Mild weather set to stay through Christmas

With just a few days to go until the festive holidays begin, what weather can we expect this Christmas?

The Met Office say after the mild, unsettled start to December it looks likely that this theme will continue through until the end of the year with some spells of windy, wet weather but also drier, brighter periods with some showers. Although temperatures will remain above average, there will be some cooler days and nights with wintry showers possible over hills and mountains in the north of the UK and some overnight frosts.

Going into Christmas Eve, a low pressure system to the northwest of the UK will bring a spell of wet and windy weather for most, with gales or severe gales in the northwest of the UK and perhaps locally storm force winds over parts of the Outer Hebrides.

Met Eireann have named this Storm Eva, the fifth officially named storm of the season, because they have issued an orange wind warning for counties Clare, Galway, Mayo, Sligo and Donegal.

Watch the latest track of Storm Eva here: https://youtu.be/WEFe7niOth8

Met Office National Severe Weather Warnings have been issued for severe gales affecting the Western and Northern Isles of Scotland. This could cause disruption to transport and communication links for a time.

Brighter, showery conditions will follow the rain, the showers wintry in the north.

On Christmas Day, northern and eastern parts will be brightest with a chilly, frosty start in the north and some wintry showers. Further south, it is likely to be cloudier with rain soon arriving in the southwest of England and spreading northeastwards through the day. It will turn milder as the rain sets in, so we're expecting a green Christmas rather than a white one for the majority of the UK.

The forecast for Boxing Day is less certain, but rain is likely to affect northern and western parts with mild conditions across the south of the UK.

The regional forecast for the next five days is as follows:

Today:
Wednesday will be a cooler day with sunny periods and only isolated showers. It will remain generally windy, especially near the coast. Maximum Temperature 12°C.

Outlook for Thursday to Saturday:
Early rain on Christmas Eve clearing to sunny intervals and showers. Rain for much of Christmas Day, and becoming mild. Remaining mild on Boxing Day with occasional rain and drizzle.