Elections days don't need severe weather and this Thursday's two by-elections now coincide with Storm Doris bringing gales to western England.
Two by-elections take place this Thursday, both caused by the resignations of the sitting MPs. Jamie Reed in Copeland and Tristram Hunt in Stoke-on-Trent Central. These seats have traditionally been held by Labour but forecasting the by-election results are not quite so clear cut this time. What was needed by all parties was a high turnout, not a forecast for horrendous weather.
Storm Doris
The Met Office have issued an amber weather warning for the strength of the winds and yellow warnings for snow on Thursday. A deep area of low pressure could bring damaging winds across a central swathe of the UK, with rain, sleet and snow too. The worst of the weather looks to be for Thursday morning. Strong SW then NW winds will be accompanied by gusts of 50mph +. Gales are also possible with gusts of 60 to 70mph.
There are 10 candidates contesting the Stoke on Trent Central seat and 7 for Copeland, Cumbria with voting open 7am til 10pm. Many people vote on the way to work, or dropping off at school. The weather will perhaps interrupt this pattern with people leaving their voting til the afternoon or evening. This, however, can lead to people forgetting or just not bothering = low turnout. Elderly voters are less inclined to venture out when the weather is bad. You've missed the boat for postal voting or for nominating a proxy.
Improving through the day
The weather will improve through the day and after a wet, stormy morning, the winds will ease. It will turn colder through the afternoon after a slightly milder start. Those leaving voting until later could encounter a chilly evening, with even sleety showers as the polling places close.
Forecast for next 7 days for Stoke on Trent. And For Copeland
