Scotland and Northern Ireland Experience Warmest Christmas Morning in Recorded History

Scotland and Northern Ireland Experience Mildest Start to Christmas Day on Record

The UK has witnessed its mildest start to Christmas Day on record, with temperatures reaching unprecedented levels in Scotland and Northern Ireland. According to the Met Office, the highest daily minimum temperature records for Christmas Day have been broken in both regions.

In Kinloss, Moray, temperatures soared to 11.9C, while Killowen, Co Down, peaked at 11C. This is a stark contrast to previous years, where snow and frost were common on Christmas Day. The Met Office forecasts a “dry and cloudy” Christmas Day across most of the UK, with no sign of snow or frost.

Christmas Celebrations in Unseasonable Conditions

The mild weather has allowed people to enjoy outdoor activities on Christmas Day, with many sharing pictures of their festive walks on social media. “Christmas Day walk along the beach. Unseasonably mild, but we’re not complaining,” one user wrote on X. Others have taken advantage of the warmer-than-expected temperatures by going for a dip in open water.

Weather Forecast for Christmas Period

Rain is expected to affect much of Scotland and Northern Ireland overnight into Boxing Day, according to Met Office meteorologist Kathryn Chalk. Elsewhere, it will be cloudy with patchy drizzle in the west, but some clear intervals and local fog patches are possible. On Boxing Day, rain is expected in many parts of the country, affecting central and southern Scotland and parts of Northern Ireland.

However, it will be mostly dry and mild, though rather cloudy further south. A mild, mostly cloudy day is also expected on Friday, with the weekend forecast to be brighter but colder with blustery showers.