DESPITE this December being a rather mild one, it is not expected to last too much longer, and there is even the chance to snow, according to weather experts.

It is anticipated the weather will turn cooler and cooler as we head toward the big day, with Christmas looking set to be a rather grey and chilly one , which could even bring rain.

Ian Michaelwaite, from Netweather.tv, said: "The temperature seems to be changing all the time, but I do not think Christmas will be particular warm. There certainly wont be any records broken for warmest Christmas, contrary to rumour.

"Into the weekend, the temperature will drop off before Sunday is fairly mild again. Having said that, Monday could feel quite chilly again and this will most likely continue into Christmas Eve.

"We expect Christmas Day to be around the five to seven degrees mark, with a grey outlook. There is even the chance of showers."

Although Christmas sounds like it could be rather bleak, excitement is building as there is a possibility of snow soon after.

Mr Michaelwaite said: "Christmas Day doesn't look particularly great, but it's the days after that weather experts are getting excited about.

"As we head out of the Christmas week, it will turn noticeably colder and there is a chance of the white stuff coming, around December 27 and 28.

"So it could be a white Christmas period, but it doesn't look like we will be waking up to a white Christmas Day, unfortunately."