Weather in the general media (Newspaper features etc)

[Summer Sun]

Temperatures plunge to -7C as Big Freeze begins with hundreds of flood alerts issued for saturated areas

Drenched Britain shivered overnight as the big downpour turned into the Big Freeze.

The risk of flooding is still very real too, with river levels at record highs and the weak winter sun unable to dry out the saturated ground.

The Met Office warned that any showers could lead to further chaos after a week of floods that devastated homes and left four dead.

With December just days away, much of the country woke up to frost this morning as temperatures dipped as low as -7C.

http://www.dailymail...l#ixzz2DcCzR1ew

[Dorsetbred]

What would we for entertainment if we didn't have JP AND the newspapers?

[su rui ke]

It's entertaining but the problem is most of the public doesn't distinguish between this lot and real forecasts!

[Lynxus]

It's entertaining but the problem is most of the public doesn't distinguish between this lot and real forecasts!

This is more than likely what helps cause deaths from people ignoring actual alerts because they have become numb to exaggerated reports from papers like above.

[GoKart Mozart]

At least 2 papers (not just the usual suspect) have carried this `coldest for 100 years, -20c' story today. What is the source(s)?

Ian

[syed2878]

their sorse is that ideot from vws. Its disgusting how they print aline of truth and then they go ot.t.

[Chris K]

(Note - Not sure if this belonged more in the climate thread. It was in the general media hence why I posted it here - feel free to move mods.)

Quite a few papers this afternoon releasing stories to do with some weather extremes the world has experienced during 2012.

Interestingly, not many of the "big papers" seem to have done this, focusing more on the BIG FREEZE rubbish.

http://www.dailystar...ather-extremes-

2012 'HIT BY WEATHER EXTREMES'

ABOVE: This year is on track to be the ninth warmest in records dating back to 1850, according to experts 28th November 2012

Weather extremes have hit many countries and the Arctic has seen unprecedented sea ice melt as the world experienced another year among the hottest on record, experts have said.

Edited November 29, 2012 by Chris K

[BlueSkies_do_I_see]

Similar "Coldest for 100 years" story in no less than the learned Telegraph this morning!

http://www.telegraph...-cold-snap.html

Edited November 29, 2012 by BlueSkies_do_I_see

[Summer Sun]

Front page of today's Express

KILLER FREEZE HEALTH ALERT

THOUSANDS of people will die in Britain’s Arctic freeze this winter unless urgent action is taken to help the vulnerable and frail. Shock new figures reveal that 24,000 died in the UK from cold last winter. Now campaigners fear the brutal freeze due to grip the ­country over the next three months will reap an even higher death toll. The warnings come as hard-pressed households struggle to cope with rocketing energy bills, with many facing a stark choice between keeping warm or buying food.

Charities for the elderly said it was a “national disgrace†that the lives of our ­vulnerable ­citizens were put at risk because they cannot afford to switch the heating on. Others branded Britain “uncivilised†for tolerating more cold-related deaths than snow-bound countries like Finland. Parts of the UK are already officially on high alert, meaning temperatures are low enough to give rise to “significant health risksâ€.

http://www.express.c...ze-health-alert

Edited November 30, 2012 by Gavin.

[Methuselah]

Now it's a 'national disgrace' is it? And that from of the the Eton Set's most vociferous admirers!

[Summer Sun]

Snow On The Way As Britain Shivers

A light dusting of snow is expected to fall across parts of the country tonight with up to 4cm forecast to fall in some areas. Upland areas such as the Pennines, the North Yorkshire Moors and north east Scotland, could be blanketed in white by tomorrow. Temperatures are expected to plummet to a freezing -5C tonight leaving icy conditions on the roads which are expected to last until Sunday afternoon. "This weather could increase the health risks to vulnerable patients and disrupt the delivery of services," the Met Office said.

Forecaster Stephen Davenport of MeteoGroup said a front of rain was moving south, bringing wintry conditions with it. "There's going to be a mixture of rain, sleet, hail and snow showers," he said.

"In the northern parts of the country, over the hills, there will be a 2cm to 3cm covering of snow with up to 4cm in some spots. "There may be snow showers down the eastern side of the country. The northern areas will certainly see a covering and further south you are likely to see a dusting on the verges." The wintry weather is in contrast to the torrential rain and floods have caused havoc in some parts of the Midlands and in North Wales.

http://news.sky.com/story/1018839/weather-snow-on-the-way-as-britain-shivers

[Summer Sun]

Are you ready for December? A frosty Britain shivers while forecasters predict snowy weekend as temperatures dip to -7C

A light dusting of snow is forecast to fall across parts of the country tonight - with up to 4cm forecast in some areas as temperatures dip to -5C.

In stark contrast to the wet and windy weather which played havoc at the start of the week, Britain can now expect a wintry spell with some crisp and dry conditions.

Councils across the country have already sent out their gritters - although one is likely to be out of service for awhile after tipping over in Rochdale, Greater Manchester.

Higher areas - including the Pennines, the North York Moors and north east Scotland - are likely to be blanketed in white come tomorrow morning with between 2cm and 3cm of snow.

http://www.dailymail...l#ixzz2DiDSNrCy

[Summer Sun]

The Met Office has updated its contingency planners forecast for November this covers December to February 2013

Summary - Temperature

For both December and December, January & February, the balance of probabilities favours UK-mean temperatures below the 1981-2010 average. The probability that the UK-mean temperature for December-January-February will fall into the coldest of our five categories is around 25% whilst the probability that it will fall into the warmest of our five categories is between 10 and 15% (the 1981-2010 probability for each of these categories is 20%)

In recent weeks sea surface temperatures in the tropical Pacific have remained near average and predictions now favour the neutral phase of the El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) over the next three months. Its influence is weak and not expected to have predictive value for conditions over Europe over the forecast period. Sea surface temperature off the coast of Newfoundland has been well-above average for some months and the anomaly now extends to deeper parts of the ocean.

Snow cover over Eurasia is increasing faster than normal, and existing snow cover is a little above average. These two factors favour the negative phase of the North Atlantic Oscillation, increasing the probability of colder conditions over northern Europe. Indications from forecasting models favour slightly higher-than-average pressure over northwestern Europe and slightly lower pressure over eastern Europe. This would suggest a weakened westerly tendency which could allow a greater-than-average incidence of cold, blocking patterns. This is more marked in the forecast for December than for the December-January-February period.

Summary - Precipitation

Predictions for UK-mean precipitation for December and December, January & February show a slight shift towards below normal values consistent with negative North Atlantic Oscillation conditions – although the spread of probabilities is large. Consequently, for the season as a whole the chance of above-average totals remains significant. The probability that UK precipitation for December-January-February will fall into the driest of our five categories is between 20% and 25% and the probability that it will fall into the wettest category is around 15% (the climatological probability for each of these categories is 20%).

Predictability of UK precipitation on seasonal timescales is generally low. For the forecast period, models show some consistency in a signal for higher-than-average pressure over northwestern Europe, and therefore for below-average precipitation over the UK, especially in December. For the season as a whole the dry signal is weak. Compared to climatological levels, there is an increased chance of a very dry winter, but the risk remains very low.

The risk of snowfall over the UK is related to the occurrence of cold winter weather. As probabilities favour for this year a colder season than last year’s, the risk of snowfall is enhanced.

http://www.metoffice...ngency-planners

Edited November 30, 2012 by Gavin.

[marky810]

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2240716/24-000-died-cold-homes-winter-Fears-grow-figure-higher-year-spiralling-bills.html

[Coast]

Frosty Friday: Temperatures set to plunge to -5C as snow is forecast over the weekend, followed by yet more rain...

Up to 4cm of snow could fall in some areas with the Pennines, the North Yorkshire Moors and north east Scotland, likely to be blanketed in white

December is set to get off to an appropriate start, as the freezing temperatures are set to continue into the weekend, with forecasters predicting some areas could even see a light dusting of snow. Up to 4cm of snow could fall in some areas with the Pennines, the North Yorkshire Moors and north east Scotland, likely to be blanketed in white by tomorrow morning.

Temperatures are also expected to plummet overnight with some forecasters claiming they could drop as low as -5, bringing widespread frosts and an increased risk of ice.The Met Office has warned of a "90% probability" of a severe cold snap and icy conditions lasting until midday on Sunday. "This weather could increase the health risks to vulnerable patients and disrupt the delivery of services," it said.

Forecaster Stephen Davenport of MeteoGroup, the weather division of the Press Association, said a front of rain was moving south, bringing wintry conditions with it. "There's going to be a mixture of rain, sleet, hail and snow showers," he said. "In the northern parts of the country, over the hills, there will be a 2cm to 3cm covering of snow with up to 4cm in some spots.

"There may be snow showers down the eastern side of the country. The northern areas will certainly see a covering and further south you are likely to see a dusting on the verges." In contrast to the wet weather that caused havoc at the beginning of the week, many areas will see dry, cold but clear weather tomorrow with any showers likely to be limited to the South East. The more unsettled weather is likely to return on Sunday, however, with a band of rain coming from the West on Sunday afternoon. In the light of the cold weather the Met Office has issued a Level 2 Cold Weather Alert, giving advance warning of the adverse conditions.

Professor Virginia Murray, head of extreme events at the Health Protection Agency (HPA), said: "Severe cold can increase the risk of heart attacks, respiratory illnesses and injuries caused by slips, trips and falls. Those particularly at risk include the very old, very young and those with pre-existing medical conditions. The HPA has worked closely with the Department of Health and Met Office to develop a Cold Weather Plan which provides information and advice on what preparations both individuals and organisations can make to reduce health risks over winter."

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/frosty-friday-temperatures-set-to-plunge-to-5c-as-snow-is-forecast-over-the-weekend-followed-by-yet-more-rain-8371994.html

[Summer Sun]

You're floody joking! Ruthless traffic wardens ticket cars stranded due to floods

Ruthless traffic wardens have targeted cars which were abandoned in this week’s floods. Motorists returned to their stranded vehicles to find penalty notices stuck to their windscreens. Council bosses have been accused of “greed†for refusing to suspend parking restrictions in flooded areas and drivers have vowed to appeal against their fines. One man, who asked not to be identified, said he had received £50 tickets two days running this week for parking on the ­pavement in Tewkesbury, Glos, which was engulfed by floodwater.

“I’m going to appeal against my tickets. A bit of common sense would have been nice. "There’s nowhere to park and yet the traffic warden told me she was not allowed to use discretion or common sense.â€

http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/floods-traffic-wardens-ticket-cars-1463672

[Methuselah]

Is it a Tory council?

[Mark Neal.]

You're floody joking! Ruthless traffic wardens ticket cars stranded due to floods

Ruthless traffic wardens have targeted cars which were abandoned in this week’s floods. Motorists returned to their stranded vehicles to find penalty notices stuck to their windscreens. Council bosses have been accused of “greed†for refusing to suspend parking restrictions in flooded areas and drivers have vowed to appeal against their fines. One man, who asked not to be identified, said he had received £50 tickets two days running this week for parking on the ­pavement in Tewkesbury, Glos, which was engulfed by floodwater.

“I’m going to appeal against my tickets. A bit of common sense would have been nice. "There’s nowhere to park and yet the traffic warden told me she was not allowed to use discretion or common sense.â€

http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/floods-traffic-wardens-ticket-cars-1463672

That is outrageous!

[March Blizzard]

I don't really blame the wardens themselves, rather their management. It's very easy to be dismissed these days when you don't do your job to the book, especially when employers are looking to tighten the budget. It's just another case of frontline staff taking all the flack for poor management.

[Turnedoutniceagain]

"KILLER FREEZE HEALTH ALERT" - hilarious !!!!

[Coast]

Warnings of -7? I'm sure most of us will cope!!

First comes the snow then the rain's back: Britain covered in white as temperatures dip to -7C

• Snow expected in Scotland - and it will spread to England and Wales over the weekend
• Met Office warns of icy roads as frost and flooding run-off causes havoc for motorists
• Midlands and East of England may wake to a 'sprinkling of snow'

Britain will shiver into December today as temperatures plunge. Frost will cover the country and flurries of snow may reach as far south as the Chilterns. Yesterday an icy blast blanketed the entire country as the mercury struggled to get anywhere above freezing. Still, these horse trainers in Surrey were happy to ride it out as temperatures dropped below zero.

In Shap, Cumbria, it was as cold as -7C (19F). Meanwhile the village of Ravensworth in North Yorkshire saw the mercury freeze at -5.8C. The first snow of winter is expected to fall this morning followed tomorrow by further heavy rain in the West. The threat of more rainfall – up to an inch – will be another desperate blow to those already struggling to recover from the floods of earlier this week.

The Met Office said it had extended its yellow warning for further ice across large swathes of the country amid the threat of more rain and sub-zero temperatures. ‘There’s going to be a widespread frost on Saturday morning across large parts of the country and a few icy stretches,’ warned Met Office forecaster Charles Powell. ‘That risk will continue. We’ve extended our yellow warning for much of northern England advising people to be aware and remain vigilant and that’ll stay in place over much of the weekend. ‘There will also be one or two showers across the Cornish coast.

‘We have a little bit of snow on the way and that clump of rain, sleet and snow will gradually make its way southwards from Scotland. ‘By Saturday morning the snow will have reached the Pennines and the North Yorkshire moors with up to 4cm falling in places. ‘It will continue southwards throughout the day but it will get increasingly weak and light. There could be a sleet or snow flurry across parts of the Chilterns.’

Forecaster Stephen Davenport of MeteoGroup, the weather division of the Press Association, added a front of rain was moving south, bringing wintry conditions with it. 'There’s going to be a mixture of rain, sleet, hail and snow showers,' he said. 'In the northern parts of the country, over the hills, there will be a 2cm to 3cm covering of snow with up to 4cm in some spots. 'There may be snow showers down the eastern side of the country. The northern areas will certainly see a covering and further south you are likely to see a dusting on the verges.' Those who brave the cold should wrap up warm, as temperatures are unlikely to rise more than 5C to 7C throughout Saturday.

And while Sunday is expected to start dry, a band of clouds moving in from the Atlantic could bring more snow in the evening - although the Met Office stressed this was likely to be 'transient' snow which would not settle. Forecaster Charles Powell said: 'Drivers may see snow flurries as they drive, but we do not expect this to settle and it should not be around for Monday morning's rush hour.'

The Met Office has urged motorists to remain vigilant ahead, while councils have stockpiled 1.3million tons of road salt and have hundreds of gritters on standby. But it is feared that standing water left by this week’s devastating floods will continue to run off the fields and verges and wash away the salt. It is unlikely to fall in any great quantity but the combination of sub-zero temperatures, further rain and snow could result in treacherous driving conditions.

There are also fears that up to an inch of rainfall could cause further damage to flood-hit areas, particularly in the South West. Among those rivers at threat are the Thames, Trent and Severn, which all remain at very high levels. ‘By Sunday morning we could see some quite heavy rain, up to an inch in places,’ added Mr Powell. ‘As that hits the cold air it will turn into snow. ‘It will last for about two hours before turning back to rain. As we go into Monday it’s going to remain pretty wet and windy with further outbreaks of heavy rain in places.’

The Met Office also warned that while temperatures would recover by the start of next week it would remain unsettled for much of December with wintry showers and further outbreaks of rain. Downpours across the country have caused widespread devastation in towns and communities.

It has even led to deaths, with a 21-year-old homeless woman was killed when a huge spruce tree fell on her as she slept in a tent in the storms.

Michelle Conroy was killed by the fallen 50-foot spruce as she huddled against the rain and gales in her sleeping bag on a main road in Exeter, Devon.Friends yesterday said she was a 'sweet and caring' person and a canon missioner at Exeter Cathedral said she was a 'quiet and polite' person who had suffered a 'sad and broken childhood'.

http://www.dailymail...l#ixzz2DmuKsU2m

Edited December 1, 2012 by Coast

[Coast]

Snow falls in some areas and rain predicted

Snow has fallen across parts of the UK, with more forecast over the weekend. Up to an inch (25mm) of snow settled in parts of northern England and southern Scotland. Temperatures fell early on Saturday to -7C at Shap, in Cumbria.

The Met Office said recent wet weather, which flooded about 800 UK homes, meant "an increased risk of icy patches". Heavy bursts of rain have been forecast for Sunday and Monday in parts of the UK, with up to 20mm (0.75in) expected in flood-hit south west England.

BBC Weather forecaster Mike Silverstone said: "It could potentially cause more flooding issues there. It's not going to help." He said a band of rain would from western England eastwards late on Sunday going into Monday morning. The Met Office has issued a low-level warning of severe weather, affecting much of the UK for Saturday morning. It said: "Due to the recent wet weather there is an increased risk of icy patches, even on roads that have been treated with salt, where water run off/seepage may wash off any earlier salt treatment. "The public should be aware of the risk of ice on roads and pavements."

Frosty weather is expected to last for the next few days, with more snow predicted in northern England and Scotland on Sunday night

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-20565100

[AWD]

A dusting of snow has fallen across parts of the UK, with more predicted over this weekend.

It is in contrast to the torrential rain and windy weather which played havoc in some parts of the Midlands and in North Wales at the start of the week.

Around 1cm of snow has settled in parts of northern England and Scotland, including Cumbria, Teesside and County Durham, while 2.5cm has covered the Pennines and the Southern Uplands.

In the midlands, southern England and Wales temperatures are below freezing, and as low as -5C in some areas.

The frosty weather is expected to last for the next few days, with more snow predicted in the north and Scotland tomorrow night.

The freezing temperatures have brought with them a risk of ice, following the recent heavy rainfall.

The Met Office issued a low-level warning of severe weather, affecting much of the UK for the morning.

It said: "Due to the recent wet weather there is an increased risk of icy patches, even on roads that have been treated with salt, where water run off/seepage may wash off any earlier salt treatment.

"The public should be aware of the risk of ice on roads and pavements."

Sky News weather presenter Jo Wheeler said: "For much of the day, it will be sunny for most.

"Snow showers will continue to run into northern and eastern Scotland, and may occasionally run into North Sea coasts.

"Top temperatures will reach 5 or 6 Celsius. In western parts, cloud will increase and temperatures will rise as rain spreads off the Atlantic.

"Progress will be slow, however, and it will be Sunday before that rain makes much impact on mainland UK, by which time, there is the risk of seeing some snow on the leading edge.

"For the bulk of the country, there will be a fine end to the day followed by a cold and frosty night, and a bright start to Sunday.

http://news.sky.com/story/1019134/snow-starts-to-fall-as-britain-shivers

Edited December 1, 2012 by AWD

[Summer Sun]

MORE FLOOD CHAOS ON WAY

A NEW band of torrential rain is heading for Britain next week after what is expected to be the coldest snap so far this year. A week of wet weather is forecast from Monday, triggering warnings of more devastating flooding. Days after huge swathes of the UK were submerged, temperatures are set to plunge to -20C (-4F) by tonight, bringing up to five inches of snow on high ground in the North and a dusting as far south as Kent. Forecasts of a big freeze have already sparked a buying frenzy of winter goods and prompted supermarkets to stock up on warm food and clothes. An almost nationwide ice warning for today was issued by the Met Office. Plunging temperatures will cause rain to freeze as it hits the ground, turning roads into ice rinks.

Meanwhile, the big freeze is likely to beat the -15.6C recorded in Lincolnshire in February. Jonathan Powell, forecaster for Vantage Weather Services, said wind chill this weekend could make it feel as cold as -25C in exposed areas. Mr Powell said: “The Arctic lockdown is expected to last into next week with a bitter cold weekend ahead. “Widespread temperatures are going to struggle to get above freezing. Many places will see a dusting of snow with up to five inches possible on high ground.†Last night Asda and Sainsbury’s were expecting sales of food, clothing and homeware to soar. Tesco reported a surge in demand for soups, hats, gloves and de-icer while Morrisons was predicting shoppers would clamour for comfort foods.Age UK last night said that taking precautions against the cold could mean the “difference between life and deathâ€.

http://www.express.c...od-chaos-on-way

[Methuselah]

-20? Tonight? Where on earth did they get that one from!