Rain or Shine...

WILLIAM HILL has cut the odds for a White Christmas in London, Cardiff, Glasgow or Birmingham from 5-1 to 4-1 - but is also taking bets for a wet, warm or windy Christmas.

It offers even money for a wet one, 4-1 for a warm one (50F-plus) or 7-1 for severe gales. Meteorologist Piers Corbyn, who bets pounds 10,000 a year on the weather, has bet pounds 240 that Christmas Day will see thunderstorms, rain and gales.