The run up to Christmas 2010 looks very cold with many parts of the UK (particularly top and tail ends of the country) would have been covered by snow by the 25th. Indications are that Christmas day will be dry but very cold initially with a continental influence atleast momenterally covering eastern and southern parts of the UK. Low level surface cold from the east may lead to some misty conditions with freezing fog. After this high pressure may edge closer to the UK with only Northern Scotland having an ease of the very cold weather. New year looks dry at this stage.