A cold health alert has been declared for Christmas Day across the South West, with Somerset among the areas facing freezing conditions. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has activated a yellow cold weather warning starting at 6pm on Christmas Day and lasting until midday on December 27.
The agency cautions that the dropping temperatures could have minor impacts on public health and social care services, including increased demand from vulnerable populations and a heightened risk to life. Early Boxing Day hours are expected to bring freezing temperatures throughout much of Somerset.
According to the Met Office forecast, Christmas Eve will remain mostly dry with variable clouds and clear spells. Temperatures are set to dip to around 0°C overnight, accompanied by windy conditions and the possibility of frost in rural locations.
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Christmas Day itself is predicted to be mostly dry, with sunny intervals across the eastern parts of the region. Meanwhile, the far west may experience cloudier skies, along with some rain or sleet showers. Maximum temperatures will reach around 6°C, though a cold, blustery wind will be present.
The forecast for the following days, from Friday to Sunday, indicates mostly dry weather with fluctuating cloud cover. Nighttime frosts and occasional gusty winds are expected to maintain the chill throughout the weekend.
Specific temperature feels-like figures highlight the chilly conditions. In Taunton, morning temperatures will hover around 0°C, feeling closer to -5°C due to wind chill. Minehead will experience a similar chill, with feels-like temperatures ranging from -4°C in the morning to -5°C by evening. Frome on the eastern side of the county will also feel as cold as -4°C.
Met Office spokesman Oli Claydon described Christmas Day weather as “pretty decent,” with mainly dry and bright conditions, especially in southern England and Wales. He noted cloudier weather further north, though sunny breaks are expected to increase by midday.
A notable factor will be the strong easterly winds, particularly along the south coast, where gusts could be quite pronounced. Claydon reported that high pressure is firmly in place, bringing settled yet cooler conditions compared to recent days.
Regarding the possibility of snow, Claydon said a white Christmas is “highly unlikely.” While a small band of rain may move westwards across the Channel, the chance of it affecting South West England, let alone bringing snow, is very low.
Residents are advised to prepare for cold conditions and take extra care, especially those who are vulnerable to health risks associated with low temperatures during the festive period.