Forecasters have given Wales and the South West a clear heads‑up for Christmas Day. A Met Office yellow wind warning runs 04:00–23:59 on Thursday 25 December 2025, while UKHSA has issued a yellow cold‑health alert for South West England from 18:00 on 25 December to 12:00 on Saturday 27 December. A white Christmas is “highly unlikely”, with a dry few days ahead, according to the Met Office.

The brisk easterly to north‑easterly wind is the main concern, with peak gusts widely at 45–55mph and 55–65mph along exposed coasts and to the west of higher ground. As the Met Office notes, “Given the more unusual wind direction, this may lead to some disruption to transport and power supplies,” with large waves an added coastal hazard.

Temperatures stay modest: around 7C in North East England and 6C in the south and south‑east, but the wind will make it feel colder. Overnight into Boxing Day, frost is likely in western rural areas, dipping to about -6C in parts of rural Scotland and -4C in rural Wales. Jersey did catch a brief flurry this morning, marking its third official white Christmas on record - which, based on local records, would be the first since 1970.

For northern families driving to see relatives across Wales or down to Devon and Cornwall, build in extra time. High‑sided vehicles on exposed routes and bridges are likely to face delays, short‑lived power cuts are possible, and spray with large waves could affect some seafronts. Check updates before setting off.

Sea swims have been a mixed picture. Organisers in Coverack, Cornwall have postponed their Christmas Day dip to New Year’s Day; the Start Bay Inn in Devon has called off its Boxing Day swim; and RNLI Teignmouth said safety must come first amid rough seas and strong winds.

Elsewhere, long‑running traditions pressed on. The Serpentine’s Peter Pan Cup in London went ahead as members of the Serpentine Swimming Club took their Christmas‑morning race in chilly water - a fixture dating back to 1864.

The UKHSA’s yellow alert signals minor but meaningful risk for vulnerable people and extra pressure on health and care services. The NHS in the South West has urged older residents and those with existing conditions to take extra care during very cold snaps, noting spikes in cardiac events soon after the cold sets in and respiratory illness in the days that follow.

Looking beyond today, high pressure keeps it settled and mostly dry, with the easterly breeze easing and sharp night frosts where skies clear. Keep an eye on Met Office updates in case any local warnings are added.