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Weather forecast UK today LIVE – Met Office warns Brits to brace for snow NEXT WEEK as -11C Arctic chill engulfs Britain
BRITAIN is set to be battered by a “little ice age” and temperatures will plunge to -11C NEXT WEEK.
The rest of the week will be more mild weather before the weather turns far chillier with spells of snow.
The white stuff is expected to hit from November 24, with the sub-zero temperatures starting on November 23.
Freezing Arctic winds will take a grip on the country, with the mercury possibly dropping as low as -7C to -11C with the coldest conditions hitting Scotland.
Read our UK weather live blog below for the latest info & updates…
- Joseph Gamp
How is December's weather shaping up?
There will be colder spells coming towards the UK the Met Office have said with an increased chance of ‘wintry conditions’
“Towards the end of November and into early December there are signs of an increased likelihood of north to northwesterly winds.
“This means that overall temperatures are likely to be near or slightly below average, although some milder spells cannot be ruled out.
“In such patterns the most unsettled, wetter and windier conditions are often found across northern areas, while the most settled, driest and brightest conditions are predominantly across the south.
“There is a slightly higher than normal chance of some wintry conditions, especially across the north.”
- Joseph Gamp
Met Office: Turning colder in the north this evening
Tonight's weather looks patchy across the UK with rain, fog and cloud affecting various parts of the country.
The Met Office tweeted: "Staying cloudy in England and Wales this evening
"Turning colder in the north with clear spells and blustery showers."
- Joseph Gamp
What to expect from the weather TONIGHT
Weakening rain band crossing southern UK followed by clearer conditions.
Further north, blustery showers, some heavy, especially for northern and western Scotland, wintry on higher hills.
Windy and chilly here.
- Joseph Gamp
Weather summary for Wednesday
Showers in northern and western areas will slowly ease.
Cloud thickening through the afternoon with rain into the northwest by evening.
Further south, mainly dry with sunny spells.
- Joseph Gamp
Bitter chill has potential to being six inches of snow in 24 hours
Until November 27 there is a chance of wintry showers, with a high chance of frost, fog and brisk gusts in northern areas
Then from November 27 there is risk of snow and ice, with spells of rain and high winds.
The bitter chill has the potential to bring up to six inches of snow in just 24 hours – and bookies have slashed the odds on this being the coldest November ever.
Coral’s Harry Aitkenhead said: “We have significantly cut the odds on this month going into the record books as the coldest November that we have ever had, as temperatures begin to plummet and snow looms large on the horizon.”
- Joseph Gamp
Eight things drivers MUST do to keep cars safe this winter (Continued…)
Check your oil – We Brits are bad at checking our oil. Hardly any of us perform this essential maintenance task once a month, which is how often the experts recommend.
Check your battery – Winter is hard on your battery and the electrical system. On a cold day, the engine in a car takes more effort to “turn over”, which puts extra strain on the battery and the starter motor.
Keep winter kit in your car – Breaking down in summer is annoying. Breaking down in winter can be dangerous. When temperatures drop, a simple mechanical failure can put the occupants of a vehicle at serious risk if they can’t be rescued quickly.
Check your wiper blades – You could get fined £100 for having defective windscreen wipers – something guaranteed to make a rainy day worse.
Consider buying winter tyres – In some parts of Europe, winter tyres are a mandatory part of driving, either on specific roads prone to ice and snow, or as a seasonal regulation.
- Joseph Gamp
Eight things drivers MUST do to keep cars safe this winter
WINTER can be a dangerous time on British roads, with slippery conditions and dangerous weather making every car journey a bit more risky.
But by preparing your car for the colder months, you can help protect yourself and your passengers from some of the hazards.
Check your tyres – Your tyres are, arguably, the most important safety device on your car.
Top up your screen wash – Screen wash is a crucial but often overlooked element of car maintenance. And in winter it’s particularly important, as the roads are gritty and covered with mud, which can spray up onto your windscreen and impede your view.
Clean your windows – While you’re at it, take this opportunity to ensure your windows are clean. You probably haven’t paid much attention to the windscreen, side windows and rear window of your car, and there’ll be a year’s worth of pollen, dust and autumn grime building up on the glass.
- Joseph Gamp
Explained: Is it dangerous to walk your dog in the snow?
Aside from the obvious dangers of slipping and falling, snow presents a number of other risks.
Snow can often be treated with chemicals, which can be dangerous for your pup’s paws.
Slush and ice in particular is sometimes treated with antifreeze which is dangerous for dogs – so steer clear if you spot that.
In addition, salt grit contains chemicals which can result in burns on pets’ paws if they have prolonged contact with the grit.
Try to avoid walking on gritted surfaces with your pooch and rinse their feet when you get home.
Ice balls are also a danger – particularly for dogs with hairy feet.
They can form between your dog’s toes and pads of their paws and cause pain.
Checking their feet when you finish your walk can help this issue.
- Joseph Gamp
Long range forecast to November 23
The Met Office have released the following information for a long range forecast:
“Remaining changeable and autumnal particularly to the north through the start of this period as low-pressure systems dominate, sometimes accompanied by rain and strong winds.
“Elsewhere while rain is possible at times, drier and brighter conditions are more likely in the south and southeast regions, although some rain will likely reach even here at times.
“A rather cold start to the period will likely be followed by a brief recovery in temperatures, before a further likely trend down later on in the month.
“Later on in the month there will also be an increasing chance of some wintry conditions, mainly over the higher ground in the north, but with a slight risk to lower levels.”
- Joseph Gamp
Dreaming of a white Christmas?
Bookmaker Coral has slashed the odds on snow falling on Christmas Day this year.
Coral make Aberdeen the most likely UK city to get snow on December 25, at 6-4 now, followed by Glasgow and Edinburgh at 7-4.
Newcastle is 2-1 for snow on the big day, the most likely of the English cities according to the odds, with London a 5-1 shot for a White Christmas.
- Joseph Gamp
What will the December forecast look like?
There will be colder spells coming towards the UK the Met Office have said with an increased chance of ‘wintry conditions’
“Towards the end of November and into early December there are signs of an increased likelihood of north to northwesterly winds.
“This means that overall temperatures are likely to be near or slightly below average, although some milder spells cannot be ruled out.
“In such patterns the most unsettled, wetter and windier conditions are often found across northern areas, while the most settled, driest and brightest conditions are predominantly across the south.
“There is a slightly higher than normal chance of some wintry conditions, especially across the north.”
- Joseph Gamp
Weather outlook for today to Friday
Changeable in the north with spells of rain or showers and often windy.
Largely dry in the south with variable cloud.
A chilly start on Wednesday before turning milder.
- Joseph Gamp
Things to take a wintry turn by Wednesday
While this week will start on the warmer side with temperatures in the mid-teens, things will take a wintry turn by Wednesday.
Snow is expected to hit Scotland first, before making its way further south.
Weather maps show the white stuff could well land in north-western Scotland on November 17.
But snow could also fall in northern England, parts of Wales and East Anglia towards the end of the month.
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Why did the UK start naming storms?
Analysis has shown that naming storms makes people more aware of the severe weather and helps them prepare for them in advance.
Surveys showed people were more aware of the threat and more likely to take action after hearing the name of a storm, rather than a forecast simply saying bad weather is on the way.
The Met Office and its Irish counterpart Met Eireann decided to follow the US system of giving girls and boys’ names to tropical storms and hurricanes.
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Winter Covid toe (continued)
Experts say the random side effects is offset by cold weather, but it’s not clear why.
In a scientific paper co-authored by Prof Freeman, experts said the symptoms were similar to pernio or chilblains, which both cause itchy red swellings in response to cold weather.
Both these conditions are thought to occur because the cold makes the blood vessels restrict.
“It [Covid toes] doesn’t happen in the summer,” says Beth Drolet, professor and chair of dermatology at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health.
“The toes can stay blue for weeks, but eventually go back to normal”, she said.
Covid toes appear to be among the rarer skin reactions.
The paper reported it eight times among 443 skin problems following mRNA vaccine.
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Winter Covid toe (continued)
But Esther Freeman, associate professor of dermatology at Harvard Medical School, said it was a “novel” finding that some vaccine recipients have developed Covid toe.
It may be triggered by the same immune response that sets off “Covid arm”, a more commonly reported side effect of inflammation and a red rash-type reaction where the injection was.
Prof Freeman told the Washington Post in April: “We have been seeing other types of post-vaccine skin reactions on different parts of the body, in addition to rashes on the inoculated arm.
“These reactions are unusual and generally mild, and typically resolve on their own or with over-the-counter treatment.
“Even though skin reactions to a vaccine can look scary, most are not severe or long-lasting, and show us that your body likely is developing a nice strong immune response to the vaccine, which is a good thing.”
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Winter Covid toe
Most people just get a slight headache, tiredness or aches after a Covid vaccine dose.
But rarely, people experience a bizarre side effect in their feet which experts say is more frequent in the colder months.
While feeling “under the weather” may be expected after a jab, a skin reaction is rather unusual.
There are reports that some people experience “Covid toes” after vaccination with either Pfizer or Moderna – both messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines.
It causes swelling, itchiness, bruising or blistering around the toes.
Covid toe was first acknowledged as a symptom of coronavirus infection more than a year ago.
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Ten tips to avoid catching cold
- 1. Wearing a mask when out in public
- 2. Using hand sanitiser frequently
- 3. Eating immune boosting foods like oranges and spinach
- 4. Staying in as much as possible
- 5. Avoiding busy public areas like supermarkets
- 6. Avoiding public transport
- 7. Getting extra sleep
- 8. Drinking lots of water
- 9. Washing your hands frequently
- 10. Staying warm
Odds slashed for coldest November on record
The bitter chill has the potential to bring up to six inches of snow in just 24 hours – and bookies have slashed the odds on this being the coldest November ever.
Coral’s Harry Aitkenhead said: “We have significantly cut the odds on this month going into the record books as the coldest November that we have ever had, as temperatures begin to plummet and snow looms large on the horizon.”
How much air needs to be in my tyres?
As well as tred, air pressure in the tyres can be the difference between a smooth drive or a serious collision.
Tyres are the only part of the car that have contact with the road and so need to be checked frequently.
Your tyre pressure also affects your fuel consumption, how quick you brake and handling corners.
RAC says that correctly inflated tyres can improve mileage per tank by up to 3%.
Each vehicle has different requirements for tyre pressure, you check your owner handbook or car manual.
Air pressure can be added to tyres at most petrol stations.
If your car is found to have tyres with low air pressure, it could be deemed dangerous, resulting in a fine of £2,500.
Check your break fluid before winter
Having a good level of brake fluid in your car is essential during the winter months.
Brake fluid acts as a lubricant for all movable parts associated with the brake and prevents corrosion.
The recommended timeframe for changing your brake fluid is every two years, says Kwik Fit.
Not changing your brake fluid could result in brake failure, which could put your life at risk in any condition.
You can get your brake fluid checked during any car service.
It is not always included so check with your mechanic to make sure it is checked and changed if needed.
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Check your battery before you drive in winter
Checking your battery could mean you’re not stranded in the middle of nowhere during a cold winter’s day.
According to Haynes, a health car battery should have no less than 12.6 volts.
If your car has been sitting for a long period of time, you need to check your car battery.
Some other things to take into consideration are noticing whether your lights are dimming or you’re getting electrical issues.
You can check your car battery yourself using a multimeter or you can take it to your local garage or retailers such as Halfords.
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Second tremor in Scotland
A SECOND earthquake tremor hit Scotland today – less than an hour after residents were woken in the night by shaking homes.
The second tremor had a magnitude of 1.6 and was recorded at Roybridge in the Highlands.
The rumble occurred at 2.42am at a depth of 7km, according to the British Geological Survey.
It came just an hour after people in the west of Scotland were shaken and stirred by an earthquake.
The first earthquake, with a magnitude of 3.3, happened at 1.44am.
Its epicentre was about 11 miles (18km) north west of Lochgilphead in Argyll and Bute, and 88 miles (142km) north west of Glasgow.
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Caught (out on) headlights
Headlights are essential for cars during the winter months.
This is because days become darker and weather conditions worsen.
However, if you are caught by a police officer with only one working headlight, you can be fined £100 on the spot.
If you challenge this in court, it could rise to a £1,000 fine.
Check your lights before you drive anywhere this winter. If you have a defective light, go to a garage or retailer such as Halfords to have another fitted.
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Watch out for your windscreen
Cold weather can put a strain on windscreens.
Not only are adverse weather conditions and grit impacting your screen, but warm heaters can also have an effect.
Both these things can cause chips in a windscreen to crack.
If you have a crack in your windscreen you have to be off the road.
This is because your windscreen provides up to 30% of your car’s structural strength and is critical in supporting airbag deployment, says Autoglass.
Drivers also need to ensure that their windscreen is clean.
If a police officer deems a windscreen to be too dirty, they could give you a £5,000 fine.
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