It is unlikely to be white, but Meteorological Office predictions indicate that this Christmas will be relatively cold, with the possibility of isolated showers, especially on Christmas Day itself.

Duty forecaster Brian Micallef said the high-pressure system which at present extends from central Europe to Libya, will start to move slowly eastwards.

As a result, a stronger south-easterly wind is likely to prevail this weekend and this will raise the temperature as warmer air from Libya will reach the country.

Mr Micallef added, however, that a low-pressure system is expected to move from Tunisia towards the Tyrrhenian Sea on Christmas Eve.

The wind will veer from the south-east to the north-east and will again bring lower temperatures on both the eve of Christmas and on the day itself.

Finer weather is expected on both days, but there will still be the possibility of isolated showers, especially on Christmas Day. Maximum temperatures are expected to range between 16 and 18 degrees Celsius between today and Wednesday, while minimum temperatures could go as low as 12 degrees.