UK set to hit 13C on Christmas, outshining Greece and Rome

The weather forecast suggests an unusually warm Christmas Day for the United Kingdom, with temperatures possibly reaching up to 13C in some areas. This weather pattern is attributed to the Azores High, a significant region of high pressure that generally brings warmer conditions. According to the Met Office, this warm spell will render the UK hotter than several Mediterranean cities, including Corfu, Rome, and Istanbul, which are predicted to see temperatures around 12C. The Met Office forecasts a marked increase in temperatures, likely doubling the usual averages of 7C to 8C for this time of year. Deputy Chief Meteorologist Rebekah Hicks explained that this warm influx is expected to commence as high pressure begins settling over the UK ahead of the Christmas period. On Christmas Day, cloudy skies are anticipated, with possible sunny spells in the eastern regions. Parts of Scotland could experience especially dramatic temperature changes, with overnight temperatures predicted to be up to 10C above the average on Christmas morning. East and northeast Scotland are projected to see the most significant increases, contributing to the overall exceptionally mild conditions throughout the UK. Weather conditions will generally be settled and milder as the festive period approaches, contrasting sharply with the severe weather disruptions experienced over the previous weekend. Strong winds caused considerable travel delays, including cancelled flights and storms affecting various regions, showing the volatility of the weather in the region leading into the holiday.