Forecasters predict colder winter

Stormy weather meant Hogmanay parties were cancelled last year

Winter in the UK will be colder than last year - one of the warmest seasons on record, the Met Office has said.

Forecasters are also expecting far less rain than last year, which was exceptionally wet.

However, compared with the average temperatures and rainfalls from 1971 to 2000, this winter will be slightly warmer and drier, they say.

BBC Weather's Philip Avery said the forecast was very broad brush and did not mean heavy snow could be ruled out.

Rob Varley, a Met Office spokesman, said most of the winters in the last 10 years have been relatively mild and last winter was the second warmest on record.

"Although the Met Office has predicted the likelihood of another mild winter, we expect it to be noticeably colder than last year," he said.

Even if this winter is warmer than last year, there's always the possibility of short, sharp spells of extreme weather Philip Avery, BBC weatherman

The 1971 to 2000 average winter temperature for the UK was 3.7C (38.7F), and rainfall 13in.

Last year saw an average temperature of 5.6C (42.8F) and an average rainfall of 17.2in.

The Met Office's forecast allows contingency and resource planners in government and business to be prepared for the winter ahead.

Mr Avery said: "Whilst this is giving guidance, it's still not fingering the bits and pieces that will make headline news.

"Even if this winter is warmer than last year, there's always the possibility of short, sharp spells of extreme weather."