perennial query as the festive season nears is whether a white Christmas is on the horizon.

Forecaster Jim Dale suggests that as the year draws to a close, the probability of snow increases notably. He emphasizes the necessity of sustained cold temperatures, stating that as winter progresses, the overall climate gets colder. Generally, cities located further north have a greater probability of witnessing snow on Christmas Day.

The Met Office highlights that western Scotland is most likely to have a White Christmas, with odds standing at 26.7%. Wales follows with a 20% chance, while northern regions of England, including the south west, have a 13.3% likelihood, as reported by the Express. The Midlands have comparatively lower odds at 6.7%.

Mr. Dale identifies Inverness as the favored big city for snow, with Stirling, Perth, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Belfast, Carlisle, Newcastle, and Lancaster also in contention. He mentions that cities like York, Leeds, Manchester, and Sheffield further south are part of the discussion.

The expert acknowledges a “significant chance” of snow in southern areas like Kent, London, and East Anglia if conditions trend more easterly. However, he reiterates that the northern cities mentioned earlier remain the top contenders for a white Christmas.

It’s worth noting that sub-zero temperatures are not always necessary for snowfall. The Met Office explains that the heaviest snow typically occurs when temperatures range between 0C and 2C. The organization further elaborates on snowfall intensity and its transformation based on temperature variations.

Historically, the frequency of White Christmases was higher in past centuries, particularly before calendar adjustments in 1752. Climate change and rising average temperatures have reduced the likelihood of snow on Christmas Day in recent times.