UK weather latest: Britain to face coldest winter in five years, say meteorologists
'We expect the coldest winter in the UK since 2012-13'
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The UK and Western Europe is braced for the coldest winter in five years, according to meteorologists.
The Weather Company forecasts the UK to be hit by very cold Arctic winds this winter.
December and January will likely be “colder than normal”, with all areas of the country affected by sinking temperatures.
Dr Todd Crawford, chief meteorologist at The Weather Company, said: “We expect the coldest winter in the UK since 2012-13.
“We expect extended spells with a ridge of pressure in the North Atlantic, especially in early winter.
“This forces the jet stream up to the Arctic and back down into Europe, releasing Arctic high pressure from near the Pole directly into northern Europe, with colder-than-normal temperatures.”
During November, however, the UK is forecast to enjoy slightly warmer-than-normal temperatures, along with most parts of Europe.
Emma Sharples, press officer at The Met Office, told The Independent that although "colder spells" were expected this year, there was "still a lot of uncertainty associated with forecasts so far ahead".
The average winter temperature in the UK is 3.73 degrees Celsius, although it has dipped to 1.64 degrees in 2010.
The coldest winter on record was in the winter of 1963, when it fell to -0.18 degrees.
The Met Office recommends people prepare for winter by working through a checklist, including getting a flu jab, buying a winter car kit, ensuring that your home is heated to at least 18 degrees Celsius and make commuter back-up plans.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments