White Christmas 2022: Anticipations and when did this last occur?
This week will be frigid in the UK, and snow and ice warnings are in effect for parts of the nation.
By ET Spotlight Special |
Reuters
Big Ben draped in white on Christmas day is a sight to behold. But when was the last time Christmas was white in London? What is the chance that we will get one this year?
When was the last time Christmas was white in London?
Every time a snowflake falls on Christmas day, it is deemed a "white Christmas" by The Met Office. The most recent occurrence was in 2021, with white Christmases also categorised for 2020 and 2017. But it's been over 20 years since the capital last had a white Christmas. Since 1960, London has experienced six white Christmases, according to the definition of a snowflake given above: in 1964, 1968, 1970, 1976, 1996, and 1999.
In the UK, January and February are the months when snow is most likely to fall, with an average of over 3.9 days with snowfall or sleet falling in the month of December compared to more than five days in January and February. White Christmases, however, have not always been so uncommon in London. The Met Office claims that between 1550 and 1850 when Britain (and the entire Northern hemisphere) was experiencing what is now known as the Little Ice Age, winters were exceptionally protracted and harsh.
This explains why winter is given such a severe picture in Charles Dickens' books, such as A Christmas Carol.
When was the last time Christmas was white in London?
Every time a snowflake falls on Christmas day, it is deemed a "white Christmas" by The Met Office. The most recent occurrence was in 2021, with white Christmases also categorised for 2020 and 2017. But it's been over 20 years since the capital last had a white Christmas. Since 1960, London has experienced six white Christmases, according to the definition of a snowflake given above: in 1964, 1968, 1970, 1976, 1996, and 1999.
In the UK, January and February are the months when snow is most likely to fall, with an average of over 3.9 days with snowfall or sleet falling in the month of December compared to more than five days in January and February. White Christmases, however, have not always been so uncommon in London. The Met Office claims that between 1550 and 1850 when Britain (and the entire Northern hemisphere) was experiencing what is now known as the Little Ice Age, winters were exceptionally protracted and harsh.
This explains why winter is given such a severe picture in Charles Dickens' books, such as A Christmas Carol.
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FAQs:
- Will there likely be a white Christmas in London this year?
The oddsmakers appear upbeat about the likelihood of a white Christmas in the UK this year. White Christmas bettors appear ready to succeed this year, according to Alex Apati of Ladbrokes, if the most recent odds are any indication. - Does it frequently snow in London?
Between December and February, the daily high is roughly 48°F (9°C), while the daily low is often 41°F (5°C). Snowfall and temperatures below freezing, however, are not unheard of.
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