Weather in the general media (Newspaper features etc)

[Coast]

 

Cameron's Cold Weather Crisis Looms with Weather Forecasters' Warning

 

David Cameron's strategy for dealing with the extra pressures a hard winter will place on the NHS and Britain's old and vulnerable may be put to its first test as early as next week.

 

Weather forecasters said that the first real cold spell of the winter could be about to hit Britain as the unusually mild autumn ends and winds, rain and even snow hit areas of the country.

 

The predictions have come after it emerged the prime minister had taken personal responsibility for monitoring the position in over-stretched accident and emergency units and as energy companies faced new calls for them to curb price rises.

 

According to BBC forecasts,  colder weather is expected to works its way down from the north to the south of the country with temperatures expected to fall below normal for the end of November while Vantage Weather Services are reported  saying: "It is safe to say winter is about to take its first bite".

 

The first sign that there is a real problem will come if the government's automatic cold weather payments system is triggered. The payments are made to pensioners and some welfare claimants if local temperatures fall below zero Celsius for seven consecutive days between 1 November and 31 March.

 

 

 

http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/articles/521997/20131113/cold-weather-winter-energy-bills-david-cameron.htm

 

You can't say Vantage aren't getting their (his?) fair share in the media spotlight at the moment.

[Coast]

 

HEAVY SNOW WARNING: Shock long range UK weather forecast for winter 2013

 

BRITAIN faces months of freezing winds and heavy snow as long-range forecasters predict a “horror winter†ahead.

 

Winter 2013 into 2014 is forecast to be “exceptionally severe†with above-average snowfall and plunging temperatures. Long-range weather forecasts warn of bitter Arctic gales leading to feet-deep snow drifts right up until February. Snow forecasts for winter 2013 suggest much of the country will be hit by heavy wintry downpours with no let up well into next year. As lovers of the white stuff ask ‘will it snow?’ this winter, the general consensus among long-range forecasters is a resounding ‘yes’. However they said winter could bring chaos similar to the big freeze of 2010/11 which saw airports close and roads grind to a standstill for months.

 

The warnings come as temperatures begin to dip around the UK with the first “real taste†of winter likely to hit next week. James Madden, forecaster for Exacta Weather, said Britain is braced for “copious†snowfall this winter with extreme cold expected to last into the spring. He added that Britain faces “an incomparable scenario to anything we have experienced in modern timesâ€.

 

He said: “An exceptionally prolonged period of widespread cold is highly likely to develop throughout this winter and last into next spring. “It will be accompanied by snow drifts of several feet and long-lasting snow accumulations on a widespread scale. “This period of snow and cold is likely to result in an incomparable scenario to anything we have experienced in modern times. “A scenario similar to December 2010 is likely to develop, but on a more prolonged scale in terms of overall duration.â€

 

January is likely to bring the worst of the weather although Britain will shiver in below-average temperatures for the next three months. He said: “This is certainly a record-breaking and historical weather period which is likely to see one of the coldest and snowiest starts to British New Year in a very long time.†Jonathan Powell, forecaster for Vantage Weather Services, said this winter could be the worst for decades. He said: “We are looking at something on a par with 2010 when Britain was hit by particularly bad big freeze. “The focal point at this stage seems to be January, when we could see widespread heavy snow and below-average temperatures. “This could stretch out for weeks, meaning we could be looking at the worst winter big freeze for decades.â€

 

The Met Office said there is a chance temperatures will sink below average over the next 30 days with snow on the way. Its 30-day outlook states: “Conditions are not expected to be as mild as recent weeks, instead, temperatures are thought more likely to be just below average than above. “Snow is not unusual during late November and early December. “So, with temperatures more likely to be just below average, the chance of seeing snow across the UK increases relative to recent weeks.â€

 

Local Authorities are on standby for a particularly severe winter with gritters at the ready and more salt stockpiled than last year. Around 95 per cent of councils are either maintaining or increasing stock levels this winter, according to the Local Government Association (LGA). Half of councils also plan to share resources with neighbouring councils while some are  adopting new methods of tackling winter including GPS trackers on gritters. Local authorities are also using liquid de-icers, brine and sugar-coated salt which is less likely to be blown off roads by wind or traffic.

 

Airport bosses warned cancellations would be “the most effective way†of dealing with severe weather.

British Airways’ operations director Andy Lord said: “I can’t guarantee that. There will be, on occasions, desks that won’t have people on them.†He said BA was considering moving some flights from Heathrow to Gatwick in bad weather. But he warned some people diverted to Gatwick would need to then get to Heathrow for connecting flights. He added: “Inevitably there will be disruption at Heathrow if there are problems elsewhere.â€

 

http://www.express.co.uk/news/uk/442873/Coldest-winter-in-modern-times-on-way-with-snow-forecast-for-Britain-starting-next-week

 

I really don't know what to say at this point - and that's very unusual for me!

Edited November 14, 2013 by Coast

[Coast]

A bit of sanity (and calm reporting?) from the Metro:

 

The first ‘proper’ snow of the winter is on its way.

 

Forecasters say many areas of Scotland and the north of England should expect snow next week as temperatures dip.

 

Yet the Met Office downplayed suggestions that this winter could be one of the coldest on record. British Weather Services tipped temperatures to drop to a low of -6C in Scotland by next Wednesday and -3C in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.  Average minimum temperatures for November are 3.8C in England, 3.7C in Wales, 3.1C in Northern Ireland and 2C in Scotland. BWS risk meteorologist Jim Dale said: ‘There’s definitely a colder plunge coming, especially over the early part of next week. ‘There’s no need to lose any sleep over what’s coming but it’s worth keeping an eye on nevertheless.’

 

The Met Office said: ‘We’ve got some colder air coming in from the north next week, from Monday onwards, and temperatures will likely fall a couple of degrees lower than November average. ‘We could see some snow in Scotland and maybe higher ground in England.’ But it insisted the likely temperatures were only slightly lower than normal

 

http://metro.co.uk/2013/11/13/first-proper-snow-of-winter-on-the-way-as-temperatures-dip-4186136/

[Summer Sun]

Cold snap next week, will there be snow?

 

Bitter arctic air is set to flood into the UK next week, bringing the first taste of winter to many.

 

BBC Weather's Chris Fawkes reports, and looks at the chance for snow

 

http://www.bbc.co.uk/weather/features/24944891

 

When referring to Glasgow's temperature Chris says Tuesday and Wednesday will be the peak of the cold weather, the south may see snow but it depends on how much moisture there is

Edited November 14, 2013 by Summer Sun

[Coast]

Is Nathan Rao possibly the biggest cold and snow ramper in the media ever?

 

http://www.express.co.uk/news/uk/442892/Weather-forecasts-predict-four-inches-of-snow-as-Britain-prepares-for-the-2013-big-freeze

[Summer Sun]

Killer winter health alert: Doctors fear NHS will be crippled

 

NHS chiefs have advised people how to avoid falling victim to this winter’s big freeze. The frail and elderly are being urged to go to their GP or pharmacy at the first sign of illness instead of waiting until they need hospital treatment. Senior doctors fear predictions of the worst winter weather for decades, with temperatures as low as -15C (5F), will lead to a crisis on over-stretched wards. Experts say 25,000 elderly people die every year from the cold and this year’s toll could be even higher. Professor Mike Morgan, of NHS England, said: “My message to the public is simple: look after yourself this winter. If you know someone who is frail or elderly or has an existing health problem and they are feeling unwell, encourage them to seek early advice, go to their local pharmacy or GP before one problem leads to another and they end up in hospital.â€

 

 

http://www.express.co.uk/news/health/443131/Killer-winter-health-alert-Doctors-fear-NHS-will-be-crippled

 

Britain could be hit by SIX inches of snow next week!

 

BRITAIN will feel like the Baltic next week with blankets of snow and icy blasts. Temperatures as low as -9C have been forecast for the entire country. And a Met Office spokesman said: “Much of the country will see below average temperatures until around the following Sunday.†The freeze will bring blizzards to many parts with up to six inches of snow in the north-east by Wednesday, forecasters warned. Other parts of the north, Wales and the Midlands will see around two inches, sparking fears of travel chaos. The threat of plunging temperatures has forced bookies to slash the odds on a white Christmas. Coral make London and Newcastle a 5-1 chance, with Manchester, Leeds, Birmingham and Liverpool at 6-1.

 

And the bookie halved odds to 10-1 that the current -27.2C record for Britain’s coldest temperature will be smashed. Gabrielle Goode from the Weather Channel warned: “Bitter north-easterly winds during Tuesday may well bring a spell of snow to lower levels in eastern Scotland. “Then this band of snow will move south to northern England on Tuesday night and down to north Wales and the northern Midlands on Wednesday morning.†The latest weather alert came after forecasters said thousands of homes in low-lying areas could be flooded because a wet October has left the ground unable to soak up more water.

 

http://www.dailystar.co.uk/news/latest-news/350873/Britain-could-be-hit-by-SIX-inches-of-snow-next-week-

 

[Deep Snow please]

I think we're going to need a new thread for all this star and express  ramping.

[Coast]

I think we're going to need a new thread for all this star and express  ramping.

 

They aren't alone:

 

UK snow forecast: First 'proper' flurry of winter predicted

 

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/uk-snow-forecast-first-proper-flurry-of-winter-predicted-8939614.html

 

Weather: Snow to hit North Staffordshire next week?

 

http://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/Weather-Snow-hit-North-Staffordshire-week/story-20085117-detail/story.html#ixzz2kiB35lRg

 

Snow Threat With Cold Snap 'Around The Corner'

 

Forecasters warn temperatures could fall as low as two degrees Celsius with "significant" snow likely in places.

 

http://news.sky.com/story/1168636/snow-threat-with-cold-snap-around-the-corner

[Summer Sun]

First signs of winter next week

 

A taste of winter next week as Arctic air floods into the UK bringing snow for some. BBC Weather's Chris Fawkes updates us on the wintry forecast.

 

http://www.bbc.co.uk/weather/features/24961087

 

[Coast]

 

Weather: Blast of winter on its way to Britain

 

Much of Britain could see wintry showers as an area of cold air makes its way across the country by Tuesday, although any significant snowfall is likely to be on high ground

 

  http://www.telegraph.co.uk/topics/weather/10448532/Weather-Blast-of-winter-on-its-way-to-Britain.html

[Summer Sun]

Six inches of snow to hit Britain next week as Arctic blast sends temperatures plummeting

 

A FIERCE Arctic blast is poised to bring up to six inches of snow in some areas of Britain next week. The country is on alert for a swathe of freezing air from the North Pole to roar in and send temperatures plummeting towards or below zero. Forecasters predict that much of the UK will see the first snowfalls of winter by Thursday with flurries reaching high ground in the South – and there may even be a dusting in London. The big chill could set in for weeks and last night it sparked fears of increased illness or death among the elderly who may ­struggle to heat their homes after recent energy bill price rises. Malcolm Booth, chief executive of the  National Federation of Occupational Pensioners, said news of the cold snap was “concerningâ€. “Combined with the increase in fuel costs, the temptation will be to not turn up the heating,†he said. “The cold could result in serious illness and an increased risk of death.†Caroline Abrahams, Age UK’s charity director, added: “Simple actions, like using a low-cost room thermometer, can save lives.

 

Jonathan Powell, forecaster for Vantage Weather Services, said: “Winter is going to bed in from the start of the week in quite a dramatic way. “The heaviest snow will be in the North. However, there is the chance of snow over low ground in the South, across central regions and possibly in London. “This is shaping up to be a proper Arctic blast which, once set in, could hold out for weeks.†Experts warn the mercury will plummet as low as -15C (5F) overnight in remote northern areas while lows of -11C are likely elsewhere. Daytime temperatures will struggle to rise above freezing as the UK gears up for what forecasters say could be the worst winter for decades.

 

http://www.express.co.uk/news/nature/443381/Six-inches-of-snow-to-hit-Britain-next-week-as-Arctic-blast-sends-temperatures-plummeting

Edited November 16, 2013 by Summer Sun

[Smiler1709]

These papers are ridiculous, scare mongers. Where do the express make this drivel up from. From what we've seen from the models it's going to get colder but nothing out the ordinary for this time of year.

[Deep Snow please]

    http://www.telegraph.co.uk/topics/weather/10448532/Weather-Blast-of-winter-on-its-way-to-Britain.html

 

They were quoting James Madden in the print edition with his "winter unlike anything we've seen in modern times" dog biscuits. It was a shame giving the begin of that particular article was sane (for a newspaper article) alluding to dustings of snow potentially.

[Coast]

 "winter unlike anything we've seen in modern times" 

 

Here's the Met O response to the daily Ex:

 

Once again it is the season for speculation and big headlines regarding what the weather will do over the winter period. The front page of the Daily Express (Saturday 12th October) claims: ‘Worst winter for decades: Record-breaking snow predicted for November’. We saw similar headlines last year and instead winter 12/13 ended up being only the 43rd coldest on record with an average temperature of 3.3C and flooding until the turn of the year.

 

What the Daily Express has failed to explain to it’s readers is that there is absolutely no certainty about what weather the UK will see over the winter period. The science simply does not exist to make detailed, long-term forecasts for temperature and snowfall even for the end of November, let alone for the winter period, which does not officially start until 1 December. While we have seen a return to more normal, cooler temperatures for this time of year, this is no indication of what we can expect over the next four months with regards to temperatures and when we might see snow. It is far too early to tell.

 

Ultimately, we’re heading into winter and it is perfectly possible that we will see the whole range of weather that we get in winter at some point over the coming months, including snow and freezing temperatures, but also heavy rain, windy weather and mild conditions too Our five day forecasts and warnings will provide you with the best possible guidance on any periods of cold weather, frost or the likelihood of snow, giving detailed local information across the UK to help you make the most of the weather over the coming months.

 

 

http://www.itv.com/news/granada/2013-10-13/the-met-office-responds-to-headlines-warning-of-worst-winter-in-decades/

[snowangel32]

I think its shamefull what the express have put snow for a hundred days is a joke. I can't believe they get away with printing such rubbish and to also use the met office as a source is a blatent lie. I wonder when someone will stop them printing such lies.

[Summer Sun]

The Daily express is getting worse now we have the most ridiculous headline ever

 

100 DAYS OF HEAVY SNOW: Britain now facing worst winter in SIXTY YEARS warn forecasters

 

LONG-RANGE weather forecasters warned tonight that Britain should prepare for heavy and persistent snow for up to THREE MONTHS with winter 2013 set to be the worst in more than 60 years. The latest detailed forecasts for winter 2013 ALL point to months of relentless extreme cold with heavy snow likely across the country. Arctic air will roar in from the North Pole later this week, triggering the start of the worst winter in many people's lifetimes. Experts in long-range weather forecasting said the WHOLE of Britain should be prepared for this winter to be the most severe since 1947, which saw the UK hit by relentless snow and some of the lowest temperatures on record.

 

February 1947 was the coldest in history with heavy snow the following month leading to seven-metre high drifts. Flooding was also a problem as rain ran off frozen ground in torrents leading to widespread chaos on the roads. As the Daily Express reported at the time, roads and railways across Britain were blocked by huge Arctic blizzards. Coal supplies - already low in the wake of WWII - struggled to get reach power stations and many were forced to shut down, causing widespread blackouts. The lack of power supplies became so critical that at one point radio and TV broadcasts were suspended, magazines were ordered to stop being published and many newspapers were forced to cut their size.

 

And the latest long-range predictions for this winter show a pattern that look eerily similar to that infamous year, with bitter Arctic gales leading to feet-deep snow drifts right up until February. Jonathan Powell, forecaster for Vantage Weather Services, said: “Early indications are that this winter is looking particularly severe, and we could see parallels with the shocking winter of 1947. “The models are pointing towards a high pressure blocking system which will hold cold air over the UK, and it becomes stagnant, meaning any rain turns to snow and temperatures are persistently much lower. “There are signs it could hold out until March, meaning winter misery on the cards for millions.â€

 

http://www.express.co.uk/news/uk/443462/Winter-2013-expected-to-be-worst-since-1947-with-heavy-and-persistent-snow-forecast-for-UK

 

I only hope when the stupid, barmy, ridiculous (call it what you want away from here if it has swear words) headline's fail to happen James Madden and co give up and stop scaring the UK public

Edited November 17, 2013 by Summer Sun

[Ian Brown]

Agreed Gav this is absolutely crazy and hopefully people will realise this week when snow fails to materialise that the newspaper and its sensationalism deserves zero credibility.

[wimblettben]

The Daily express is getting worse now we have the most ridiculous headline ever

 

100 DAYS OF HEAVY SNOW: Britain now facing worst winter in SIXTY YEARS warn forecasters

 

LONG-RANGE weather forecasters warned tonight that Britain should prepare for heavy and persistent snow for up to THREE MONTHS with winter 2013 set to be the worst in more than 60 years. The latest detailed forecasts for winter 2013 ALL point to months of relentless extreme cold with heavy snow likely across the country. Arctic air will roar in from the North Pole later this week, triggering the start of the worst winter in many people's lifetimes. Experts in long-range weather forecasting said the WHOLE of Britain should be prepared for this winter to be the most severe since 1947, which saw the UK hit by relentless snow and some of the lowest temperatures on record.

 

February 1947 was the coldest in history with heavy snow the following month leading to seven-metre high drifts. Flooding was also a problem as rain ran off frozen ground in torrents leading to widespread chaos on the roads. As the Daily Express reported at the time, roads and railways across Britain were blocked by huge Arctic blizzards. Coal supplies - already low in the wake of WWII - struggled to get reach power stations and many were forced to shut down, causing widespread blackouts. The lack of power supplies became so critical that at one point radio and TV broadcasts were suspended, magazines were ordered to stop being published and many newspapers were forced to cut their size.

 

And the latest long-range predictions for this winter show a pattern that look eerily similar to that infamous year, with bitter Arctic gales leading to feet-deep snow drifts right up until February. Jonathan Powell, forecaster for Vantage Weather Services, said: “Early indications are that this winter is looking particularly severe, and we could see parallels with the shocking winter of 1947. “The models are pointing towards a high pressure blocking system which will hold cold air over the UK, and it becomes stagnant, meaning any rain turns to snow and temperatures are persistently much lower. “There are signs it could hold out until March, meaning winter misery on the cards for millions.â€

 

http://www.express.co.uk/news/uk/443462/Winter-2013-expected-to-be-worst-since-1947-with-heavy-and-persistent-snow-forecast-for-UK

 

I only hope when the stupid, barmy, ridiculous (call it what you want away from here if it has swear words) headline's fail to happen James Madden and co give up and stop scaring the UK public

I'm shocked!!!!!

 

I can't believe this sort of rubbish even exists, could they really get any worse.

[UV-RAY]

It seems there is a weather related headline every week in the Express with each one more barmy than the last.

[Essan]

Agreed Gav this is absolutely crazy and hopefully people will realise this week when snow fails to materialise that the newspaper and its sensationalism deserves zero credibility.

No, they'll just ask why the MetO got the forecast wrong yet again!

[feb1991blizzard]

I hope it does happen and shuts the mild rampers up for good.

[Jayces]

Just reading the comments to that Daily Express article and this one made me giggle.

 

Go to the beach and pick up a pebble.

Take it home and place outside on the windowsill.

If the pebble is wet its raining

If the pebble is warm its sunny.

If the pebble is cold its cold.

If you can't find the pebble its foggy.

Who needs the Met office.

[Summer Sun]

I hope it does happen and shuts the mild rampers up for good.

 

The last thing we want is madden and co basking in glory we'd never hear the end of it

[UV-RAY]

The last thing we want is madden and co basking in glory we'd never hear the end of it

I couldn't care less as long as we had record breaking cold, hell I'll even make a shrine in honour of him and worship it. :-) Edited November 17, 2013 by Sceptical Inquirer

[AGOH]

 

Just reading the comments to that Daily Express article and this one made me giggle.

 

Go to the beach and pick up a pebble.

Take it home and place outside on the windowsill.

If the pebble is wet its raining

If the pebble is warm its sunny.

If the pebble is cold its cold.

If you can't find the pebble its foggy.

Who needs the Met office.

 

While amusing, it highlights the very point Essan just made - it's the Met Office who ultimately take the flak for these sensationalist headlines and 'forecasts' when they fail to materialise.