The UK looks to be set for colder weather and even the possibility of snow for the remainder of December as weather experts suggest a white Christmas could be on its way.
With the country still feeling the effects of the cold snap earlier this month — you only needed to look around Manchester‘s canals to guess how low the thermometer has been — meteorologists are predicting that we haven’t seen the last of it.
According to the Met Office, “cold air and wintry conditions” are on their way in time for Christmas Day and while regions towards the Midlands and the south of England are mainly due for rain and blustery winds, the prospective snow will likely be confined to the north of the UK.
To meet the official criteria of a ‘white Christmas’, just one single snowflake needs to be spotted during the 24-hour period on 25 December, but just how likely is it?
A mild and green #Christmas is on the cards for many this year 🎄 but cold air will be pushing southwards late on Christmas Day into Boxing Day 👇 pic.twitter.com/xTCbp0wbfw
The Met Office has informed various news outlets that while it remains uncertain and less probable that we will see “significant snowfall” on the way, people in elevated areas can expect ‘dustings’ of snow due to the altitude.
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Speaking to the MEN on the chances of the North West and Greater Manchester, specifically, getting a similar treatment, a spokesperson said that the current forecast for Sunday “is likely to contain a mix of rain, sleet and snow with the wintry elements most likely over higher ground.”
At the moment, given that the milder air is dominating more southern regions compared to a colder blast in the north, they are now trying to ascertain “the exact location for the boundary between these two air masses.”
Still, at present, the long-range forecast from Boxing Day to Wednesday, 4 January, includes “a fairly windy and changeable period of weather, with rain, and some snow at times, interspersed with colder, brighter spells”, as well as “more widely colder conditions, overnight frost and crisp but sunny days.”
We technically had a white Christmas in 2021, though there was technically less than 1% of snowfall reported; however, the last widespread white Christmas is generally considered to have taken place over a decade ago in 2010.
Nevertheless, with millions of Brits struggling to heat their homes this winter, there will no doubt be many hoping that we narrowly avoid snowy and icy conditions altogether.
Arrest made after 14-year-old boy found in critical condition on Market Street
Daisy Jackson
An arrest has been made after a teenage boy was found unresponsive on Market Street in Manchester city centre.
Detectives believe that the boy, 14, was approached by seven males who stole a designer jacket from him.
Following the altercation, he went into cardiac arrest and was rushed to hospital in a critical condition.
Thankfully, the teenager is continuing to recover well.
Detectives from Manchester City Centre Criminal Investigation Department confirmed that an 18-year-old male was arrested yesterday, Thursday 20 February.
He has been arrested on suspicion of robbery and remains in police custody.
Detective Inspector Mark Astbury of GMP’s City Centre Criminal Investigation Department, said: “We hope the victim can continue his recovery following what must have been a terrifying ordeal for him.
“Officers are fully investigating all aspects of this shocking incident that has left a man with serious injuries in hospital.
“Our work doesn’t stop here, we are continuing to investigate this incident and information from the public plays an incredibly important role in our investigations and I ask that the community keep talking to us and keep sharing their concerns with us so our teams can act.”
If you have any information, contact GMP 101 or 0161 856 4305 quoting log 2854 of 16/2/25.
Comedy is being prescribed instead of antidepressants as part of UK trials
Emily Sergeant
Trials are currently underway to see if comedy could be an alternative to antidepressants as a way to reduce NHS costs.
UK tech company Craic Health has secured important funding for its ‘comedy on prescription’ project that’s aimed at helping the Government work with the comedy industry, communities, and organisations on comedy-based social prescriptions in the hope that they can solve financial struggles within the NHS.
The groundbreaking scheme uses stand-up shows and workshops to help people who are isolated, lonely, and vulnerable.
Craic believes comedy is an ‘untapped opportunity’ to improve health and wellbeing, and has a goal to make comedy easier to access, so that it can help communities experience its mental health and social benefits.
To achieve this, the company has started trialling Comedy-on-Prescription experiences in the UK – starting in London, with the potential for expansion – which includes things like curated comedy panel game show events and workshops, and general stand-up comedy shows at some of the capital’s world-famous venues.
Comedy is being prescribed instead of antidepressants as part of UK trials / Credit: Wikimedia Commons
“Mental health issues like loneliness, isolation, and stress are more common than ever,” the company explains.
“So much so that it’s projected that by 2030, mental health problems, particularly depression, will be the leading cause of mortality and morbidity globally, [but] in this challenging world, comedy stands out as a universal language that breaks barriers.
“Research shows that comedy and laughter have powerful effects – they bring people together, create positive connections, and make life more enjoyable.”
Craic Health says that social prescribing, of which Comedy-on-Prescription is a part of, is all about inclusivity, which makes it making it suitable for people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities.
Its focus is on personalised support, tailored to individual needs and preferences.
Danny Jones -
22nd December 2022 
