Met Office expects ‘unsettled weather’ for South Tyneside over the Christmas period

While accurate forecasts for Christmas Day cannot be made until Monday, December 20 at the earliest, the Met Office have provided a long range forecast which covers the Christmas period.

The long range forecast, which covers December 20 to December 29, suggests that the North East could experience some unsettled weather over the festive period.

Those dreaming of a white Christmas could be in luck, with forecasters commenting that snow is possible for some places.

A Met Office spokesperson said: “At the start of this period it will be settled and predominantly dry with large amounts of cloud, though cloud may well be thick enough for the odd spot of drizzle at times.

“In general, cloud amounts will tend to reduce with time, with a corresponding increase in the risk of overnight fog and frost, which may be slow to clear by day in some areas.

"Towards the middle of the period, there is an increasing chance of more unsettled and windier weather affecting the UK, with rain, and perhaps snow, possible for some places.

“Temperatures will generally be near to below normal, perhaps rather cold in the south, feeling chilly where any fog persists, and locally mild in the north and northwest."

The last widespread white Christmas in the UK was back in 2010 – with Met Office forecasters claiming that it was “extremely unusual” as climate changes brings higher temperatures, reducing the chances of a white Christmas.

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