After a year categorised by rain, storms, the September heatwave and flooding, this Christmas could be largely dry for many in west Dorset.

The weeks in the lead up to Christmas have seen the pressure ease in the south, which has generally made it drier than the months before.

According to the Met Office, the UK is set for a White Christmas, but only in the north of Scotland and the Shetland Islands.

Atlantic frontal systems could make the south more wet this Christmas, bringing rain and strong winds to parts of the UK.

Expect a cloudy Christmas Eve with patches of rain and drizzle, but a dry Christmas Day in west Dorset. Heavy rain is forecast on Christmas night in some parts of Dorset.  

Met Office Deputy Chief Meteorologist Dave Hayter said: “Further south will generally be drier, some sporadic showers could spread into the southwest at times, as well as some more persistent rain for Wales on Sunday.

If you are planning on travelling to see loved ones across the county during this festive period, here is the local weather forecast for the weekend:

Bridport:

Saturday, December 23: Cloudy. Highs of 11C.

Sunday, December 24: Overcast. Highs of 13C.

Monday, December 25: Overcast. Highs of 13C.

Tuesday, December 26: Cloudy changing to heavy rain by nighttime. Highs of 11C.

West Bay:

Saturday, December 23: Cloudy. Highs of 11C.

Sunday, December 24: Overcast. Highs of 13C.

Monday, December 25: Overcast. Highs of 13C.

Tuesday, December 26: Cloudy changing to heavy rain by night-time. Highs of 11C.

Lyme Regis:

Saturday, December 23: Overcast. Highs of 11C.

Sunday, December 24: Overcast. Highs of 13C.

Monday, December 25: Overcast. Highs of 12C.

Tuesday, December 26: Cloudy changing to light rain by early evening. Highs of 11C.

For more information and updates on the weather, visit: https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/