White Christmasses are so rare that they feel like something of an urban legend - we've had a few flurries here and there but a Leeds Christmas is usually just grey.
Not too long ago, the Met Office was predicting that much of the north would get a covering of snow on Christmas Day for the first time since 2010.
But as tends to be the case with the UK weather, things have changed already, and now the forecast looks a little different for the next few days.
So, what are our odds for seeing some snow on Christmas Day?
Here’s the current forecast.
The Met Office has released its Christmas weather predictions for Leeds. Credit:Uni Leeds Students
According to the Met Office’s latest-published Christmas weather forecast, most of the county will experience an 'unsettled' Christmas this year, with the greatest chance of some snow coming for those over high ground in northern England and Scotland.
At present though, cloud, rain, and fog has taken charge over much of the UK.
The Met Office says that spells of rain will push towards the North East, bringing 'an unsettled spell of weather' that will continue through the Christmas period, and as the initial band of rain bumps into colder air over higher Northern ground and over Scotland, there will be a wintry mix of rain, sleet, and snow in some areas.
And today will see further showery rain moving north-eastwards across the UK, with colder and drier conditions over the North and Scotland.
Christmas Day
Credit: Bolton Abbey
On Christmas Day itself, much of the UK will sadly see continued rain.
However, according to the Met Office, further North – where “the boundary between milder and colder air is” – there is a chance of some snow, again, primarily over high ground.
While this exact location is still uncertain, however, forecasters are saying it is possible that the Peak District, Pennine areas, and then the Southern Uplands later are “the most likely” to see snow.
In Leeds, it's currently forecast to be a chilly and overcast day, with highs of 4C and lows of 2C.
It'll feel even nippier though - the Met Office says it will feel as cold as -2C in the evening thanks to a brisk southeasterly breeze.
“The Christmas period will be a fairly unsettled spell across the UK this year,” explained Chris Bulmer, deputy chief meteorologist at the Met Office.
"Many will see wet and cloudy conditions as mild air dominates over the South and West of the UK.
"Where this mild air meets colder air trying to sink South, there is a chance of some Christmas snow, this looking most likely over the Pennines, however exactly where this boundary will be is still uncertain.
“In the far North, cold conditions and clearer skies will bring a more wintry feel [and] for many areas, a brisk easterly wind will bring a notable wind chill.”
Looking Ahead
Will the weather in Leeds look like this for Christmas? Credit: Unsplash
It will be a wet start to Boxing Day in Leeds, with a 90% chance of rain forecast in the morning.
That's meant to calm down to drizzle by lunchtime, and temperatures still won't climb any higher than 4C.
The Met Office is unfortunately predicting that the forecast out towards New Year also looks to remain unsettled.
Mild air from the South West will bring wet and at times windy conditions.
On top of that, you may have also heard that another storm could be on its way to the UK between Christmas and New Year.
Following recent reports that said ‘a snowbomb’ could drop be dropping up to 1cm of snow in the North within just an hour on 27 December, some weather forecasters are now predicting that this new storm could also batter the UK shortly after Christmas.
Although not officially declared by the Met Office as of yet, Storm Corrie would be the third storm of the winter season, following the recent Storm Arwen and Storm Barra.
Storm Corrie would potentially bring with it rain and snow.
Featured image – Flickr
News
The Pussycat Dolls announce major comeback with a massive global arena tour
Global pop icons The Pussycat Dolls have announced a major global tour, with 50+ shows across Europe and North America.
The pop icons will be performing a massive show here in Leeds as part of the tour, which kicks off this summer.
The Pussycat Dolls have been teasing their return this week, plastering hints on venues across the UK – including the First Direct Bank Arena, which displayed a pink digital ad reading ‘Don’t cha wish you knew who we’re announcing tomorrow??’
The multi-platinum pop supergroup will be celebrating the 20th anniversary of their debut record, PCD.
They’ll be supported on the European leg of the tour, which will bring them to the UK in September and October, by Lil’ Kim.
The PCD Forever tour will span a whopping 53 dates, where they’ll perform their chart-topping hits including the 5x platinum Buttons, plus Don’t Cha, and Stickwitu.
The Pussycat Dolls were pop heavyweights in the 2000s, known for their electrifying choreography and live performances.
The Pussycat Dolls have announced a major global tour with a Manchester date. Credit: Rankin
Nicole Scherzinger, Kimberly Wyatt, and Ashley Roberts will be back together once again this year for what will be their biggest international run in years.
They’ll be releasing a new song for the first time since 2019 – Club Song is produced by Mike Sabbath (RAYE, Jade) and written by Nicole Scherzinger with Sabbath, Caroline Ailin (Dua Lipa) and Solly (Teddy Swims).
General tickets will go on sale from 10am on Friday 20 March, but fans can sign up for pre-sale at pcdforever.com by Monday to access tickets early.
Beloved Leeds takeaway Souvlaki Corner to open new restaurant in Morley next month
Clementine Hall
A new Souvlaki Corner is set to open in south Leeds.
If you're a Leeds local who loves food, then you'll have most likely heard and dined at Souvlaki Corner.
It's an absolute gem of a restaurant and takeaway, situated in Wortley selling fabulous authentic Greek food at a great price.
And now they're opening a new site in the nearby town of Morley which is going to be even bigger and better. Get in.
The new site will feature a bigger space with more seating, offering both dine-in and takeaway options, as well as a brand-new bar.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Now you're talking our language.
Souvlaki Corner told The Hoot: "We’re excited to confirm that Souvlaki Corner will be opening a new site in Morley, Leeds. Our targeted opening is in around four weeks, although we don’t have an exact opening date yet and will confirm this closer to the launch.
"One of the highlights of the new restaurant will be a traditional Greek spit where we will cook whole lamb in the proper Greek way. It will be cooked over charcoal to give the authentic Greek flavour that people would experience in Greece.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
"Our chefs are Greek, bringing authentic knowledge and experience from Greece. The interior design will also reflect the style of the Greek islands, so when people visit they will feel like they are stepping into a little part of Greece."
They continued: "Souvlaki Corner was created to bring authentic Greek street food to Leeds, focusing on freshly grilled souvlaki, gyros, and traditional flavours served quickly and affordably. Since launching our first location, the response from customers has been fantastic, and Morley felt like the natural next step as we continue to grow."