Jersey has a White Christmas for the first time in 55 years after snow falls

A white Christmas has been declared in Jersey for the first time since 1970 after snowflakes were spotted.

The Jersey Metrological service said snowflakes were spotted falling from the sky at about 4.30am by forecasters as well as islanders.

It marks their third official white Christmas on the self-governing island since records began.

Other parts of the UK meanwhile have been gripped by cold temperatures and strong winds, with weather warnings in place.

The Met Office warned of 55mph gusts throughout the day, which could wreak havoc on travel and cause power cuts in the affected areas.

A separate cold alert is also active in parts of England for the next three days, with vulnerable people at a particular risk from the forecast weather.

As for the weather in the rest of the country, today is expected to be mostly dry with light cloud and sunny spells, but due to a strong wind, 5C temperatures will feel like below freezing, the forecaster said.

Where is Met Office yellow wind warning active?

The yellow wind warning is in place from 4am until midnight today in the South West of England and most of Wales, where strong and gusty east to northeasterly winds could lead to disruption.

Wind could reach up to 55-65mph on exposed coastal stretches and the west side of prominent hills, which might lead to transport and power supply issues, Met Office said.

Large waves could pose a risk too, the forecaster warned, adding that people should take care if walking near cliffs today.

The unpredictable conditions forced organisers to postpone annual events like the Coverack swim in Cornwall, while a Boxing Day swim in Devon had to be cancelled due to rough seas.

What is the cold weather health alert?

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) issued its yellow alert for cold weather, effective from today at 6pm until midday of December 27 in the South West of England.

The agency, which monitors diseases and outbreaks, said the weather is likely to see increased use of healthcare services by vulnerable people and greater risk to their life.

Will it snow elsewhere in the UK this Christmas?

Steve Willington, a Met Office chief meteorologist, said: ‘The festive forecast doesn’t contain a signal for widespread snowfall, with most if not all areas remaining dry.

‘There is a small chance of a light shower, most likely a mix of rain and sleet, with some snow possible over high ground.’

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