Weather insight: Will Scotland get a white Christmas this year?

We’re getting to that point of December where you might be wondering if we’ll be sweltering through Christmas like roasted chestnuts or wrapped up in a Bing Crosby-style winter wonderland?

While it’s too early to hang my stocking on any definitive forecast, there are some trends hinting at what could unfold as the big day approaches.

After a chilly week, temperatures are set to climb this weekend, with a peak of around 13°C expected in Aberdeenshire on Sunday and Monday. This milder spell will be accompanied by gusty winds and heavy rain, particularly in the west, towards the end of the weekend.

Looking beyond that, a dip in temperatures is likely later next week, bringing more wintry conditions, especially across the northern hills.

When it comes to Christmas itself, the major forecasting models are currently split. Some suggest fairly average December weather, while others hint at a colder northerly airflow that could bring snow to lower levels – most likely in northern regions.

Forget a pinch, here comes my truck load of salt to melt your snowy dreams… On balance, when all computer models are taken into account, things just look pretty average which would allow for snow at least on the hills.

But if as the days go on more and more computer models begin to fall into the colder camp, then we could be looking at a white Christmas. Meteorologically, it’s just too early to have any great deal of confidence.

So, while I can’t promise a white Christmas just yet, there’s still a glimmer of hope! Keep your sledges handy, your fingers crossed, and stay tuned – I’ll update you next week with the latest.