General situation: After a brief cold spell during the coming weekend of 20th/21st an area of high pressure will build up over western Europe. This might increase chances for a white Xmas over Greece, but unfortunately not for the UK and Ireland.

Christmas Eve: confidence is moderately good that there will be no snow lying, beside some drift in gullies on very high grounds, or snow falling. England and Wales will have a cool, but dry day, with some sunny spells. Scotland and especially the Northwest will be very windy and very wet at places.

Christmas Day: Not much of a change. Chances for a snow shower in the far north are increasing towards evening, but that's already the best part of the news.

Issued Wednesday, 17th Dec, 8:30 am. Updated daily.