my local weather said this morning that as from today its windy and mild, sat/sun cold then mild again there after.

i dont think the meto has a clue mild to average back and forth it will probably be cold in the new year. but who knows, i certainly dont,

i enjoy whats ahead tho, nothing special this month im looking int the new year

In the 14 years of so that I've been model watching, I have yet to see a cold spell that has not been picked up and firmed up in MetO guidance. This isn't to say that the period after Christmas won't see a cold outbreak but that it appears to be the less likely of the two options in the MetO's opinion.

UK Outlook for Monday 22 Dec 2014 to Wednesday 31 Dec 2014:

There will be rain across the southern half of the UK on Monday, heaviest and most persistent on western facing hills. Further north conditions will be clearer although there will be showers, turning wintry in places, and these conditions should then spread southwards through Tuesday. From Christmas Eve, cold, windy, and showery conditions are expected, the most frequent showers in the north and east, where they are expected to be wintry over higher ground. Showers will likely ease during Boxing Day. Thereafter, it is thought it will be generally windy throughout with further spells of wet and mild weather, interspersed with colder, showery conditions. Temperatures generally slightly above average in the south, with colder temperatures falling below average in the north.

UK Outlook for Thursday 1 Jan 2015 to Thursday 15 Jan 2015:

The most likely scenario for the coming New Year is for a continuation of unsettled, and at times, windy weather coming from the Atlantic with the wettest weather probably across western parts of the UK, and eastern parts most likely to see the best of any dry weather. Temperatures are generally expected to be around average for the time of year. There is a chance of some overnight and morning fog in places as well as a local frost - this will be most likely across northern areas where there is also a chance of some snow on higher ground. However, there is no strong signal in weather patterns during this period, with a period of colder weather possible too.

Updated at: 1401 on Wed 17 Dec 2014

http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/public/weather/forecast

Note only "Possible" and there is still a lot of uncertainty!!?

D Bett talking about 24th / 25th & 26th ..........saying Xmas Eve likely to be the coldest day of the three with a return to Atlantic winds on Boxing Day

Pretty much as the outlook above suggests...sounds like after Xmas Eve it'll get milder especially in the South.

What I would say is they have certainly covered almost every angle

Just watched it. Seems totally at odds with the MO thread and I'm surprised how confident he sounds about it turning milder after Xmas Day. 

Carol K on Breakfast just said that it might turn colder after Boxing Day, something they are keeping an eye on.

Yes, I noticed that comment too. I suspect, like many of us on here, they are watching the output for that time period closely too. Like many here too I also suspect they will be very cautious about any cold signal until a few days before the event as so much can change. Nonetheless it was nice to see the potential acknowledged. 

Yes quite right and encouraging for coldies in equal measure.

Martyn, not for the first time I have to disagree with you with regards the MetO forecasts. Unlike the trash press they don't engage in sensationalism or headline-grabbing and do not need to fabricate stories for profit. Most of us agree the signals are there but the spread is too great to start being confident - so why mention it other than a possibility?

Aye, in other words, its all Nathan Raos fault!

http://www.bbc.co.uk/weather/feeds/30542777

Thanks - I think she means a little bit of snow to higher levels! lol

Just seen the extended Met Outlook on the Met Office App and it isn't bad for a sustained cold or rather cold period and yes snow is mentioned numerous times through the report from Christmas. Can't post a link yet 'cause their website still has yesterdays update but should be updated soon.

Covers all bases but considering the volatility in the charts it isn't bad imo.

Intriguing.   Maybe, just maybe.    All I want for Christmas* is snow

* Christmas includes the period between Christmas Day and New Year's Day - as I'm off work :)

Agreed - but it's over a week away - a lot can change.  The latest GFS ensemble shows the divergence point occurs about Xmas Day - after that it's all up fro grabs

It's miles better than something like

"the period will see a mobile pattern of weather with rain, heaviest in the West crossing the country, driven by a strong SW wind. Temperatures during the period will generally be above average, other than in cooler air between low pressure systems"

Compared to yesterday and the days before...................big upgrade I say

I saw the BBC London local forecast at 6.30pm presented by Stingjet Stav. He's a good forecaster, but describing temperatures of 8C to 10C tomorrow as 'cold' was daft.