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
Viral Yorkshire shop urges visitors to avoid weekends as huge queues form
A viral apothecary shop in Yorkshire has warned visitors about huge queues forming outside its doors, urging people to visit during the week if they want to avoid the crowds.
The Cabinet of Curiosities in Haworth has become a popular destination for those looking to really get into the autumn spirit.
And it seems like there's a lot of people who are looking to do so, as huge queues have been forming along the quaint cobbled streets of Haworth.
So much so, that owner Carolin had to issue a statement via The Cabinet of Curiosities Instagram page.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
It reads: "Weekends in Haworth have become particularly busy during Autumn and we are so grateful to all those lovely souls who have patiently queued to visit the shop.
"We are so honoured that you are happy to wait to come in to our magical apothecary shop, and I can’t quite believe it when I look out of the windows and see the queue snaking up the cobbles. Be assured that the queue does move fast and it makes for a far more pleasurable visit if there are fewer people in the shop at once.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
"If you would rather avoid the busy times it’s best to visit during the week if you can. Our shop is open 7 days a week 10-5, but to make sure all the shops in Haworth are open then Wednesday, Thursday and Friday are probably the best days to visit.
"We are doing our best to keep up with restocking and our fabulous workshop witches are busy blending, filling and packing every day to keep to keep the shelves stocked. We are humbled and forever grateful that you love our little shoppe, and hope you enjoy your potions and your visit to The Cabinet of Curiosities."
Leeds Bradford Airport issue statement as 130 workers prepare to strike
Clementine Hall
Leeds Bradford Airport is set for a standstill as almost 130 workers are set to take industrial action over pay.
If you're planning on catching a flight from Leeds Bradford Airport, then you may want to double check the date.
The Unite members planning on going on strike are a mixture of air traffic control workers, customer experience staff, security staff and cleaners.
The workers involved in the dispute have recently come out of a four-year pay deal, with some of the departments having fallen behind other airports in equivalent roles.
Pay talks have been happening since December 2025, with the airport's formal offer not going far enough to address the lack of pay parity.
Strikes will take place from 03:00 Friday 16 October to 06:00 Sunday 18 October for hourly paid staff and from 06:00 Friday 16 October to 06:00 Sunday 18 October for air traffic control workers.
Strike will mean the entire airport will shut down.
Since the announcement, Leeds Bradford Airport have issued a statement: "Leeds Bradford Airport acknowledges the proposed industrial action due to take place between 16-18 October involving a group of operational colleagues.
"We respect the right of employees to participate in lawful industrial action. However, we are disappointed by this and do not believe strike action is the right way to resolve the issues still under discussion.
"The airport has made what we believe is a fair and responsible offer that is significantly above inflation and reflects both current economic conditions and the need to ensure the long-term sustainability of the business.
"Our priority now is to minimise disruption for customers, many of whom have worked hard and saved for important holidays, family visits and business travel. At this stage we anticipate running near-normal operations during the period.
"Leeds Bradford Airport plays a vital role in connecting Yorkshire to the world. Industrial action has the potential to cause inconvenience for thousands of customers and local businesses who rely on those connections.
"We remain committed to constructive dialogue with Unite and would welcome continued discussions aimed at reaching a resolution. Our focus remains on serving Yorkshire, supporting our colleagues and maintaining safe airport operations."
Emily Sergeant -
24th December 2021 
