There’s no denying it, London is far chillier than previous weeks and, after a somewhat sunny October, the drop in temperatures is felt by all.
The Mayor of London Sadiq Khan has activated the emergency severe weather protocol (SWEP) due to fears for the homeless. The severe weather conditions could also cause travel delays, particularly flights.
Unfortunately, these temperatures are expected to plunge even lower, perhaps even dropping to -8°C in some areas, with a warning of heavy snow in Scotland, the Met Office has forecast.
Brits have been warned to brace for a brutal Arctic deep freeze, with yellow weather warnings issued by the Met Office for some areas in the UK.
The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for ice tonight.
— NEAS (@NEAmbulance) December 7, 2022
Please make sure to:
🧊 Stay indoors where possible
🧊Avoid walking or cycling anywhere
🧊 Drive carefully and stick to well-populated roads
#StaySafe #WeatherAware pic.twitter.com/uZ4lMnXgsk
This has meant thicker coats, gloves, hats, and thermostats up high. And Brits also need to think of their pets, too.
Experts at the Met Office describe the weather this evening as being dry and cold, with cloud in the east gradually clearing and giving lengthy clear spells overnight.
“This will allow a widespread sharp frost to develop” with “minimum temperature -5°C.”
They also explained why this weather is occurring.
Snow and ice will impact areas of the UK over the coming days ❄️
— Met Office (@metoffice) December 7, 2022
Warnings are in force so please stay #WeatherAware ⚠️
Find the latest info 👉 https://t.co/QwDLMfRBfs pic.twitter.com/Gpv8UZaKKd
Speaking to MyLondon, a Met Office spokesperson said: “The reason for the colder conditions is that the direction of wind flow has changed from a mild south-westerly direction that we had through much of the autumn to a north-easterly direction.
“This will come further back round to the north which will lead to even colder conditions through the second half of this week.”
Temperatures on Thursday, December 8
Most of the day will be very cold with “temperatures struggling to rise much above freezing for many,” says the Met Office.
It will also be dry with a relief of some sunny spells although “some patchy cloud likely through the morning”.
Maximum temperature 3 °C.
Forecast for the weekend
This Friday, December 9 to Sunday, December 11 looks set to be especially cold overnight, including widespread frosts.
“Often sunny, however, daytime temperatures remaining low,” explains the Met Office.
Adding: “Dry for most, but a risk of isolated showers which may be wintry.”
Temperatures will dip to two degrees below freezing.
