Forecasters have dashed hopes of white Christmas in Essex this year, with temperatures forecast to be above average this time next week.
Milder air has been creeping in this week, and the warm temperatures are set to stick around for the festive period.
Not looking very promising for any snow over Christmas period. Temperatures likely to be slightly above average for the 25th.
— Essex Weather Centre (@EssexWeather) December 17, 2014
And the long term Met Office forecast does not suggest a cold spell in the early part of next year.
It comes as 2014 is predicted to be the warmest year on record. Scientists partly attribute the rise to global warming, with September one of the driest on record and October one of the warmest.
In the short term, the rest of the week will stay mild and dry, rising to 13C tomorrow, but going no lower than 8C on Saturday.
