UK weather: Britons tipped for white Christmas as Met Office gives verdict on when snow and ice to return

Although forecasts looking weeks ahead could change, the Met Office's long-range forecast has predicted there could be snow towards the end of the year.

However, the majority of the country is most likely set to be faced with rain and a milder Christmas.

WATCH NOW: The latest weather forecast from the Met Office for GB News

The Met Office long-range forecast, predicting weather patterns between December 24 and January 7 says: "It is more likely to be unsettled compared to the preceding settled spell with bands of rain crossing the UK with brighter conditions and showers in between.

"The wettest and windiest conditions are most likely in the west and northwest.

"The chance of a colder spell of weather, with hazards such as snow and ice, does increase later in December and into the New Year period.

"However, conditions are more likely to remain generally mild and wet."

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The Met Office used to record a white Christmas if a snowflake fell on their headquarters in Bracknell, Berkshire.

However, since they moved to Exeter, all that is needed is a single snowflake falling in the UK in the 24 hours of December 25.

In 2022, nine per cent of weather stations recorded snow falling but none saw snow settling.

There have been only four years when at least 40 per cent of weather stations reported snow on the ground at 9am on December 25 since 1960, those being 1981, 1995, 2009 and 2010.

Sunday is set to see a continuation of unsettled conditions with periods of heavy rain affecting the vast majority of the UK.

Western areas of Britain are most likely to see further heavy rainfall into the evening.

This system has been named as Storm Fergus by The Met Office's Irish counterparts Met Éireann.

Motorists are also being warned to stay up to date with flood warnings in your local area.