What the weather will be like in Lancashire this festive week - and the chances of a white Christmas
Lancashire is set for a colder but largely settled run-up to Christmas, with frost, chilly winds and dry conditions forecast for Christmas Day.
According to the Met Office, unsettled weather early in the week will give way to higher pressure from Christmas Eve, bringing more stable conditions across the county.
Early week: Cloudy and mild before colder air arrives
Cloud will increase from the east on Monday evening (December 22), with occasional light rain or drizzle possible over higher ground.
It will remain mild overnight, with temperatures dipping to around 5C in brisk easterly winds.
Tuesday (December 23) is expected to be largely dry for many, although skies will remain grey for much of the day.
Some brighter spells may develop in the afternoon, with temperatures close to average for the time of year at around 7C, though it will feel colder in strengthening easterly winds.
Christmas Eve and Christmas Day: Cold, dry and frosty
From Wednesday (Christmas Eve), high pressure is forecast to build, bringing a more settled period.
While cloud will linger at times, sunny spells are also expected, with much colder conditions developing overnight.
Christmas Day itself is forecast to be mostly dry, with variable cloud and some sunshine.
Daytime temperatures are expected to reach around 7C, dropping to lows of around 2C overnight.
The chance of rain is less than five per cent throughout the day, although brisk easterly winds will make it feel colder.
Will Lancashire see a white Christmas?
The Met Office says there is only a small chance of wintry showers on Christmas Day - mainly over higher ground.
Paul Gundersen, Chief Meteorologist at the Met Office, said: “The question we get most at this time of year is about the chance of snow on Christmas Day.
“There’s a small chance of light showers, which, if they occur, will be a mix of rain, sleet and some snow over higher ground.
“The chance is relatively low as it stands, and there are no strong signals for significant or widespread snowfall.”
He added that people should continue to check forecasts if travelling over the festive period.
For an official white Christmas to be declared, a single snowflake must be observed falling at a Met Office weather station during the 24 hours of December 25.
Beyond Christmas
Looking ahead to the days after Christmas, high pressure is expected to remain close to the UK, bringing largely settled weather into the New Year.
Frost and fog are likely to develop in places, particularly overnight and during early mornings.