Around this time each year, there is a common question ringing through the air… will we see a White Christmas?

Unfortunately for the UK and Ireland, the answer is, not likely. Christmas is only the start of our snowy season, with flakes more likely to fall between January and March.

Snow at Christmas were more common in the 18th and 19th centuries with a cooler climate.

A White Christmas is defined as a single snowflake falling within the 24 hours of Christmas Day. The snow doesn't have to settle, just be observed falling.

Since 1960, half of the years have seen over 5% of weather stations recording snow falling on Christmas, meaning a White Christmas has a fifty-fifty chance.

More widespread snow at Christmas is much rarer, with snow falling at more than 40% of stations just four times since 1960.