Eastern areas seeing least rain. Becoming wet and windy in the New Year.

There are times when the weather becomes almost unforecastable, and Christmas 2002 is proving to be one of those occasions.

This forecast has been changing somewhat over the past few weeks. We are pleased with the way we have forecast the overall pressure pattern, although the interpretation of the weather associated with those conditions has left something to be desired!

Our confidence in the following forecast is low. This is mainly due to our long range forecasters believing that current atmospheric models are breaking down high pressure, which will build north of the British isles this week, far to quickly.

In our experience, these highs do take some time to move at this time of year, and eastern parts of the country often remain dry throughout. More western parts tend to be damper as weather fronts tend to flirt with the coasts as they move east.

We do believe that the weather will become much more unsettled in early January. West or south west winds then building through most areas bringing rain, strong winds and milder temperatures.

There's a long way to go yet though!

TOI 16th December 2002. Valid 17th December 2002 to 15th January 2003, weekly updated. Issued by Weather Consultancy Services Ltd in cooperation with WeatherOnline.

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Compare with past Decembers
Average Temperature
Average Frost Days
Average Days with Precipitation