Snow to fall TODAY with -2C chill as Brits can expect more white stuff tomorrow

Boxing Day weather forecast

A cloudy start for most tomorrow with rain and drizzle for some, turning wintry over higher ground, especially in Scotland.

Remaining dull for most in the afternoon.

A drier afternoon to the south with bright spells for south-western England.

Gentle easterly winds, stronger for Scotland

Tonight’s weather

A band of persistent rain will move across Wales, Northern Ireland and southern England overnight, affecting all areas apart from Scotland in the early hours.

The rain may turn to sleet or snow for northern England.

An overcast night but clear spells for northern Scotland. A moderate easterly breeze.

Four ways you’re breaking the law driving in snow

With snow expected for Christmas, these tips will help you avoid a penalty as in some cases you could be met with a fine worth up to £1,000.

1. Defrosting your car – the lazy way
2. Driving with snow still on the roof
3. Not cleaning every window or your lights
4. Not de-icing your license plate

Read the article in full here.

When will Winter be over?

When people are looking for the Winter season to be officially over, they can look forward to the Spring Equinox, which will mark the start of the Spring season.

The Summer Solstice will then signify that the Spring time has come to an end and hot and sunny Summer weather will be present until the next seasonal change.

Remembering the seasonal equinoxes and solstices are the key to knowing which time of year you are in.

Although a lot of territories experience differing weather conditions prior to the solstices and equinoxes, the dates are significant to know the official starts of the four seasons.

Four ways you’re breaking the law driving in snow

With snow expected for Christmas, these tips will help you avoid a penalty as in some cases you could be met with a fine worth up to £1,000.

1. Defrosting your car – the lazy way
2. Driving with snow still on the roof
3. Not cleaning every window or your lights
4. Not de-icing your license plate

Read the article in full here.

Avoid these when driving in the snow and ice

1. If you come across black ice, many drivers will hit the brakes and steer into a skid as they start to lose control – but that can be a dangerous move for in-experienced drivers. Instead, slowly take your foot off the accelerator and straighten up as your vehicle rides it out.
2. Accelerating and braking too quickly is a recipe for disaster in icy conditions. Be sure to take it slow when turning and avoid any overtaking.
3. It might seem urgent at the time, but it’s important not to take unnecessary journeys when it’s icy.
4. If you do need to go somewhere, don’t take an unfamiliar route as road signs are likely to be covered in snow and phone reception could be limited.
5. Some drivers rely on pouring boiling water over a frozen windscreen to remove ice, but it’s more than likely to crack the glass. Investing in a decent ice scrapper or de-ice spray can work just as well and will protect your windscreen.
6. Don’t take any shortcuts and stay off rural roads as these might not have been cleared, and are often challenging even in warm weather. Stick to main roads as much as possible.
7. Finally, don’t forget to top up your oil, fuel and screen-wash before every winter trip.

Odds slashed on coldest January

Leading bookmaker Coral has cut the odds on this January being the coldest since records began to just 2-1 (from 5-1) as forecasters warn of an end to the mild winter temperatures.

“We have enjoyed some very mild temperatures through December but the outlook for January looks a lot colder and we have slashed the odds on next month being the coldest first month of the year we have ever had,” said Coral’s Harry Aitkenhead.

Coral make Edinburgh the favourite for snow on Christmas Day, at odds of 3-1, with Newcastle the most likely of the English cities at 7-2 according to the odds.

Harry also said: “We are offering odds on all major UK cities for any punters dreaming of a White Christmas, with Edinburgh the most likely according to our odds”.

Can I still have the Covid booster if I have a cold?

The short answer is yes.

If you are certain it is not Covid you are suffering with and you are well enough to leave home, you can get your third shot with confidence.

It might make you feel a bit rougher than if you weren’t ill, but overall it’s perfectly safe – and you can emerge from your sickly funk safe in the knowledge you are protected against coronavirus.

A cold shouldn’t have an effect on your body’s ability to build an immune response to the flu, even though it is fighting an illness.

NHS guidance says you should still attend your appointment even if you have a mild illness, including a common cold.

When will Winter be over?

When people are looking for the Winter season to be officially over, they can look forward to the Spring Equinox, which will mark the start of the Spring season.

The Summer Solstice will then signify that the Spring time has come to an end and hot and sunny Summer weather will be present until the next seasonal change.

Remembering the seasonal equinoxes and solstices are the key to knowing which time of year you are in.

Although a lot of territories experience differing weather conditions prior to the solstices and equinoxes, the dates are significant to know the official starts of the four seasons.

28th December to 6th January outlook

This period remains somewhat uncertain in detail, but generally sees a split between colder air to the north and milder air to the south.

Looking to remain unsettled with further spells of rain for most at first. To the south, mild, unsettled weather, with rain and occasional strong winds.

To the north, more settled conditions with brighter spells and winds slowly easing to lead to perhaps some frost or ice.

Becoming very mild across all areas in time. Along the boundary, potential for significant weather with snow likely at times, in addition to the associated wintry hazards.

It will be colder than average heading into January with any unsettled, milder spells most likely for the west and south.

Christmas Day forecast

Cold and windy. Scotland and much of northern England bright.

Cloudier further south with early heavy rain in the southwest spreading into Northern Ireland, Wales and southern and central England.

UK weather outlook for the weekend

Saturday will stay cloudy for many, with rain for most, especially in England and Northern Ireland.

A band of rain will move in on Saturday night, becoming heavy at times. Moderate winds.

Cloudy and wet on Sunday with rain, but snow for Scotland, moving away by the evening. Cloudy with gentle winds

The checklist: A safe drive home for Xmas

StressFreeCarRental.com are providing motorists with their Christmas road trip checklist for those looking to pack up their cars and hit the roads this winter.

A few simple checks will help significantly to help drivers relax and enjoy the Christmas songs on their journey.

• Presents – Most importantly of all, drivers should ensure they have all of their presents and cards on board before setting off on their festive journey!
• Emergency kit – On dark wintery nights, driving conditions can change drastically and leave drivers in a situation they were not prepared for
• Lights – As the days get shorter, ensuring all vehicle lights are functioning properly is not only essential but also a legal requirement. 
• Tyres – Snow, sleet, rain and frost can all have a huge impact on the terrain, meaning tyre upkeep is more important than ever in the winter months.
• Windscreen – Winter weather can be unpredictable and having full visibility can prevent any potential dangers on the road.
• Antifreeze – It is crucial when topping up your antifreeze that the engine has fully cooled down, as the release of pressurised water can cause serious injury

Why won’t my car start in the cold?

Not unlike humans needing layers of clothes to brave low temperatures, cars also need a little preparation to get going.

When cars won’t start, it’s often because their engine oil has thickened in the cold, which increases friction and makes it harder for the starter motor to spin the engine.

Cold, damp weather can sometimes play havoc on batteries as vehicle electrical systems have to work a lot harder.

The RAC says the majority of their winter call-outs are to do with car batteries.