THE unseasonally mild weather threatens to melt away the hopes of winter sports enthusiasts, with Scotland forecast to be battered by 55mph storms in the run-up to Christmas.

Warm air masses have melted much of recent snowfalls and all of Scotland’s five ski resorts are yet to open – and may not do so until the New Year.

The bare slopes at the CairnGorm Mountain centre, near Aviemore, yesterday were a far cry from the snow that fell in the region 12 months ago.

Centres across Scotland will be hoping for a cold snap in the coming days to give skiers some festive cheer.

The Sportscotland Avalanche Information Service (SAIS) has this week already started assessing avalanche hazard in six areas – Lochaber, Glen Coe, Creag Meagaidh, Southern Cairngorms, Northern Cairngorms and Torridon.

The reports are not usually issued until mid-April.

In its first posting, Northern Cairngorms described conditions as “tropical”, while the others also noted the “mild” conditions, though Creag Meagaidh did note one avalanche.

“The rest of the snowpack is thawing and pretty stable, but a few well-known places on our patch have some further full-depth avalanche potential. 

“Unlikely to be  as dramatic as the bigger events of last season, but worth bearing in mind if you’re venturing into our area,” the recorder wrote on his blog.

“We have much more snow than the ‘Gorms at the moment but who knows how long it will last given the unseasonal temperatures projected for the next few days.”

Meanwhile, gusts of 50-55mph are forecast from tomorrow (Sun) in Scotland, with the worst-hit areas in the west, lasting until Wednesday. Washouts are due and floods threaten. 

The Weather Channel forecasts “stormy” conditions, including gales on Christmas Eve, with more storms on the way after a windy Christmas Day. 

RAC spokesman Simon Williams said: “Don’t let the weather ruin your Christmas. Drive according to the conditions.” 

Met Office issued severe weather warnings and predicted localised floods as downpours hit today (Sat), with the weather worst in the Borders and the west. 

The Met Office warning for the areas said: “Be aware of the potential for localised disruption.” 

A Met Office forecaster said: “Sunday to Tuesday will be windy, with gales at times. Locally heavy rain is forecast on Monday, with strong winds in the north on Tuesday. 
“After Wednesday, the weather is expected to remain unsettled across all parts, with the north and west most prone for gales and the heaviest and most persistent rain.” 

Weather Channel forecaster Leon Brown said: “Next week looks quite stormy from Monday. Keep up to date with forecast updates if travelling. 

“Another wet and windy spell is forecast for Christmas Eve with a risk of gales in the north and west. 

“Christmas Day looks like starting windy – and, after Christmas Day, beware stormy conditions with gales and heavy rain from deep Atlantic depressions.” 

With homes in the Borders and Cumbria still mopping up after recent floods, insurers expect the total bill for Storm Desmond to reach about £520 million.

The Association of British Insurers (ABI) said its members have already helped nearly 1,500 families to move into alternative accommodation and have so far made 
emergency payments totalling £2.6m.

Emergency payments are cash given to flood-affected families and businesses to spend on items they need immediately, such as replacement Christmas gifts for ones that have been destroyed, as well as food, clothing, staff salaries for firms forced to shut and domestic appliances. 

Costs for alternative home or business accommodation are paid directly by insurers.

The extreme weather that hit the UK earlier in December resulted in major flooding to properties across swathes of Cumbria, Lancashire and in the Scottish borders.