Weather Forecast: Will You Have A White Xmas?

The long-range weather forecast now goes as far as Christmas Day - and reveals where it is most likely to snow.

The data, which at this stage is still open to change, indicates that on 25 December it will be mainly dry and a sunny day for all areas.

It will be chilly as well with the winds coming in from a cold northerly direction and temperatures for some will be just below the average for the time of year.

There will be the risk of some showers as well, especially across Scotland, Ireland, northwest England and parts of Wales, some of which could turn to sleet and snow over high ground.

Snow is most likely over the tops of the Scottish Highlands, mainly over 200m (650ft).

Some showers could also run down North Sea facing coasts of England, and some of these could become wintry snowfalls across hills.

So will it be a white Christmas?

Well, if you're placing a bet, the definition is for a single snowflake to be observed falling in the 24 hours of Christmas Day at a specified location.

So with the current risk of wintry showers over hills and mountains in the North for Christmas Day, there is the possibility that a few places may well see a white Christmas!

But don't forget... the snowflakes will need to be seen at one of the observing stations for it to be official.

The last Christmas that fit the betting definition was back in 2010, which was also a very unusual one, as not only was there snow on the ground at 83% of stations (the highest amount ever recorded) but sleet or snow also fell at 19% of stations.

It was also a white Christmas in 2009, with 13% of stations recording snow or sleet falling and 57% reported snow on the ground.