Met Office warns snow may be less likely this winter

Summarised from The Mirror's report · Updated 15 Oct, 21:03 · Archive

The Met Office says UK winters are becoming milder and wetter, making major snow events less probable.

The Met Office has explained how changing long-term weather patterns are likely to affect UK winters. Winter temperatures from 2016 to 2025 were 0.6°C warmer than the 1991 to 2020 average and 1.4°C warmer than the 1961 to 1990 period. Frosts have reduced by around a quarter since the 1980s, and the 'winter half-year' from October to March was 3% wetter during 2016 to 2025 than the 1991 to 2020 average.

Whilst snowy conditions have 'not disappeared', the Met Office said that 'substantial snow events' and the average number of days with falling snow have declined in recent years. The 'warmer climatic backdrop' means major cold spells are now less likely to occur. The Met Office added that 'the familiar characteristics of the UK's seasons are not vanishing overnight' and that 'grey summer days, cool spells, winter frosts and occasional significant snowfall will remain part of the country's weather', though 'the balance is shifting'.

Read the report

• Met Office issues snow verdict as forecasters spot major shift in UK weatherMet Office weather forecasters say our winters have changed in several ways compared to previous years, which could have an impact on how much snow we see in the coming monthsThe Mirror · 15 Oct, 19:19

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