Cold and rainy weather to unfold across UK this weekend as Christmas markets open

By Kristina Pydynowski, Senior Meteorologist

November 16,2016; 9:49PM,EST

 

 

Jackets and brollies may be needed across the United Kingdom this weekend as more Christmas markets open up.
This is the first weekend of Christmas markets in York, Edinburgh, Birmingham, Belfast, Exeter, Winchester and Nottingham. Hyde Park's Winter Wonderland in London opens on 18 November.
Chilly air will cover the U.K. this weekend and make it feel like Christmas is fast approaching. Rain, however, could to put a damper on the festive mood, especially across the southern U.K.

Ice sculptor Jack Hackney poses for photographers beside ice sculptures in the "Magical Ice Kingdom" at the "Hyde Park Winter Wonderland" in London, Thursday, Nov. 21, 2013. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham)
Scattered showers will stream onto the western coast on Saturday. Wintry showers will occur in the hills.
A more potent depression will move in later in the day and into Sunday.
The depression will target the southern U.K. with soaking rain and gusty winds. Enough cold air could be in place for snow in the hills.
Saturday will be the better day this weekend to attend Christmas markets across most of southern and eastern England. This includes in Winchester, home to one of the largest Christmas markets in the south of England.
RELATED:
Check MinuteCast® for your location
United Kingdom radar
2016 United Kingdom winter forecast
Rain will first reach far southwestern England on Saturday afternoon before spreading eastward into Sunday. Showery spells in Exeter on Saturday will give way to steadier rain at night.
How far north the depression tracks will determine if the steadiest rain is confined to southern England or expands to the north of England.
A farther south track of the depression would also spare southern England of wind gusts that could reach 50-60 mph (80-95 km/h).

"Based on the current projected track of the depression, the core of those strongest winds will be aimed at the English Channel and northern France and miss most of England," AccuWeather Meteorologist Rob Richards said.
"Even if the strongest winds remain to the south, Sunday will still be a breezy day for London and most of England."
The quietest weather for the opening of Christmas markets this weekend will be in Edinburgh and Belfast.
Those heading out will want to wrap up as temperatures will hold 3-4 degrees Celsius (6-8 degrees Fahrenheit) below normal to highs of 5-6 C (lower 40s F) both Saturday and Sunday.
Similar highs will be recorded elsewhere in the northern U.K. this weekend.
In Wales and the south of England, highs will range from 5-9 C (41-49 F). However, temperatures could crawl above 10 F (50 F) southeast of London on Sunday.