Brits making a last-minute getaway for Christmas will be pumelled by torrential rain, strong winds and endless grey skies, forecasters warn.
Its looking set to be more of a grey Christmas than a white one as the wet weather that lashed large parts of Britain last week continues.
While temperatures remain mild for the time of year and parts of Scotland will be bathing in sunshine, elsewhere today itll be another wash-out.
The Met Office is expecting torrential rain in many places, making already expected traffic jams even longer.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Motorists are being warned to keep an eye out for standing water and have been advised to wait until after 8pm in order to avoid the Christmas rush.
Asda opening times for Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day 2018
RACs Matt Dallaway warned people to avoid heading out between 4pm and 6pm today and tomorrow lunchtime, because this would be the busiest time on the roads.
Everyone is a hurry to see their loved ones and friends and family, but please think about when youre going to travel, he said.
Monday could start off foggy with patchy rain sticking around – but things may be a little drier come Christmas day.
Chief Met Office Meteorologist, Will Lang, said: The mild weather will continue into Christmas Eve for many, with cloud and spells of rain across the south, though itll still be a little colder across northern parts, with drier, brighter weather here.
At the moment, it looks like its going to turn more settled by Christmas Day as high pressure builds across the country.
Some of us will likely wake up to mist and fog on Christmas morning and although it should be a dry day for most, cloud could linger through the day.
Those spending the day in northern and eastern parts of the country have the best chance of seeing some sunshine, perhaps following a frosty start.
Man arrested for drink-driving after teens were killed in car crash is released
The RACs Mark Souster urged drivers to properly check their cars before setting off today to avoid breaking down en route.
Advertisement
Advertisement
A single breakdown can bring some roads to a grinding halt, slowing down the Christmas getaway for all of us, he said.
A few moments spent checking things like fuel, oil, coolant and screenwash levels and the condition and pressure of tyres could make the difference between a stress-free journey and one plagued by a breakdown.
It might feel like yet another thing to think about before Christmas but its a fact that many of the breakdowns we see are avoidable if drivers just do these few checks before they set out.
While its unlikely any of us will see the white stuff this Christmas, the weather may still have some surprises in store – namely fog which can reduce visibility significantly, and some heavy showers that can lead to slippery road surfaces.
We recommend drivers take their time on their Christmas journeys, expect delays and adjust their speed and driving style to suit the conditions.
Post Office opening times for Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day
Mr Lang said that beyond Christmas we should see much more dry weather, though things could get a lot colder – with the risk of fog and frost.
Although the weather is expected to turn more settled, we advise people to keep an eye on the forecast as driving in fog can often be challenging, he said.
Advertisement
That all sounds like the perfect excuse to stay inside in your pjs until 2019.
Advertisement
Advertisement
[contf]
[contfnew]
METRO
[contfnewc]
[contfnewc]
