Any lingering hopes of a White Christmas in the region have all but been dashed as bookies slash the odds for December to become the hottest ever.

Suffolk has experienced unseasonably warm weather over the past few weeks, with temperatures rising to 15.4C (59.7F) in Santon Downham yesterday, and forecasters say the balmy weather could continue until into the New Year.

Christmas Day in the region is set to be “dry and mild” and could reach 11C (51.8F), according to Adam Dury, forecaster at Weatherquest.

Bookmakers Paddy Power quoted prices of 4/1 in Ipswich and 5/2 in Suffolk for a White Christmas.

Nationally, the likelihood of December’s current record for the hottest day, 18.3C (64.94F) in 1948, being broken is currently at 4/6, according to Ladbrokes.

It has also put the chances of seeing the hottest Christmas Day of all time at 2/1.

Mr Dury said: “We have had quite unseasonably mild December and it is looking to continue that way because that south-westerly flow is going to continue right through until possibly the New Year.

“The chances of a White Christmas are looking very slim at the moment. They are pretty much zero, and the highest temperatures on Christmas Day could be 10C (50F) or 11C (51.8F). It is going to be dry and mild.

“I’ve heard the bees are out a bit early and daffodils have been flowering, and if that does continue, flowers may think it is spring already and if we do get any colder weather in January or February, that could obviously mean they might die which might have knock-on effects for the spring if they don’t recover.

“And in January, the weather is looking a bit more average, which could mean it is going to be cooler with temperatures dipping down to 4C (39.2F) or 5C (41F) at night and 7C (44.6F) or 8C (46.4F) during the day.”

Meanwhile, the Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) said there is a moderate risk of dust from the Sahara settling across parts of Suffolk.

Carried over from the African desert by southerly winds, it will largely affect parts of the South East and London.

A spokesman for Public Health England, East of England, said: “While most people will not be affected by short term peaks in air pollution, some individuals, such as those with existing heart or lung conditions, may experience increased symptoms.

“On occasions where levels are high, adults and children with lung problems, and adults with heart problems, should reduce strenuous physical exertion, particularly outdoors, and particularly if they experience symptoms. People with asthma may find they need to use their reliever inhaler more often. Older people should also reduce physical exertion. Anyone experiencing discomfort such as sore eyes, cough or sore throat should consider reducing activity, particularly outdoors.”