The UK has just experienced its warmest Christmas Eve in over 20 years. On Sunday, Heathrow in south-west London recorded a temperature of 15.3°C, surpassing the average for December and making it the warmest 24th of December since 1997.
Met Office forecaster Liam Eslick noted that temperatures across the UK have been exceptionally mild, with some areas reaching 15°C, well above the typical December maximum of 7°C.
Despite dreams of a white Christmas, most of the UK will see a warm, damp, and blustery Christmas Day. The temperature in southern England is expected to reach 12-13°C, although it’s unlikely to break the record for the warmest Christmas Day, which stands at 15.6°C from 1920.
Heathrow’s 15.3°C marks the warmest December 24th since 1997 in the UK.Met Office forecaster Dan Stroud indicated that temperatures would remain significantly above average, likely making this the warmest Christmas Day since 2016, when it reached 15.1°C.
The Met Office has issued yellow wind warnings for Scotland and northern and central England, advising of potential travel disruptions, property damage, and power outages.
In Wales, heavy rain warnings are in place due to prolonged downpours. The severe weather has exacerbated travel issues, with the AA warning of extensive traffic jams and longer journeys.
The Severn and Humber Bridges were closed due to strong winds, and major train stations, including Paddington and King’s Cross, faced closures and delays.
Travel disruptions also affected Eurostar services due to strikes in France. Despite the weather warnings expiring at midnight, Christmas Day will remain windy and wet, with only a slim chance of snowfall, likely in high-elevation areas of Scotland.
For those looking to enjoy some outdoor activity, Boxing Day promises calmer weather with sunny spells in Scotland and the north, making it the best day for outings.