Dreary cold and worst of winters not yet over in Britain

February 22, 2016 11:18 AM | Skymet Weather Team

Updated on February 22, 2016, 11:00 AM (IST): Dreary cold and worst of winters not yet over in Britain 

A month of wild weather, strong winds and torrential rains, is approaching Britain. March could also witness flooding in several areas. Spring will start with a washout with the southern parts experiencing the worst of the stormy onslaught.

Large swathes of the region are likely to receive persistent downpours for the next few weeks while few parts could even record some snowfall.

After a mild gone by weekend, winter-like conditions will strike once again this week. Temperatures will take a plunge below average. One can expect frosts and icy stretches on the roads. This is because a cold front will move southwards, bringing a spell of dreary cold conditions across the UK.

Over the last few days temperatures were seen rising up to 14°C (57°F) in the south. Now temperatures will be close to or just below average. This cold spell is likely to last throughout the week. In fact, cold conditions will dominate till the first half of March.

Updated on February 8, 2016, 6:00 PM (IST): Wrath of Storm Imogen not yet over 

Storm Imogen has been battering several parts of the country with strong winds to the tune of 160 kmph and torrential rains.

The Environment Agency of UK has issued 62 flood warnings for parts of the Southwest, Southeast and Wales.

About 13,000 homes were left without power after Storm Imogen brought heavy rain and winds over parts of southern Britain. So far, Southwest England and Wales have borne the brunt of the storm.

Rail services have been disrupted and some cross-Channel ferries have been cancelled in the region.

Updated on February 5, 2016, 11:30 AM (IST): Storm Alert back in Britain 

Fierce gales and torrential downpours are likely in Britain during the next few days. Several parts of the country could receive more than two inches of rain. Winds blowing at a speed of 90 mph could make matters worse.

Stormy weather will enter Britain by Friday and southern parts will be in the firing line for the worst situation, during the weekend. Thus, the northern regions will be affected first and gradually the band of rain will move southwards across the UK.

Rainfall could be heavy over southwest Scotland on Friday. Heavy rainfall is likely to affect parts of southern England and parts of south Wales on Saturday.

Severe weather warnings have been issued by the Met Office. Incessant torrential rains will reignite the fear of flooding and travel mayhem.

The last onslaught came from Storm Henry, the eighth named storm of the season to affect the country, in the beginning of the month.

 

Updated on January 15, 2016, 12:00 PM (IST): Rain and Snow likely across Britain

Cold Artic air is likely to make Britain colder than the South Pole this weekend. Rain and snow will continue across the United Kingdom till Friday. A storm system travelling from the British Isles to the North Sea allowed snow to whiten the north of England on Thursday.

Cold weather conditions will prevail over the region till next week.

Wintry showers will impact the Scottish Highlands, Wales and far western parts of England as well.

Click here to read the story, Britain all set to be colder than Antarctica

 

Updated on January 7, 2016 12:50 PM (IST): Rainy weather to continue throughout January in UK

The United Kingdom will continue to receive moderate to heavy showers throughout the month of January. Rainfall at times could be heavy enough to cause flooding in the already flood-ravaged British Isles. The already swollen rivers and streams are likely to overflow with only a little additional rainfall.

The already swollen rivers and streams are likely to overflow with only a little additional rainfall.

Click here to read the story Rainy weather to continue throughout January in UK

 

Updated on January 5, 2016 1:00 PM (IST): Heavy rains in United Kingdom

Several parts of the UK could receive more floods as heavy rain and high winds will batter the region throughout the week. A low pressure system is slowly moving from Northern Ireland to England.

This storm will not be as powerful as Storm Frank but additional rainfall could worsen the situation in several places. During the last week, storm Frank brought up to 85 mm of rain across parts of Scotland. Rainfall amounts averaged between 40 and 65 mm across Wales, northern England and Northern Ireland.

Already swollen rivers could aggravate the flood situation in parts of the North East, Devon, Worcestershire, Cornwall and Gloucestershire.

Dozens of flood warnings are in place across the country. The Environment Agency had placed 28 flood warnings and 156 flood alerts across England and Wales on Monday.

Heavy rainfall and strong winds have been battering Scotland for the last couple of days. Torrential rains washed away huge chunks of soil on Sunday and jeopardized the foundations of a 16th century castle in Scotland. The castle's owner John Gordon was forced to evacuate his property. The castle was dangerously close to the River Dee as it had swept away about 60 feet of land.

 

Updated on December 30, 2015 1:30 PM (IST): Storm Frank Hits UK, More flooding expected in Britain, Ireland

The UK is on high alert in the wake of fresh flood. Storm Frank has already brought more misery to the UK, bringing gales, power cuts and disruption to Northern Ireland overnight. More torrential rain is expected to take its toll on northern England and Scotland today, where areas are already waterlogged and rivers swollen.

Homes have been left without power as Storm Frank begins to batter the UK. Heavy rain and gales have hit Northern Ireland and Scotland along with widespread disruption in Northern Ireland due to power cuts last night.

Torrential rain is expected over flood-stricken areas in next few days. There are currently four severe flood warnings, 45 flood warnings and 81 less serious alerts in place across England and Wales.

It is expected to bring heavy rain and high winds to Wales throughout the morning.

 

Updated on December 29, 2015 12:30 PM (IST): Storm Frank to give torrential rain and snow in Britain

Mercury is about to plunge and blizzards and snow is promising to herald the New Year in Britain. Snow is expected across northern England and mercury is expected to plummet below zero degrees. Storm Frank is rapidly approaching western parts of the UK with winds gusting upto 65-80 mph.

Up to 150mm of rainfall is predicted to hit some exposed areas of Cumbria and south-west Scotland, while up to 40mm is expected over Northern Ireland and west Scotland. Cumbria and south and central Scotland will be mostly at risk. The fresh storm will also bring fresh misery for people hit by the recent floods caused by Storm Eva and Strom Desmond.

Updated on December 24, 2015 12:30 PM (IST): Severe weather in Britain

Unsettled weather with more than 130 kmph of winds and heavy downpours will affect the Christmas holidays. The local met office has issued dozens of flood warnings. Gale force winds coupled with torrential downpours will hit Britain on Christmas day with close to 100 mm of rain and new flooding risks.

On the Christmas day, a fresh spell of rain will start affecting the region from afternoon onward and will last well into the Boxing Day. The worst of the weather will be in the North and Yorkshire which is already reeling from weeks of heavy rain. This has forced thousands of people to flee their homes.

This weather will be close on the heels of Storm Eva, which is expected to hit Britain from Thursday onwards. People in Cumbria have been warned due to severe weather for the fourth time in recent weeks.

According to local met office, it is too early to predict the strength of the storm. Accordingly, it will be named Storm Frank. This decision will be taken in the coming days. The authorities have issued fresh weather warning for the people in Cumbria.

Click here to read the story, Incessant floods wreak havoc in Cumbria

 

Updated on December 19, 2015 11:30 AM (IST): Weather forecast for Christmas week in UK

A series of storms are approaching the United Kingdom. During the next week, the first storm will approach from the Atlantic Ocean on Monday. Intensity and coverage of rain will keep increasing throughout the day. The center of the storm will pass through the north of Scotland on Monday night and Tuesday, bringing incessant rains and strong winds of about 30 to 40 mph (50 to 65 kmph). Coastal areas in Northern Ireland, northern England and Scotland could witness winds blowing at a speed of 50 mph (80 kmph) and above. Wednesday will be rainy and windy for entire United Kingdom.

The next storm will start affecting weather conditions by Christmas Eve. We can expect another round of downpours and locally damaging winds on the Christmas Day. Motorists and travelers should watch out for treacherous road conditions. Threat of flash flooding is prevail over parts of Wales and northwestern England. This stormy weather is likely to continue even after Christmas. Next weekend will feature yet another storm, which will bring heavy downpours and strong winds.

 

Updated on December 18, 2015 5:00 PM (IST): Stormy Christmas for United Kingdom

Mild weather conditions across the United Kingdom will be accompanied by a series of storms into the Christmas week. This could lead to travel disruptions for millions of people before and after the holiday. Wales and England will witness warmest weather conditions. Here temperatures are likely to settle 3 to 6°C (5 to 10°F) above normal average.

The local meteorological department has already announced the first half of December to be the mildest since the year 1960 for Wales, South West England and South East England. This warmth will continue during the holiday week as well. The United Kingdom is also likely to be lashed by a series of storm systems, each bringing widespread rainfall, localized downpours and strong winds. During the next week, the first storm will approach from the Atlantic Ocean on Monday.

Updated on December 17, 2015 4:00 PM (IST): UK experiencing the warmest December in last 70 years

Temperatures are at least 10°C above average for this part of the year. The weather has been so mild that even daffodils have been flowering as far north as Chester and Northern Ireland. This is a rare event for this time of the year as Daffodils generally bloom between February and May. The first half of December is believed to be the fourth warmest across the region since 1960. This weather condition could be attributed to tropical air coming from the Atlantic.

 Click here to read the full story, No white Christmas for Britain, December warmest in 70 years

Updated on December 10, 2015 12:00 PM (IST): Cumbrian Village devastated by Storm Desmond

Record-breaking rainfall brought by winter storm Desmond has devastated towns and cities across the Northern of England. Just four days after the Cumbrian village of Glenridding was devastated by Storm Desmond, more heavy showers in last 24 hours added to its misery. Rescue teams, fire crews and the Police authorities had to spend a sleepless night at the spot where the river burst its banks.

Diggers tried to stem the swollen waters throughout the night. Even though the flood water has now started to recede, the Cumbrian Police has advised villagers to remain in their respective homes. The total economic cost of the flood has been estimated to be as high as £500 million ($750 million). Problems have been aggravated as heavy rains were witnessed on already saturated grounds. Weather forecasters believe that more rains are likely over the weekend.

 

Updated on December 7, 2015 11:50 AM (IST): Storm Desmond breaks records, more rain expected

After flooding parts of northern England, Ireland, and Scotland, storm Desmond has left parts of United Kindom but only after leaving a trail of destruction. A total of 262 mm of rain has been recorded over the weekend, which according to authorities is a record breaking rainfall.

The rainfall from Storm Desmond is over for the UK. But more rain is expected through the midweek that could complicate clean-up efforts.

 

Updated on December 6, 2015 02:00 PM (IST): Storm Desmond floods parts of England, Scotland and Ireland

The fourth named storm of the season, Desmond has pounded flooding rain over various parts of Ireland, Scotland, and Northern England. The UK Met office was forced to issue a red warning due to torrential rainfall and strong and heavy winds. People evacuated their homes in Scotland and Northern England due to flooded homes in these areas. Not only were dozens of flights cancelled in Dublin, but many events were cancelled as storm Desmond was responsible for widespread chaos over the region.

In parts of Ireland, including Dublin and Donegal, gusty winds and torrential winds caused the falling of trees and immense damage to many houses located in the region. In Cumbria, a major incident has been declared as river Eden, River Rothay and many other rivers burst their banks. This led to massive flooding in the region leaving many properties under a metre of water. Many towns in Cumbria have been completely cut off, forcing people to evacuate their homes.

In Appleby and Kenwick, rescue forces were deployed to help people out of their flooded homes. There has also been an urgent call for doctors to treat people who may have been injured in the storm. The International Rescue Corps has sent two ambulances, five boats and 14 members to help the victims of Cumbria.

In North London, a 90-year-old man was killed due to being blown into a bus. Rainfall is likely to continue over these areas for the next few days with possible flooding over many parts. Watercourses will remain dangerous.

 

Updated on November 30, 2015 6:00 PM (IST): Clodagh continues to bring rainy spells

Clodagh continues to bring rainy spells across the United Kingdom and Ireland. Southern parts of Britain are experiencing strong gusts of wind. Snowfall is likely in Northern Highlands and Grampian Mountains till Monday. Not heavy showers but gusty winds are expected over Wales and southern England. Localized downpours are likely along the west coast of Ireland and the higher terrains of Wales and North West England. Isolated flash flooding cannot be ruled over the region. Storm Clodagh brought windy conditions across much of the United Kingdom on Sunday. This led to severe travel delays across the Isles. The stormy spells will not end with November as we can expect another storm to lash the British Isles, by the middle of this week.

The stormy spells will not end with November as we can expect another storm to lash the British Isles, by the middle of this week.

 

  The severity of the storm has made some superstitious as well.

 

Updated on November 27,2015 4:00 PM (IST): Storm Clodagh to bring a fortnight of snow

The third named storm of the season, Clodagh, is all set to lash the British shores. This storm system is likely to linger on for about two weeks, bringing heavy snowfall and gales till about December 9. The Scottish mountains are likely to be covered in more than half a metre of snow this weekend. Colder air will start flooding over the southern parts of United Kingdom by Saturday. Chilly winds will be blowing at a speed of about 50 mph in the western parts on Friday, increasing to about 60 mph on Saturday. Sunday will be the windiest in Scotland, with 60-65 mph gusts and about 70 mph on the west coast. Gales could even reach the speed of 100 mph on Sunday. Scottish Highlands could receive snowfall to the tune of 30 to 50 cm. Strong winds will make the ‘feel-like’ temperature even colder. Nevertheless, temperatures could come down to -14°C during Christmas and New Year.

Sunday will be the windiest in Scotland, with 60-65 mph gusts and about 70 mph on the west coast. Gales could even reach the speed of 100 mph on Sunday. Scottish Highlands could receive snowfall to the tune of 30 to 50 cm. Strong winds will make the ‘feel-like’ temperature even colder. Nevertheless, temperatures could come down to -14°C during Christmas and New Year.

 

Updated on November 26, 2015 4:00 PM (IST): Heavy rain and strong winds to greet shoppers on Black Friday

Black Friday will bring unsettled weather across the United Kingdom. Caution should be taken for high street shoppers in Northern Ireland and Scotland, as a strong cold front could bring heavy showers and gusty winds. High street shoppers, looking to grab bargain, are advised to dress up adequately to brace cold weather conditions. By afternoon hours, the spell of rainfall will move southeastward, into Wales and northern England. With winds gusting at 30 to 40 mph (38-64 kmph) will keep maximum temperatures around 10-12°C (50-54°F). Late in the day, the rainy spell will reach the Greater London area and southern England. Here the speed of winds will remain between 20-30 mph in the evening hours.

 

Updated on November 23, 2015 2:00 PM (IST): Britain likely to warm up after freezing weekend A blast of Arctic air brought a cold snap over Britain on Saturday. Night temperature came down to 21°F (-6°C) in North Yorkshire. Snow, sleet, icy winds and low temperatures turned the country into a winter wonderland.

 

This wonderland is now melting away and the country is likely to warm from Monday onwards. Minimum temperatures throughout the week will settle between 46°F to 50°F.

 

Updated on November 19, 2015 12:00 PM (IST): Torrential downpours to clash with subzero Arctic winds

Storm Barney in UK has brought down temperatures significantly. The weekend will witness a bitter Arctic blast, which will trigger sub-zero temperatures and snow.

Misery of the people will be aggravated as torrential downpours clash with freezing cold northerly winds. Northern parts of UK including Scotland will have to bear maximum brunt of the winter blast as temperatures plummet to 21°F (-6°C). Consequently, several centimetres of snow could settle over the region.

Click here to read the story, Storm Barney cripples Britain with damaging winds and floods

 

Updated on November 18, 2015 1:00 PM (IST): Heavy snowfall likely in UK

Strom Barney has been bringing damaging winds and heavy rainfall across UK. Several homes are still without power. Weather forecasters in Britain have issued warnings for 12 more days of strong winds and snowfall. Consequently, cold weather will spread across the UK over the coming weekend.

Click here to read the story, Storm Barney brings floods over UK

Heavy showers will fall as sleet, snow or hail in the northern parts on Saturday. Farther South in the hills, snow and sleet are likely. Temperatures will come below normal levels for this time of year.

The railway department has been facing trouble not only because of strong winds, but also falling of too many leaves all at once. Rail services have been disrupted in the four counties of Essex, Norfolk, Suffolk, Cambridgeshire and Oxfordshire.

Rain accompanied by strong winds will continue to affect much of UK till the end of the month.

 

Updated on November 17, 2015 1:00 PM (IST): No relief for Britain as storm Barney approaches

Close on the heels of remnants of hurricane Kate will be another storm Barney, which will affect most parts of Britain. Barney is expected to hit the British Isles till Wednesday. This storm will worsen the flood situation prevailing in the region.

Click here to read the full story, Dangerous storm Barney eyes UK, worsens flood situation

 

Updated on November 15, 2015 11:00 AM (IST): Remnants of Hurricane Kate affects Britain

Wet and windy conditions continue to lash parts of Britain as remnants of Hurricane Kate are leading to moisture incursion. The authorities have issued a yellow warning for the Derbyshire hills with 100 mm rainfall expected over the next 24 hours. This will lead to flooding across the region.

 

Updated on November 12, 2015 11:00 AM (IST): Hurricane Kate in the Atlantic

Hurricane Kate developed as the fourth hurricane in the Atlantic this season. Kate started off as a tropical depression on November 8. It strengthened into a hurricane on November 9 and it came close to Bahamas. Thereafter, Kate moved northeastwards away from the Bahamas as a hurricane itself.

 

Updated on November 6, 2015 11:00 AM (IST): Britain to be battered by furious storms

Britain is likely to be hammered by strong gusty winds and torrential downpours from the coming weekend. Weather forecasters are predicting gusts of up to 70 mph (113 kmph) to lash large swathes of the country. Snowfall also seems a possibility. Blame it upon unusual jet stream activity of up to 170 mph (274 kmph) above the Atlantic Ocean.

The jet stream is expected to fire up on Friday and over the weekend it will bring fast-moving and strong weather systems off the Atlantic.

North and western parts of the country will be the worst-hit areas. Gradually, by Monday, most parts of the country will come in the firing line of the storm. The south and southeastern parts will witness calmer conditions for now. Eventually, these regions will also succumb to the furious storms by later next week. Scotland and western parts of Wales should brace up for flooding as well.
Britain’s Met Office had earlier announced a pilot project to name storms, which are likely to affect the British Isles. Accordingly, Storm Abigail is next in the list. If the weather system coming from the west on Saturday turns out to be as bad as have been predicted, it will be named as Abigail.

Skymet will keep tracking the weather conditions in Britain. As of now, most parts of Britain have turned dark and wet, in anticipation of the furious storm Abigail over the weekend.

 

Updated on November 4, 2015 10:00 AM (IST): Bitter cold winter approaching UK, Europe

Winter is coming closer to the United Kingdom. It was definitely a mild start to November, but gradually winter will settle in. Moreover, there is looming concern about a bitter cold winter this El Nino year. This atmospheric phenomenon in the equatorial waters of the Eastern Pacific is likely to bring bitter winter conditions to the UK and northern parts of Europe.
By mid-November, Britain could be battered by fierce snowstorms and freezing temperatures. This will have an adverse effect on food stocks.
Weather conditions at present indicate a more unsettled second week with windy conditions, particularly in northern parts of UK. The month will finally end with sub-zero temperatures.

 

Weather in UK – First Fortnight of November

Severe winter woolies can remain in the closet during the first week of November. The high-pressure area over Europe will help to maintain the mild southerly airflow over most of the British Isles.

Ireland and western parts of Scotland could receive some light rainfall in view of the prevailing fronts. Intensity of rain could increase during the latter half of the week, as the winds reach gale force. England and Wales will be mostly dry with foggy conditions during the beginning of the week. Some light rain cannot be ruled out, in the middle to latter stages of the week.
As we approach the second week of November, the jet stream will start getting its act together, bringing strong winds and rainfall.
Temperatures will remain near normal levels in the northern parts. Temperatures will be mild in the south.

 

Weather in UK – Second Fortnight of November

Gradually the position of the jet stream will change, leading to more unsettled weather over most parts of Ireland, western Scotland, western England and Wales.

High-pressure area over the eastern parts of UK will keep southern and eastern regions rather dry and mild. The western areas will be wettest.

This is the time of the year when extra tropical systems first affect US, Canada and then cross the Atlantic to reach Europe and UK. These weather systems bring rain and snow coupled with strong winds.

During the last week of November, we will surely feel the first hit of winter in the UK.

Image courtesy - Telegraph UK

 

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