This month has been the warmest December in more than 15 years but it is unlikely to become the hottest on record.

As of yesterday afternoon, the average temperature for the month has been 70F (21.1C), the highest in at least 15 years.

James Dodgson, the deputy director of the Bermuda Weather Service, said that while temperatures were expected to remain above average for the next few days, we were unlikely to break the record set in 1978.

“The 1978 record December maximum of 80F (26.6C) will not be bettered this December,” he said. “The highest we reached this year was 77F (25C) on December 3, and this is unlikely to be beaten.

“With regards these warmer than average temperatures, we are finally set to get a cooldown behind a cold front that sweeps through our area this weekend, with some associated shower activity. We haven’t seen any appreciable rain since December 10, when 0.78 inches fell.”

Saturday’s high is forecast to be 74F (23C), however, by Sunday this daytime high is expected to drop to 69F (21C), with lows of 61F (16C).

Bermuda is not the only area experiencing unseasonably warm weather. Temperatures at the North Pole have risen above freezing — something almost unheard of at this time of year.

“This is due to an unusual kink in the jet stream towards northwestern Europe that is drawing warmer than average air towards the North Pole,” Mr Dodgson said. “It is also the reason for all the flooding in Britain.”