Met Office gives 3-month winter weather update amid UK snow forecasts

The Met Office has released its UK weather outlook for the next three months - a period that often sees snowfall across the country. Forecasters predict that this winter is likely to bring average or milder conditions from October to December.

There is a 55% chance that this season will be classified as "near average," which is 0.9 times the normal likelihood. Additionally, there is a 30% chance that the season will be "mild," which is 1.5 times the usual probability. Conversely, there is only a 15% chance that the season will be deemed "cold," representing 0.8 times the normal chance.

"Consistent with our warming climate, there is an increase in the likelihood of mild conditions through the three-month period overall," the outlook states. "However, with an increased chance of northwesterly or northerly outbreaks, there is a greater chance of spells of colder weather, with winter hazards more likely than usual, later in the period." In terms of rain, there was a 70% chance the UK would see "near average" amounts. There is a 20% chance the season will be "dry" and a 10% chance it will be wet. "The chances of a wet three-month period are less than normal," the outlook states.

"However, the chance of a dry three-month period is around normal, due to an increased likelihood of high-pressure patterns influencing the south of the UK. Nevertheless, regional variations in rainfall are to be expected."

The Met Office said that with "northwesterly weather patterns and lower-than-normal pressure to the north", much of the rainfall may occur in upland regions in the north and northwest of the UK.

Meanwhile, areas in the east and south of the country are likely to have less chance of being wet and a greater chance of being dry.

There is a 20% chance that the months ahead will be windy. The expected probability is that there is a 65% chance of winds being near average and a 15% chance of them being calm.

The outlook states: "Through this 3-month period, these show an increased chance of higher-than-normal pressure across or near to the south or southwest of the UK and lower-than-normal pressure to the north of the UK"

The outlook predicts how likely each category is compared to its normal likelihood, which is 60% for "normal" and 20% for the higher or lower categories. It predicts whether each category will differ from normal, based on knowledge of expected global meteorological patterns.

While this says nothing of the chances of a white Christmas, it seems that Brits should be bundling up regardless as this forecast is long-range, it should also be taken with a pinch of salt.

Regardless, October is the perfect time to look for hats, scarves and gloves for cool mornings and blankets for cosy nights ahead.