A “colder than average” Christmas is now “strongly favoured”, a Bournemouth weather enthusiast has said.

Twitter-based forecaster DorsetSnow said current weather models are suggesting temperatures will cool in time for Christmas.

However, if you’re hoping for a white Christmas it looks “highly unlikely” but he said wintry showers can’t be completely ruled out at this stage. 

Speaking to the Daily Echo yesterday, DorsetSnow said: “Current model output is suggesting a cool down just in time for Christmas after the mild spell we are currently experiencing.

"This means there is a greater risk of northerly winds, bringing the threat of a sharp frost on Christmas Eve and a cold, bright Christmas Day. A white Christmas currently looks highly unlikely, although it is too early to completely rule out any light wintry showers."

He added: “Current confidence in the forecast is about 65% at nine days range. A cool spell looks possible to continue from Christmas into the new year, although we need more time to pin down any further details.”