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Christmas countdown

[Updated 07:15 17/12/2016]

The forecast details for Christmas are still uncertain. To keep up to date with the latest view check out our Christmas Countdown which is updated daily.

In the short term it's a mixed picture. This morning starts dry across most of the UK but there is some patchy rain in the far north west. It has been quite a chilly night and locally there is a touch of frost.

Through Saturday wet weather continues to affect the north west but elsewhere it remains dry. There will be some bright spells too with the best of the sunshine probably in the south east.

Maximum temperatures range from about 8C (46F) in the north to 11C (52F) in the south west. See the rainfall radar for the latest view.

Tonight more persistent spells of rain steadily spread eastwards across Scotland. Elsewhere it's a dry night and clear spells in the west could lead to a touch of frost.  

Tomorrow rain clears away from Scotland to leave all areas dry. Bright spells develop and temperatures will be similar to today's.

Next week begins with quiet weather and it will feel chillier, especially in the south east. During mid-week a transition to more unsettled and possibly stormy conditions is forecast. All regions can expect periods of rain at times but the wettest and windiest spells are likely to be in the north west. Over high ground in the north snow is possible at times.

Buzz looks ahead to mid December. 

Ensembles at a glance

The 16 day GEFS ensemble show dry conditions early in the period. Through the Christmas period it turns more unsettled but by the end of the year drier conditions return.