UK Faces a 60-Hour Snow Deluge Starting December 9th – Could It Return in 2025?

Each winter in the United Kingdom brings with it the expectation of frost, icy roads, and the occasional snowfall that transforms towns and villages into seasonal scenes. Yet at times the weather shifts beyond the picturesque and into the disruptive. Headlines in recent years have warned of the possibility of a “60-hour snow deluge” beginning on 9 December, with forecasts of widespread travel chaos, pressure on public services, and interruptions to daily life.

This naturally raises a question as the winter of 2025 approaches: could such a prolonged snow event happen again this year? To answer this, we need to examine what the phrase really means, as we previously covered two topics on UK Faces a 60-Hour Snow Deluge Starting December 9th & Complete detailed overview with meteorological conditions that drive such events, the climatological context for early December in the UK, and how forecasts shape public expectations.

1. What Does “60-Hour Snow Deluge” Really Mean?

The term “60-hour snow deluge” is dramatic but can be misleading. It rarely refers to a continuous blizzard across the whole country. Instead, it typically describes a multi-day period of heightened risk of snow, where some regions may see persistent showers while others experience only brief or intermittent flurries.

Events of this type usually occur when cold Arctic or polar-maritime air is drawn over the British Isles. As this air mass passes across relatively warmer seas, it collects moisture. When it meets land particularly over higher ground the air is forced upwards, condensing into snow showers. These showers can recur repeatedly over hours and days, creating the impression of a near-continuous snow episode.

In exposed upland areas such as the Highlands, the Pennines, and Snowdonia, this can result in substantial accumulations. In lowland and coastal areas, precipitation often falls as sleet or cold rain, with snow settling only briefly.

2. The Meteorological Set-Up Behind a 60-Hour Event

The classic ingredients for a multi-day snow event are:

1. Blocking High Pressure in the North Atlantic
   A strong ridge builds over Greenland or the mid-Atlantic, pushing the jet stream further south. This allows Arctic air to flow into the UK.
2. Northerly and North-Easterly Winds
   With the jet displaced, surface winds swing round to the north or north-east, drawing down cold air masses.
3. Sea-Effect Snow Showers
   As the cold air crosses the North Sea, Irish Sea or Atlantic, it picks up moisture. On reaching land, orographic uplift forces it upwards, generating snow showers.
4. Embedded Troughs or Small Lows
   These features can organise showers into longer-lasting bands, leading to particularly heavy falls where they stall.
5. Longevity of the Pattern
   Because blocking patterns can persist for days, the resulting snow risk can stretch across a 48–72-hour period, hence the term “60-hour deluge”.

3. Historical Precedents

Several early-December events illustrate how such a scenario can unfold:

• December 1990: Severe blizzards struck much of the country, with drifts several metres deep in exposed locations and major travel disruption.
• December 2010: One of the coldest Decembers on record. Snow remained on the ground across large parts of the UK for weeks, halting transport and closing schools.
• Early December 2022: Parts of Scotland and northern England endured repeated snow showers driven by Arctic air, though this was shorter-lived than the 2010 event.

These cases confirm that prolonged early-December snow events are unusual but not unprecedented.

4. Snow in December: A UK Climate Perspective

Climatologically, December is not the snowiest month of the year for the UK. January and February typically bring more frequent and widespread snow because the atmosphere is colder.

• Southern England averages only 0–2 days with lying snow in December.
• Northern uplands can expect 5–10 days with snow cover in an average December.
• The chance of a disruptive, nationwide snow event early in the month is relatively small, though not impossible.

Thus, while a snow deluge beginning on 9 December would be noteworthy, it is well within the bounds of historical precedent.

5. The Outlook for Winter 2025/26

To judge the likelihood of a repeat event this year, it is necessary to consider the broader climate drivers influencing winter weather.

a) ENSO (El Niño–Southern Oscillation)

Shifts between El Niño, La Niña and neutral phases can alter the behaviour of the jet stream. La Niña winters sometimes correspond with colder European conditions, though the relationship is not consistent.

b) The Polar Vortex

A weak or disrupted Polar Vortex allows Arctic air to spill southwards, increasing the chance of cold outbreaks. A strong vortex, however, tends to confine cold air to the Arctic.

c) The North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO)

A negative NAO indicates blocking high pressure over the Atlantic, favouring cold, snowy weather in the UK. A positive NAO brings a stormier, milder pattern. Seasonal models for late 2025 lean towards a positive or neutral NAO in December, suggesting milder conditions.

d) Seasonal Projections

Early outlooks indicate that December 2025 is likely to start on the mild side, with colder weather more probable later in winter, particularly in January and February 2026.

6. Could a 60-Hour Deluge Happen on 9 December 2025?

At present, the probability of a sustained snow event exactly around 9 December 2025 is low but not zero.

• Why it seems unlikely: Early winter climatology favours rain in much of England and Wales, and seasonal forecasts point towards milder than average conditions at the start of December.
• Why it cannot be ruled out: Blocking highs can still develop unexpectedly, and if the Polar Vortex weakens sharply, a cold outbreak could align with this period.

In short, whilst the headline-grabbing 60-hour snow deluge appears improbable for early December 2025, the pattern is meteorologically possible given the UK’s volatile climate.

7. Regional Impacts if Such an Event Did Occur

• Scotland: The Highlands would be hardest hit, with potential for 15–20 cm or more in upland areas.
• Northern England: Cumbria, the Pennines, and Northumberland would likely see significant falls, possibly 5–10 cm.
• Wales: Snowdonia and higher inland terrain would be affected, while coastal areas would likely receive cold rain.
• Midlands and Southern England: Mostly marginal. Short-lived snow possible during heavy showers, but accumulations would be limited.
• Northern Ireland: Frequent showers possible along northern and western coasts, with higher ground most at risk.

8. Consequences for Daily Life

If a prolonged snow event were to unfold, the consequences could be wide-ranging:

• Transport: Roads, railways, and airports would face disruption, particularly cross-Pennine routes, Highland passes, and the M62 corridor.
• Utilities: Heavy, wet snow and gusty winds can damage power lines and interrupt supplies.
• Education: School closures are often necessary in rural and upland communities where buses cannot safely operate.
• Healthcare: Hospitals usually see rises in admissions from slips, falls, and cold-related health issues.
• Economy: Supply chains and retail trade may be disrupted, especially in the run-up to Christmas.

9. Preparedness and Mitigation

If forecasts begin to point towards such an event, preparations should include:

1. Transport Readiness: Vehicles winter-checked, with emergency kits carried on long journeys.
2. Home Planning: Essentials stocked, boilers serviced, and grit or salt available for paths and driveways.
3. Community Spirit: Neighbours, especially the elderly or vulnerable, should be checked on.
4. Digital Flexibility: Schools and employers should have contingency plans for remote learning and working.
5. Forecast Monitoring: Keep up with official short-range updates, which are most accurate within two to five days of the event.

10. Lessons from the Past

One lesson from past winters is that snow forecasting in the UK is highly uncertain at long range. Sensational headlines about multi-day snowstorms weeks in advance often fade into less dramatic realities. A change of just one or two degrees can mean the difference between heavy snow and cold rain.

Therefore, it is best to treat long-range forecasts as general guidance while relying on official short-range updates for practical decision-making. This balance allows for preparation without unnecessary panic.

Conclusion

The prospect of a “60-hour snow deluge” starting on 9 December illustrates the disruptive power of UK winters. While such events are meteorologically possible and have occurred in the past, the chance of a repeat in December 2025 currently appears low, with forecasts suggesting a milder start to winter.

Nevertheless, the UK’s climate remains unpredictable. Blocking highs, sudden stratospheric warming, or a weakened Polar Vortex could quickly change the outlook, potentially leading to significant snowfall later in the season.

The wisest approach for households, businesses, and local authorities is to remain aware, prepared, and flexible. Whether December 2025 delivers a few flurries or something more substantial, being ready for the unexpected is part and parcel of life in a British winter.