A dusting of snow surprised many this morning, captured in photographs shared across social media from Jersey, hinting at the winter’s grip tightening across the UK.
The Met Office has issued a yellow wind warning, anticipating gusts up to 55mph that threaten to disrupt travel and potentially knock out power to homes. Coastal areas and exposed hills are expected to bear the brunt of the force.
A separate cold weather alert is now active across parts of England, spanning the next three days. This poses a particular risk to vulnerable individuals, demanding increased vigilance and care.
While much of the country will remain dry with sunny spells, a biting wind will make the 5C temperatures feel significantly colder – plunging well below freezing. The chill is deceptive and potentially dangerous.
Despite the harsh conditions, some embraced the winter spirit. Brave swimmers donned their costumes for traditional Christmas Eve swims, battling the elements in North Tyneside.
The yellow wind warning is currently in effect from 4am to midnight tonight, covering the South West of England and most of Wales. Expect disruption from strong, gusty east to northeasterly winds.
Along exposed coastlines and the western slopes of hills, winds could reach 55-65mph. This intensity raises concerns about travel delays, power outages, and the potential for large, hazardous waves.
Specifically, the warning encompasses Bath and North East Somerset, Cornwall, Devon, the Isles of Scilly, North Somerset, Plymouth, Somerset, and Torbay in the South West of England.
In Wales, the affected areas include Vale of Glamorgan, Blaenau Gwent, Bridgend, Caerphilly, Cardiff, Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, Conwy, Gwynedd, Isle of Anglesey, Merthyr Tydfil, Monmouthshire, Neath Port Talbot, Newport, Powys, Rhondda Cynon Taf, Swansea, and Torfaen.
The unpredictable weather has already forced the postponement of cherished annual events. The Coverack swim in Cornwall has been delayed, and a Boxing Day swim in Devon has been cancelled due to dangerously rough seas.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued a yellow cold weather alert for the South West of England, beginning at 6pm today and lasting until midday on December 27th. This signals a likely increase in demand for healthcare services.
The agency warns that the cold weather could significantly increase the risk to the lives of vulnerable populations, emphasizing the need for proactive care and support.
While widespread snowfall isn’t anticipated, a Met Office chief meteorologist suggests a small chance of light showers. These are most likely to be a mix of rain and sleet, with some snow possible at higher elevations.
For most of the UK, however, the festive forecast remains largely dry, offering a brief respite from the more severe conditions impacting the South West and Wales.
