Weather in the general media (Newspaper features etc)

[Summer Sun]

lol.

2.5cm of snow in "some locations" is now extreme?

Idiots!

In this country that's enough to bring chaos to the roads.

[Coast]

Snow and ice set for Scotland and northern England

Snow is set to bring disruption to most of Scotland and parts of northern England, the Met Office has warned.

It has issued an amber warning for snow for much of Scotland overnight into Thursday. The snow will turn to rain late in the morning but will fall on frozen surfaces, forecasters said. Traffic Scotland has warned of a high risk of disruption for most road journeys on Thursday.

Police are advising that travel conditions in parts of Scotland will be "extremely poor". This latest bout of cold weather comes after snow fell in north-eastern Scotland and parts of southern England on Wednesday, causing accidents and delays and forcing schools to close in Aberdeenshire, Hertfordshire and Essex. There was also disruption at Luton, Aberdeen and Stansted airports.

The series of amber alerts - covering the the period between 03:00 GMT and 11:00 GMT on Thursday - warn people to be prepared for potentially treacherous conditions in Strathclyde, Grampian, the Highlands, the Western Isles, Tayside and Fife and Central. Met Office yellow warnings - advising drivers to "be aware" of the danger of ice - are in place in parts of north-east England, Yorkshire and Humber, East Midlands, the east of England, and London and south-east England.

A Highways Agency spokesman urged drivers to check local weather and travel advice before setting off, to heed warnings on electronic message signs and to drive "in an appropriate way for the conditions, leaving extra time for journeys and extra room for braking". Meanwhile, British Gas says it expects to receive almost 250,000 calls for help from customers this week - nearly 70,000 more than in an average week.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-20621236

http://youtu.be/jGXOiPILKwU

[Summer Sun]

Here's the latest seasonal outlook from WeatherOnline

What about 2013?

Is winter a whopper?

Issued: Wednesday 5th December 2012

Duty forecasters: Captain Bob

January

The New Year looks as if it'll be getting off to a chilly start, the indications still hold that there'll be polar air streaming southwards, the UK 'sandwiched' between high pressure to the west and lowers pressures to the north and east. A mix of wintry showers and sunny spells for all areas, the greatest concentration of showers likely to be through eastern areas, drier and sunnier closest to high pressure influenced western Britain.

The mainly dry and cold theme continues through the first week as high pressure drifts into the UK, showers dying away through most parts, it becomes less cold across northern Britain as a westerly establishes over the top of high pressure maintaining the settled conditions across southern England and Wales.

Through the second week and into the mid-January period it looks rather more unsettled for all areas, wet and windy at times as low pressure will always have the controlling influence. Temperatures fluctuating as various air masses affect the UK as low pressure systems transit the country on their passage west to east, signs that it will generally become colder later, the hint therefore of more in the way of wintry precipitation occurring over higher ground in the north.

Through the third week and into the latter stages of the indications are that it'll be becoming substantially colder, as high pressure builds to the north and east of the UK, a developing east to north-easterly flow covering the whole UK. Wintry showers will be moving east to west through many areas, with the threat of perhaps more widespread wintriness across some southern areas at times with low pressure encroaching into the southwest later.

February

A wintry start potentially to begin, this easing as high pressure builds into a large and slow moving feature over the UK, so a settled and very cold first week. High pressure looks as if it'll be controlling the conditions well into mid-month, so remaining settled and quite cold, frost and fog widespread.

There is the possibility of a wintry spell from the north as high pressure eases westward for a time, as this clears away, high pressure re-establishes quickly and the weather again settles into quiet but sold conditions once more.

High pressure continues to control right through the month, however it'll be drifting around to the north and northwest, maintaining a cold easterly, north-easterly or northerly flow across all areas, wintry showers almost anywhere but also a great deal of dry weather as you would anticipate under such conditions.

Little change is expected through the latter stages of February, high pressure predominantly in control, perhaps becoming more unstable from the east with more enhanced wintry showers but remaining generally cold throughout.

Captain Bob

http://www.weatheronline.co.uk/cgi-app/reports?LANG=en&MENU=206&FILE=sea&DAY=20121205

[Summer Sun]

The beast from the east is coming the front page of the Express on Friday morning says so!

[I remember Atlantic 252]

The beast from the east is coming the front page of the Express on Friday morning says so!

oh no! completely unrealistic, just bloody hope ppl i know dont get the express, main headline may not seem that unrealistic, but then goes on to say coldest winter for 20 years

[Ninman]

The beast from the east is coming the front page of the Express on Friday morning says so!

Colder than the north Pole? A white christmas is a cert? LOL! I think the editor has started on sherry early!

I wish they would stop with this over the top journalism (if you can even call it journalism), it's getting silly now!

[Optimus Prime]

That headline makes zero sense. Or -15 if you like.

[Mark Neal.]

Well the Express have spoken. Bound to happen now folks, might Aswell be verified. (Sarcasm)

[Coast]

Snow: Britain Braced For First Major Fall

Commuters are braced for more travel chaos in the coming days amid warnings they could see the first significant snow fall this year.

Next week is expected to be much worse than recent days, according to Sky News weather presenter Isobel Lang. "The weather is looking much colder next week with the potential for an icy blast from the east. This could bring some significant snow falls across eastern Britain," she said. Friday will bring slightly better weather after a light dusting of snow sent the UK’s transport system into meltdown on Wednesday.

But there could still be some transport problems due to early snow, particularly over eastern counties of England, said Lang.The weekend should be better although there will still be icy roads and risk of wintry showers in the north on Sunday. Wednesday night was the coldest night of winter so far, according to MeteoGroup.

As a result, Luton, Aberdeen and Stansted airports were hit by the wintry conditions along with rail routes in southern England. While England and Wales enjoyed milder conditions on Thursday, Scotland experienced more cold temperatures and snow.

http://news.sky.com/story/1021486/snow-britain-braced-for-first-major-fall

[Evening thunder]

The beast from the east is coming the front page of the Express on Friday morning says so!

Oh good God.

Guess they can't remember even early February 2012, which was quite possibly colder than next week will be on average for much of England, let alone December 2010!

No wonder the models have reduced the easterly flow overnight after that came out lol.

[Methuselah]

I have no memory, whatsoever, of a super-cold week, in December 1992!

[Great Plum]

Oh good God.

Guess they can't remember even early February 2012, which was quite possibly colder than next week will be on average for much of England, let alone December 2010!

No wonder the models have reduced the easterly flow overnight after that came out lol.

I was at the Center Parcs in Elveden the week before the snow at the end of January... By the end of the week, the lake had frozen to such an extent that they couldn't use their speedboat to break the ice... I doubt that will happen next week...

[Summer Sun]

COLDEST WEEK FOR 20 YEARS IS ON WAY

BRITAIN is braced for its coldest winter in 20 years next week when a "beast from the East" front roars in from Siberia. Bitter gales will send temperatures plummeting to around -15C (5F), colder than the North Pole. In some remote areas of the North the windchill factor could make it feel like -30C. With parts of the country already shivering through -13C on Wednesday night, forecasters say even colder air will sweep in from next Monday. They warn there will be no letup for at least a month and say a white Christmas is "a dead cert".

Cold weather health alerts to protect the elderly and vulnerable are likely next week but least councils believe they have enough salt stockpiled to grit the roads. One local government chief said they are well prepared to keep the traffic moving during the depths of winter. Bookies William Hill have cut odds on the lowest-ever temperature record being broken from 14/1 to 8/1. It stands at -27C and was equalled in recent years on December 30, 1995 in Altnaharra, northern Scotland.

Forecaster Brian Gaze, of The Weather Outlook, warned: "Forecast models show a 'beast from the East' weather system next week, with massive blocking high pressure from Siberia to Scandinavia pushing easterly winds across the UK. "There's a good chance of much of the country seeing lying snow, with growing signs of the weather turning very cold." Helen Chivers said: "It is going to be very cold next week with a chance we could beat the -15.6C recorded in Holbeach, Lincolnshire, in February.

"Later in the week there could be some significant accumulations of snow." As a result, she predicted, there could be a health alert. Jonathan Powell, forecaster for Vantage Weather Services, said: "Next week will be the coldest week of the winter so far. "We are in for a freezing blast of air with snow spreading down the country even as far as London with a white Christmas now looking a dead cert.

http://www.express.c...years-is-on-way

BRITAIN COLDER THAN NORTH POLE

BRITAIN was yesterday colder than the North Pole. And forecasters have warned another icy blast from Siberia will sweep in next week. Yesterday, England and Scotland had their coldest day this winter, with -12.9C recorded at Braemar, Aberdeenshire, -8.7C at Benson, Oxfordshire, and -6.8C in Bournemouth. Ny-Alesund, on Norway’s Arctic island of Svalbard, 500 miles from the North Pole, fell to just -8.5C. The dangerous driving conditions caused by the bitter weather may have caused a Range Rover to come off the road and hit a freight train, which left an 11-year-old boy in a critical condition.

The collision happened near Greenhead, Northumberland, on Wednesday. The Met Office forecast more ice this morning, with snow flurries in the east, 60mph gusts of wind in the south and 40mph gusts in the Midlands. The winds will make temperatures feel like 0C despite thermometer readings of 5C. British Weather Services said the weather was throwing “the kitchen sink†at Britain, while the Department of Health extended its cold weather health alert until at least Sunday, telling staff to stay in contact with the vulnerable in the north-east.

Met Office forecaster Helen Chivers said: “Temperatures will fall again next week, with winds expected to blow from the east, keeping the cold weather going for all parts of the UK. “Eastern areas can expect snow next week.†Meanwhile, in parts of Russia temperatures fell to an incredible -52C.

[Summer Sun]

Snow Alert: UK Faces 'Beast From The East'

Britain is facing a weather front dubbed the "Beast from the East" next week - with heavy snow and sub-zero temperatures. Temperatures could plummet as low as -6C around London as icy winds blow in over the eastern coast. Forecasters are also predicting "lots of snow" from Monday - "obliterating" East Anglia and spreading to southeastern areas. By Tuesday and Wednesday there could be significant accumulation of snow along much of the eastern side of Britain.

Sky News weather presenter Jo Wheeler said snow which settled in the east tended to stay for longer. "People should prepare for the cold weather and allow more time to get to work," Jo said.

"The snow could cause considerable disruption because of the accumulation in populated areas," she added. Overnight frosts will continue throughout next week, with increasingly wintry showers turning from sleet into snow. A few centimetres of snow could fall in the East and hilly parts of the South East today, but temperatures will be milder than earlier in the week. There were early reports of snowfall in Luton this morning.

Snow is continuing to fall on higher ground across Scotland, but will struggle to settle after sleet showers. The rain and sleet will move southwards over the country while other parts will stay dry following clear spells. Weather warnings have been issued for Scotland, northern England and parts of the Midlands and East Anglia as ice is likely to form on untreated surfaces following today's rainfall. Overnight the wind will ease and skies will clear, and temperatures will be close to freezing in most places. A cold and frosty start is expected for the weekend, with plenty of sunshine.

http://news.sky.com/story/1022049/snow-alert-cold-weather-beast-to-hit-uk

[Summer Sun]

Get ready for the 'Beast from the East': Siberian winds to blast Britain with ice, snow and freezing temperatures after a brief respite this weekend

Britain is facing a week of freezing conditions and possible heavy snowfall when Siberian winds dubbed the 'Beast from the East' bring us bitterly cold weather. Fierce winds blowing in from eastern Russia will lash the North East after a fairly mild weekend, bringing freezing temperatures and ice to test families already struggling in the extreme conditions. Eastern areas including Lincolnshire and Newcastle will again bear the brunt of the severe weather, which brought misery to rush-hour this morning after commuters battled through four inches of snow and temperatures of -7C. Snow over Leeds and Leeds Bradford Airport struck fear into holidaymakers this morning and is moving South-East down the country, hitting Ipswich and falling as sleet in lower areas.

A cold wind is expected to sweep the country throughout the day as temperatures struggle to rise above 4C or 5C. A spokeswoman for the Met Office said: 'There was 8-10cm of snow in Aviemore, Scotland, and a few centimetres lower down on roads. It's been icy overnight, with snow down the North-East, especially in the Pennines, on higher roads and in Newcastle and Lincolnshire. 'The snow is moving south-east with a potential for snow in some south-eastern counties. 'There will be a milder start tomorrow, but as the cloud from tonight clears it will turn colder. It will be fairly cloudy with light rain on Sunday, clearing up before the wind flow come in late on Sunday and into next week.'

Temperatures are expected to reach 9-10C this weekend before dropping again sharply for the working week, with -15C wind chill factor expected in Scotland. 'This will bring a risk of snow showers, particularly in the North-East,' added the spokeswoman. 'The West will also be cold and frosty, but clear.' The severe weather has caused mayhem this week. The Met Office today released a nationwide warning about ice on the roads, and families were told to take care of loved ones in the extreme weather. A man and two children were recovering today after they were trapped in freezing mud on a seashore during a family day trip to the Isle of Sheppey, off Kent. Mud dragged the eight-year-old boy down as they walked along the shoreline under some cliffs.

His dad went to pull the boy free and immediately started sinking into the mud too. They managed to struggle out of the quagmire to shout for help, but meanwhile the nine-year-old girl began sinking. She was trapped in the freezing mud for half an hour until Kent Fire and Rescue Service and the coastguard were able to reach her and pull her out.

http://www.dailymail...l#ixzz2ENmFFt13

Beware the 'Beast from the East': Big freeze heading for Britain from Russia

The country faces the coldest day of the winter tonight but anyone who thinks it can’t get any worse is in for a chilly surprise. Forecasters say a “Beast from the East†will grip huge parts of Britain next week. The big freeze being blown in from Russia is expected to bring bitter temperatures and widespread snow. Blizzards, sleet and rain swept through Britain today bringing the inevitable misery on roads and railways across the country including in snow-hit Cumbria and the North East of England. The Met Office predicted there would be more snow flurries and ice tomorrow as well as 60mph gales in the South of England and 40mph gusts in the Midlands.

British Weather Services said the elements are throwing “the kitchen sink†at Britain, and Weather Outlook forecaster Brian Gaze had even worse news. Mr Gaze said: “Forecast models show a Beast from the East weather system next week, with massive high pressure from Siberia to Scandinavia pushing easterly winds across the UK. “There’s a good chance of much of the country seeing lying snow, with growing signs of the weather turning very cold. This weather set-up usually lasts a week.†The signs from Russia today were not good.

The daytime temperature in the Siberian town of Vanavara – which shares the same latitude as Orkney – peaked at -46C after tumbling to -52C overnight. William Hill cut the odds from 14/1 to 8/1 on Britain’s record lowest temperature – which stands at -27.2C – being broken this year. Today the Health Department extended its cold weather health alert until at least Sunday, ordering staff to contact the elderly and vulnerable in the North East. Forecasters say maximum temperatures this weekend might reach 7C before the Beast from the East descends.

http://www.mirror.co...heading-1477328

We face freezing month as cold air dubbed ‘Beast from East’ blows in

BRITAIN is facing a MONTH-long freeze — thanks to a blast of cold air dubbed the Beast From The East. Experts warn Siberian winds are likely to grip the nation from Tuesday onwards, possibly heralding a white Christmas. Temperatures are already falling rapidly, plunging to -13°C (9°F) yesterday in the east — colder than Svalbard in the Arctic Circle.

BBC forecaster Paul Hudson said: “There’s a growing consensus we’ll see the ‘Beast From The East’ next week.†The Met Office predicted “below average†temperatures for the month, with lots of snow.

http://www.thesun.co...l#ixzz2ENoQWc5g

[Summer Sun]

'Beast from the East' set to blast region

MOTORISTS have been told to expect extreme conditions next week as a Siberian weather front dubbed the ‘Beast from the East’ blasts the North East and North Yorkshire. Police forces across the region renewed warnings over icy roads and pavements tonight (Friday, December 7), despite temperatures rising from -7.2C in Topcliffe, near Thirsk, North Yorkshire on Thursday to a low of 0.1C at Fylingdales, on the North York Moors today. The warnings follow an 11-year-old boy being critically injured after a Range Rover was hit by a freight train near Greenhead, Northumberland, on Thursday, and police saying snow and ice could have been a factor.

The Met Office said the North-East could see an accumulation of snow on Monday as showers filter in off the North Sea and issued a severely cold weather alert for the region for Tuesday and Wednesday. It is believed temperatures could dip as low as -15C early next week and winds of up to 45mph will make it feel even colder. A Meteogroup forecaster said Saturday would see a chilly start across the region, with icy patches and early sunshine giving way to a blanket of cloud from the north, bringing drizzle in the evening. He said: “Temperatures should become milder over the weekend, but overnight on Saturday there will be wintry showers and snow on higher ground.

“However, after the weekend it become cold until after Wednesday, when the maximum temperature will be around 1C.†North Yorkshire Police and the Environment Agency have urged people to exercise caution following the recent flooding. They warned that flooding and surface water were still affecting isolated areas, which would be prone to difficult and icy conditions as temperatures plunged. An Environment Agency spokesman said: “The cold snap may easily turn this into sheets of ice and whether we’re walking or driving we need to be very careful, to be aware of temperatures and to watch our footing and our speed.â€

http://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/10096793._Beast_from_the_East__set_to_blast_region/

[Summer Sun]

Latest from the Express

TOO COLD FOR GRIT TO WORK

AN Arctic blast bringing up to six inches of snow threatens to grind Britain to an icy halt next week. Chaos is predicted on the roads as experts warned that grit will not work in the extreme cold. It becomes useless when temperatures plunge as low as -16C (3F), they say. This is because rock salt, used on most routes, is effective as an anti-freeze down to -9C. But beyond that it fails to stop ice forming on the road. Forecasters say Britain faces a “whiteout†with widespread snowfall of up to six inches around the country.

Bitter Siberian winds from Tuesday could push temperatures in remote northern areas to as low as -30C with fears of a repeat of the chaos of December 2010 when the UK ground to a shivering halt. The blast, dubbed “the Beast from the Eastâ€, could start to have an effect from as early as tomorrow. The AA warned drivers to be prepared for dangerous driving conditions. Head of road safety Andrew Howard said: “As well as grit not working below -9C, drivers should remember if it rains it will be washed away and wind blows it away.

“The most important thing is to be prepared. Make sure cars are in tip-top condition and prepare for very long delays. Be aware that if the temperatures do drop to below the point when grit is effective, the roads will be icy.†The Met Office warned a blast of cold air from northern Europe will send temperatures plunging as low as -16C, well below average for the time of year. It issued a cold weather health alert for tomorrow and Tuesday morning, warning of a 90 per cent risk of severe cold, ice and heavy snow. Jonathan Powell, forecaster for Vantage Weather Services, said Britain faces a whiteout with up to six inches of snow.

He said: “Most places will get a dusting. It really is a belter on the way, with it not looking any better for the rest of the year. “We are looking at widespread snowfall from Tuesday onwards. It is going to be enough to cause travel disruption with up to six inches of snow likely on higher ground.†Forecaster Helen Chivers said: “After a slightly milder weekend it is going to turn much colder next week. “From Tuesday onwards the East of the UK is at risk of snow which will drift towards the West during the week. Widespread night frosts are expected with temperatures well-below average for the time of year.â€

Forecasters said daytime temperature in the North could sink to a bitter cold -6C while the South will shiver in lows of -3C. By night it could nudge -16C with bitter 60mph gales making it feel much colder. Bookies William Hill have slashed the odds on the lowest-ever temperature being broken from 14/1 to 8/1. It stands at -27C (-17F) on December 30, 1995, in Altnaharra, northern Scotland. By next week it could hit -30C in some parts of the North. Forecaster Brian Gaze, of The Weather Outlook, said: “An Atlantic system approaching could well bring a widespread risk of snow.â€

Temperatures have already sunk lower than the North Pole this week with flights and trains cancelled or delayed while the AA took 5,000 breakdown calls. Yesterday parts of the North were coated in a blanket of white with significant snowfall as far south as Sussex. Forecasters say the big freeze could last into the start of next year. Leon Brown, for The Weather Channel, said: “Temperatures may hardly rise above zero next week. “This will persist throughout December across Christmas and New Year so there’s a high chance we will have a white Christmas.â€

http://www.express.c...or-grit-to-work

[I remember Atlantic 252]

should say, 3 cold dry days, then flooding for many areas for the run up to Xmas and into new year,

should say 'flooding to ruin Xmas'

[Methuselah]

I'd love to see the guttersnipes get egg plastered all over their respective faces...It almost enough to make a non-event seem welcome!

[Summer Sun]

UK TO BE HIT BY -16C ARCTIC BLAST

BRITS will be “put in the freezer†next week as a monster weather system from Russia grips the UK. Temperatures will plunge to -16C as the huge front wraps Britain in a Siberian climate. As the big chill nears, forecasters are warning of travel chaos with snowdrifts and ice crippling rail and road networks. Jim Dale, from British Weather Services, said: “The freezer door is open and there’s no sign of it shutting.†The Government is putting in place its most widespread cold weather warning, ordering daily checks on the elderly and ill.

The weekend is expected to be mild, but the Arctic blast will move in off the North Sea on Monday. The Met Office is warning of “treacherous ice†and “significant snow accumulations†in the North, Midlands and East Anglia. A spokesman said: “Temperatures are likely to be significantly colder than normal in December. “Wintry showers will become widespread and potentially reach all parts.†Meanwhile, a disabled bus passenger was left overnight on a freezing bus after a dozy driver forgot to check that the bus was empty.

He was left stranded when the driver parked up at the Hyde Road depot in Ardwick, Manchester, after finishing his evening shift, and went home. The distressed 60-year-old was found sitting in his wheelchair just a few feet from the driver’s cab by a cleaner at around 3am the next day. Bosses at bus company Stagecoach have apologised for the blunder and launched an investigation.

http://www.dailystar.co.uk/news/view/286721/UK-to-be-hit-by-16C-Arctic-blast/

[Froze were the Days]

My God that newspaper (Express) is annoying! as mentioned above a non-event to spite the papers is the only positive I can see out of this!

[Chris K]

Yes.. although it seems people constantly talk about its headlines in work like its a sure thing to happen every time its released. Makes me sit there with my head in my hands with despair.

[Captain Shortwave]

Seriously are the press still writing this stuff. Well I know that these journalist will be left looking red faced, well in a world where everything was fair and unbiased that would be the case.

Unfortunately I see only one headline from the gutter press by the end of this week.... on the lines of "The Metoffice cocked up again, lets cut spending for this department as it's useless"

Which is completely and utterly unfair, they waited for as long as they could before tentatively moving towards the cold setup. The metoffice are absolutely not at fault here, but you can almost guarantee that the newspapers will go with this and the likes of Vantage weather and James Madden will somehow escape the fire.

[Methuselah]

Monday's offerings could be fun:

BEAST FROM THE EAST CAGED, AS ATLANTIC LION ROARS IN!

[Summer Sun]

Freezing Britain: Siberian front brings ice, snow and -16C temperatures (but at least these skiers are enjoying themselves)

With icy blasts sweeping in from Siberia expected to send the mercury plummeting from as early as tomorrow afternoon, skiers made a rare UK appearance this morning enjoying an unexpected spot of glorious sunshine. The intrepid winter sportsmen took to the gentle slopes of the South Tyne Valley, near Alston, in Cumbria, and if forecasters are correct there will be plenty more of the white stuff to come. After today's brief respite, many parts of Britain face their first significant snow of the winter, with freezing winds, treacherous ice and sub-zero temperatures forecast for much of next week.

The Met Office has warned that snow will ‘march relentlessly’ down the East coast and by mid-week temperatures there will struggle to rise above freezing – day or night. In some parts of the country, the mercury could plunge as low as -16C (3F). Forecasters said bitter easterly winds – dubbed ‘the Beast from the East’ – will arrive after a mild weekend in which temperatures could rise to 9C (16F) in the South. After a bright start on Sunday, temperatures will start to fall in the afternoon with snow expected in Scotland and possibly in other northern areas.

But then the temperature is expected to plummet, becoming colder and colder by the day as the cold front moves in. A spokeswoman for the Met Office warned of the possibility of 'bitterly cold periods' across much of the country with strong chances of snow. Temperatures are expected to reach 9-10C this weekend before dropping again sharply for the working week, with -15C wind chill factor expected in Scotland. 'This will bring a risk of snow showers, particularly in the North-East,' added the spokeswoman. 'The West will also be cold and frosty, but clear.'

http://www.dailymail...l#ixzz2EUJxbjck