Snow, heavy rain and strong winds are set to batter large parts of the UK over the next few days, stranding some communities as temperatures plummet ahead of severe weather the Met Office has named Storm Bert.
Amber and yellow warnings have been issued for dangerous weather, bringing risks of road closures, and rail and flight delays, with charities and energy companies telling households to prepare.
Met Office chief meteorologist Matthew Lehnert said Scotland should expect to see snow showers over the next few days, “with this reaching lower levels at times and bringing the potential for some travel disruption.”
“Overnight temperatures will drop below zero fairly widely over the next few days, which has resulted in some ice warnings, with further warnings likely through this week,” he said.
Commuters can expect more travel chaos with National Rail warning of four days of disruption as heavy snow is expected to continue falling over the weekend.
Key points
- Storm Bert to hit the UK this weekend, Met Office says
- Mapped: When and where Storm Bert will hit
- Rail disruption expected until Sunday
- Chance of power cuts, mobile phone outages for northern Scotland
- Heavy snow to fall over weekend
Mapped: When and where Storm Bert will hit as Met Office issues weather warnings
18:46
Athena Stavrou
The Met Office has warned Brits to prepare for a weekend of rain, wind and snow as Storm Bert sweeps the country.
Weather warnings are in place every day until Sunday – including seven on Saturday – as the country braces for more wintry weather after temperatures plummeted earlier in the week.
The majority of the UK will be facing at least one weather warning in the days to come, with Scotland and northern England expected to be the worst affected.
See when and where Storm Bert will hit the UK below:
In Pictures: Snow continues to blanket parts of the UK
18:00
Holly Evans
Amber snow warning issued ahead of Storm Bert
17:00
Holly Evans
Hundreds of schools are closed amid snowy conditions and an amber weather alert has been issued for the weekend when Storm Bert is set to sweep in.
The Met Office said Storm Bert is expected to bring “heavy rain, strong winds and disruptive snow to parts of the UK through the weekend” and warned of travel disruption and potential flooding.
An amber alert for heavy snow and ice will be in force between 7am and 5pm on Saturday in an area north of Scotland’s central belt, where 10-20cm is likely on ground above 200 metres and potentially as much as 20-40cm on hills above 400 metres.
Read the full article here:
Devon Police warn of collisions due to weather
16:42
Holly Evans
Devon Police have said they have received “numerous calls” from drivers due to collisions occurring in Thursday’s bad weather.
“We are receiving numerous calls from motorists who have been involved in collisions due to adverse weather conditions this morning,” they wrote on X.
⚠️NEWS | We are receiving numerous calls from motorists who have been involved in collisions due to adverse weather conditions this morning.
— Devon & Cornwall Police (@DC_Police) November 21, 2024
⚠️Please check the weather before travelling on the links below ⬇️ https://t.co/pW6YsO1Xan
Transport Scotland warn of potential delays and travel cancellations
16:26
Holly Evans
Scotland’s transport agency, Transport Scotland, said the amber warning means roads could be affected by deep snow and “some rural communities might be cut off”.
It also warned of potential delays and cancellations to trains and buses and of power cuts and phone outages.
Scottish Transport Secretary Fiona Hyslop said: “The conditions will likely cause difficult driving conditions and disruption to the wider transport network, so it’s important that anyone that has to travel during the warning period plans their journey ahead of time.”
How is climate change affecting snow in the UK?
16:00
Holly Evans
In recent decades, the intensity and frequency of heavy snowfall in the UK has reduced, and is expected to further reduce in recent years.
Between 1961 to 1990, it snowed for an average of 36.3 days each year in the UK, which has since reduced to 23.7 leading up to 2010.
With colder temperatures and snowfall remaining in the forecast, what influence is climate change having on snow events in the UK?
— Met Office (@metoffice) November 21, 2024
Cold weather payments triggered in UK snow – check if you’re eligible and when to expect money
15:50
Holly Evans
The first cold weather payments of 2024 have been triggered as snow blankets neighbourhoods across the UK and temperatures plunge.
Up to 15cm of snow is expected to fall in some parts of the country as the Met Office issues several yellow weather alerts for snow and ice.
To help support people during cold snaps like these, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) runs the cold weather payment scheme for qualifying households.
Read the full article here:
52,000 households likely to require help over weekend, say British Gas
15:34
Holly Evans
British Gas are expecting to see up to 52,000 households require help this weekend with their heating and hot water systems, as temperatures are set to plummet.
Their engineers have urged homeowners to prepare in advance by carrying out simple tasks such as bleeding their radiators and having boilers serviced.
Other tips include carefully checking water pipes, arranging furniture for warmth and preparing your heating before bedtime.
How to protect your heart during the winter
15:20
Holly Evans
As temperatures plummet across UK, the British Heart Foundation has highlighted the potential dangers posed by the cold weather.
According to the charity, there are thousands of additional deaths from heart and circulatory disease in the UK each year during the winter months.
“Cold temperatures can increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes, as well as respiratory infections like flu, and people with cardiovascular disease are more at risk,” warns Joanne Whitmore, senior cardiac nurse at the British Heart Foundation.
Read the full article here:
In pictures: Snow covers houses and roads across Wales and Scotland
15:01
Holly Evans
Mapped: Yellow and amber weather warnings issued for Saturday
14:44
Holly Evans
The Met Office has issued a series of yellow and amber weather warnings across the UK for Saturday, which will remain in place from 7am until 5pm.
The forecaster has warned that Storm Bert will bring a spell of heavy snow, leading to some disruption, with higher ground in central Scotland likely to be the most impacted.
Irish forecaster issues orange warning for snow and rain
14:25
Holly Evans
An orange warning for snow and ice was in place for counties Clare, Limerick, Galway and Tipperary in Ireland from midnight to noon on Thursday, as significant snow hit parts of the country.
An orange warning for snow and rain for counties Cork and Waterford was in place until noon on Thursday, as heavy rain caused treacherous conditions on the roads.
A status yellow warning for low temperatures and ice remains in place across the country until midday on Friday.
Met Eireann issued a warning for very cold and widespread frost, with icy stretches and lying snow persisting on Thursday and Friday.
There are warnings of hazardous conditions on roads and paths, with some travel disruption.
Chance of power cuts, mobile phone outages, and travel cancellations for northern Scotland, Met Office warns
14:06
Angus Thompson
People in northern Scotland are being warned of a small chance of power cuts and mobile phone outages, as well as the potential for cancelled rail and air travel, due to the severe weather.
Under one of multiple yellow warnings issued by the Met Office for various parts of the UK, rural communities also face warnings of a “slight chance” they will be cut off.
The weather bureau is also warning residents in that region of risks of slips and falls on icy surfaces, as well as traffic disruptions due to Storm Bert moving over the UK through the coming days.
“There is a small chance of travel delays on roads with some stranded vehicles and passengers, along with delayed or cancelled rail and air travel,” the Met Office says.
⚠️ Snow and ice warnings are in place across many parts of the UK during the rest of today, overnight and into Friday
— Met Office (@metoffice) November 21, 2024
For all the latest info https://t.co/QwDLMfRBfs
Stay #WeatherAware ⚠️ pic.twitter.com/gOJNmEgHHl
Does cold weather affect blood pressure?
14:05
Holly Evans
This week’s chilly snowy conditions have caused school closures, train cancellations and road delays in parts of the UK – but what impact could it have on our health?
Highlighting some of the consequences of cold weather, Age UK director Caroline Abrahams told PA: “The cold raises blood pressure, which in turn increases the risk of a heart attack or stroke, and breathing in cold air can also increase the risk, and impact, of serious illnesses like flu and pneumonia.”
But how does the wintry weather increase our blood pressure, and is there anything we can do to manage this?
Read the full article here:
In pictures: Snow falls across Ireland
13:45
Holly Evans
Charities warn of impact of cold weather as UK feels ‘first taste of winter’
13:25
Holly Evans
Charities have warned of the impact of the cold weather on society’s most vulnerable people as the UK experiences what the Met Office has called “the first taste of winter”.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) issued the first amber cold weather health alert of the season this week and, along with charity Age UK, warned that the conditions could be dangerous for vulnerable people, including the elderly.
Age UK director Caroline Abrahams said the charity was worried that the loss of the Winter Fuel Payment has caused many older people to be “extra fearful” about turning on their heating this winter.
Read the full article here:
Amber weather warning issued for Saturday
13:05
Holly Evans
The Met Office has issued an amber weather warning between 7am on Saturday until 5pm.
The forecaster has warned there may be:
- Travel delays on roads are likely, stranding some vehicles and passengers
- Power cuts are likely and other services, such as mobile phone coverage, may be affected
- There is a good chance that some rural communities could become cut off
- Some delays and cancellations to rail travel are likely
- Untreated pavements and cycle paths likely to be impassable
- Injuries from slips and falls are likely on icy surfaces
Snow across southern England will ease during the rest of this afternoon
— Met Office (@metoffice) November 21, 2024
Northern districts will see further snow showers drifting in, bringing an ice risk on untreated surfaces ️
Prolonged areas of sunshine for many others, though still feeling cold ☀️ pic.twitter.com/B6Dc1rWlX8
Met Office warns that snow showers bring risk of ice
12:46
Holly Evans
The Met Office has warned that snow showers in the north of England could bring the risk of ice on untreated surfaces.
In a tweet, the forecaster said: “Snow across southern England will ease during the rest of this afternoon.
“Northern districts will see further snow showers drifting in, bringing an ice risk on untreated surfaces Prolonged areas of sunshine for many others, though still feeling cold.”
Snow across southern England will ease during the rest of this afternoon
— Met Office (@metoffice) November 21, 2024
Northern districts will see further snow showers drifting in, bringing an ice risk on untreated surfaces ️
Prolonged areas of sunshine for many others, though still feeling cold ☀️ pic.twitter.com/B6Dc1rWlX8
Temperatures expected to drop below zero overnight
12:34
Holly Evans
Met Office chief meteorologist Matthew Lehnert said: “A northerly airflow will continue to feed snow showers into Scotland over the next few days, with this reaching lower levels at times and bringing the potential for some travel disruption.
“Overnight temperatures will drop below zero fairly widely over the next few days, which has resulted in some ice warnings, with further warnings likely through this week.
“On Thursday, a mixture of snow, sleet and rain is likely to affect the South West, which could potentially bring disruption. It’s likely high ground in the area will see snow, with a mixture of conditions likely at lower levels.”
Homelessness charity warns that cold weather ‘can kill’
12:16
Holly Evans
The homelessness charity St Mungo’s has warned that rough sleeping in cold weather conditions can kill people, as they offer more emergency beds.
❄️ With freezing temperatures predicted to continue, rough sleeping in the cold can kill.
— St Mungo's (@StMungos) November 19, 2024
During Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP), we provide extra emergency beds to keep people safe.
If you’re worried about someone:
✔️ Call 999 for medical emergencies
✔️… pic.twitter.com/jwqNT9Z1fT
Energy suppliers to spend £500 million on winter bills support
12:01
Holly Evans
Energy companies will spend a combined £500 million to help customers struggling with energy bills this winter after talks with the Government.
Companies will lend money to people to help cover costs, reduce standing charges, which make up a segment of all energy bills, and help fund a national debt advice campaign.
Ministers have been looking for ways to reduce the impact of cutting winter fuel payments for about 10 million elderly people, which officials estimate will push 100,000 pensioners into relative poverty this decade.
Read the full article here:
Every storm name for 2024/25 revealed as Met Office confirm Storm Bert to hit UK this weekend
11:49
Holly Evans
The Met Office has already confirmed the storm names to be used across 2024 and 2025 - as the UK braces for Storm Bert.
The new storms list – first launched in 2015 – for each year generally runs from early September until late August the following year, coinciding with the beginning of autumn.
James, Lewis and Mavis are all included in the new list in honour of figures from the Met Office’s 170-year history.
Read the full article here:
School closures continue on Thursday
11:40
Holly Evans
More than 114 schools are shut in the Highland Council area on Thursday due to snow, including Inverness Royal Academy where pupils were told their prelim exams planned for the day will be rescheduled.
Almost 40 schools in Aberdeenshire are also shut while many others had delayed openings, and in Moray around 12 are closed and others opened late.
It comes after more than 100 schools or nurseries were closed in Scotland on Wednesday because of the weather.
South of the border, 89 schools are shut in Devon on Thursday, 18 in Dorset and 60 in Cornwall, while in Wales around 10 are closed in Conwy, 18 in Denbighshire and two in Wrexham.
Drivers should stick to major roads and prepare for breakdown emergencies
11:30
Holly Evans
RAC Breakdown spokesperson Alice Simpson said: “The first taste of winter means drivers are suddenly contending with the some of the worst road conditions we’ve seen all year.
“With freezing temperatures already causing disruption in the east and north of England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, and snow showers now affecting regions further south, we advise motorists to plan well as ice forms on untreated surfaces.
“Drivers should ensure their tyres have plenty of tread and are inflated to the correct pressure to give them the best possible grip on the road. It’s best to stick to major roads, rather than rural areas where surfaces may not be gritted, reduce speeds and leave plenty of space behind the vehicle in front to ensure you have more time to stop.
“Everyone should travel prepared in case they find themselves broken down at the side of the road: a blanket, warm waterproof coat and gloves, sturdy footwear and a charging cable and mobile power bank are all essentials.”
UKHSA issues amber and yellow Cold Health Alerts
11:27
Holly Evans
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued a number of amber and yellow Cold Health Alerts covering the whole of England.
These are issued when forecasted weather is likely to cause significant impacts across health and social care services, particularly for those above the age of 65.
Amber alers have been issued for the East and West Midlands, Yorkshire, the North East and the North West, while a yellow alert has been issued for London and the southern counties.
Spotted any snow this morning? Together with @metoffice, we continue to issue our amber cold health alert across most of England. ❄
— UK Health Security Agency (@UKHSA) November 19, 2024
Visit our dashboard for the cold health alert map, alongside useful information for health and social care settings. https://t.co/aLh71j0jXC pic.twitter.com/1zvQIIDuQ6
Met Office warn of heavy snow and up to 100mm of rainfall
11:19
Holly Evans
Met Office Deputy Chief Meteorologist Dan Holley said: “Storm Bert marks a shift to much milder air and wintry hazards will gradually diminish through the weekend, but heavy snowfall is expected across parts of northern England and Scotland for a time on Saturday, especially over higher ground, and warnings are in place.”
“Heavy rain through Saturday and Sunday, especially in southern and western parts of the UK, will also bring impacts for some with a number of warnings in place. We expect 50-75 mm of rainfall quite widely within the warning areas, but in excess of 100 mm is possible over high ground in parts of Wales and southwest England.”
“In addition, rapid melting of lying snow over the weekend and periods of strong winds are likely to exacerbate impacts and bring the potential for travel disruption, as well as flooding for some.”
Storm Bert to hit the UK this weekend, Met Office says
10:57
Holly Evans
The Met Office has named the latest storm to hit the UK, with Storm Bert expected to bring heavy rain, strong winds and disruptive snow over the weekend.
Wind gusts are expected to reach between 40-70mph while heavy snow is predicted in the northern regions on Saturday, with heavy rain in the west.
#StormBert has been named and is forecast to bring heavy rain, strong winds and disruptive snow to parts of the UK through the weekend #WeatherAware ⚠️ pic.twitter.com/Yh9LyEAIBo
— Met Office (@metoffice) November 21, 2024
Can and should you walk your dogs in the snow?
10:50
Holly Evans
Temperatures are dropping across the UK with snow weather warnings in place for parts of the country.
Temperatures dropped to minus 7.8C in Tulloch Bridge, Scotland, in the early hours of Monday, which is the lowest temperature the UK has seen since last winter.
Cold temperatures, ice and further snow feature on the forecast for the coming days in what the Met Office deemed is the country’s “first taste of winter”.
With this news, many will be thinking about how this chilly weather may affect our pets.
It’s important to prepare our dogs, as well as ourselves, for this forecast.
Read the full article here:
In pictures: Snow falls across the UK on Wednesday
10:35
Holly Evans
Poor weather conditions sees replacement buses suspended
10:19
Holly Evans
Poor weather conditions have forced South Western railway to suspend their replacement buses between Axminster and Exeter St Davids.
The disruption is expected to continue until 2pm on Thursday.
⚠️NEW: No South Western Railway replacement buses between #Axminster and Exeter St Davids until approximately 14:00https://t.co/GELvlagLQI
— National Rail (@nationalrailenq) November 21, 2024
How to win the heating wars at home when the weather’s not on your side
10:12
Holly Evans
Have you been keeping an eye on the forecast? October was mostly mild, and the weather has continued in that vein in the first third of November. Perhaps you tricked-or-treated in shorts, or watched fireworks in a singlet, so balmy has it felt at times.
There may, however, be a modest change on the way, with daytime temperatures struggling to get into double figures over the next couple of weeks for much of the UK. The big question is: will it be cold enough to justify putting the central heating on?
The thermostat is one of life’s primary domestic battlegrounds; and the split between those who reach for a jumper, rather than turning on a radiator, can be almost Shakespearean in its bitterness. “To thine own self be true,” may be a decent motto, but telling a chilly person to follow your lead by putting on a second sweater doesn’t always go down well.
Read the full explainer here:
Snow, sleet and rain to bring disruption on Thursday
10:03
Holly Evans
Met Office chief meteorologist Matthew Lehnert said: “A northerly airflow will continue to feed snow showers into Scotland over the next few days, with this reaching lower levels at times and bringing the potential for some travel disruption.
“Overnight temperatures will drop below zero fairly widely over the next few days, which has resulted in some ice warnings, with further warnings likely through this week.
“On Thursday, a mixture of snow, sleet and rain is likely to affect the southwest which could potentially bring disruption. It’s likely high ground in the area will see snow, with a mixture of conditions likely at lower levels. 2-5cm of snow is possible in places at lower levels, with around 10cm possible over higher parts of Dartmoor.”
Cold weather payments triggered in UK snow – check if you’re eligible and when to expect money
09:49
Holly Evans
The first cold weather payments of 2024 have been triggered as snow blankets neighbourhoods across the UK and temperatures plunge.
Up to 15cm of snow is expected to fall in some parts of the country as the Met Office issues several yellow weather alerts for snow and ice.
To help support people during cold snaps like these, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) runs the cold weather payment scheme for qualifying households.
Read the full article here:
Met Office’s five day weather forecast
09:32
Holly Evans
Today:
A frosty and perhaps icy start for most on Thursday with sunshine and wintry showers in areas exposed to the northwesterly wind. Cloudier in the southwest with outbreaks of rain and hill snow moving through. Rather breezy.
Tonight:
Wintry and blustery showers continue in the north of the UK, but drier with clear skies further south, and a widespread frost developing away from any coasts.
Friday:
Another frosty and in places icy start on Friday with sunshine and wintry showers continuing in exposed areas. Showers and winds gradually easing through the afternoon.
Outlook for Saturday to Monday:
Turning wet and windy for all on Saturday, with some hill snow initially, and blustery showers on Sunday and Monday. Milder on Saturday and Sunday but cooler again into Monday.
‘Rail disruption until Sunday’
09:15
Simon Calder
National Rail is warning of four days of disruption for rail travellers because of the adverse weather.
The organisation says: “The Met Office have issued yellow weather warnings for snow, ice and rain which may affect most of Scotland and many parts of England and Wales until Sunday 24 November.
“Snow and ice are expected today [Thursday] with heavy rain following over the weekend. The rapid thaw of the snow could mean there is a chance of flooding.”
Meanwhile many journeys on Thursday are proving difficult due to a range of other factors. Travellers on the West Coast main line are facing multiple problems from separate points failures between London Euston and Watford Junction and between Wolverhampton and Birmingham New Street. Local services between Euston and Watford are disrupted by defective track.
On the key Thameslink commuter line through London, a passenger being taken ill between St Albans and West Hampstead is delaying trains.
In Scotland, Glasgow Queen Street has signalling problems. Trains to and from Edinburgh Waverley have been cut from four to two per hour.
Snow could reach 10cm in north-west, Met Office warns
09:00
Holly Evans
Snow and ice are set to cause further problems for commuters across the country on Thursday as weather warnings remain in place.
A yellow weather warning for frequent snow showers, possible hail and icy conditions is in place for much of north and west Scotland until midday, with the Met Office warning of difficult travelling conditions.
Between 2cm and 5cm (up to 2ins) of snow is expected widely and it could reach 10cm in some parts of the north-west mainland, with higher ground seeing 15cm to 20cm (up to 7.8ins), the Met Office said.
A yellow warning for ice with a “few sleet or snow showers” remains in effect until 10am covering most of Scotland, the East and West Midlands, the East, north-east and north-west of England, Northern Ireland, Wales and Yorkshire.
Parts of south-west England including Plymouth and Exeter have also received a yellow warning for snow between 5am and 3pm on Thursday, with 5cm to 10cm predicted in higher parts of Dartmoor.
Devon trains hit by bad weather
08:43
Simon Calder
Rail passengers in Devon are facing disruption because of adverse weather. National Rail says: “Heavy snow between Crediton and Okehampton means the line is blocked. As a result, services between Exeter and Okehampton will be cancelled.
“Owing to the adverse road conditions, Great Western Railway have been unable to source rail replacement transport.”
Along the south coast, severe weather between Exeter St Davids and Newton Abbot is disrupting trains. National Rail says: “Strong winds are causing sea spray along the Dawlish sea wall. As a result, some long distance services have been revised to not call at Dawlish and Teignmouth.
“Local services that run between Exmouth and Paignton are still able to call at these stations. If your train is no longer calling at these stations, you are advised to change at Exeter St Davids or Newton Abbot for a local stopping service.”
Heavy snow and rain to pose danger to life on Saturday night
07:01
Athena Stavrou
Heavy snow is expected on Saturday followed by a “rapid thaw” and rain on Saturday night in north-east and north-west England, the West Midlands, Yorkshire, and much of Scotland.
The Met Office issued a yellow warning for the weather event and said there is a chance floodwater could cause danger to life, some rural communities could become cut off, and there may be travel disruption.
New yellow warnings for rain have also been published from Saturday to Sunday morning in south-west England and Wales.
Met Office spokesperson Andrea Bishop said: “A deep area of low pressure is expected to bring a spell of prolonged and, at times, heavy rainfall across a large part of the UK this weekend.
“Across south-west England, rain is expected to develop during Saturday morning with heavier rain likely later in the day and overnight into early Sunday morning.
“Fifty to 75mm of rain is expected to fall fairly widely during this time with a chance that some places over Dartmoor could see 100-125mm. Strong southerly winds will accompany the heavy rain and may locally exacerbate impacts.”
Watch: Snow hits northern parts of England
06:30
Athena Stavrou
Full list of weather warnings
05:30
Athena Stavrou
Until midday today : A snow and ice warning is in place for northern and parts of western Scotland
Until 10am today: An ice warning is in place for most of Scotland, the Midlands, the east, north-east and north-west of England, Northern Ireland, Wales and Yorkshire.
Thursday at 5am to 3pm: A snow warning is in place for South West England.
Saturday morning to Sunday at 9am: A yellow snow and rain warning is in place for the north-east and north-west England, the West Midlands, Yorkshire, and much of Scotland.
Saturday at 6am to Sunday at 6am: A yellow warning for rain is place for south-west England and much of Wales.
Graph: Coldest UK November temperatures
04:30
Athena Stavrou
Sharp rise in breakdowns, RAC says
03:30
Athena Stavrou
A sharp rise in vehicle breakdowns has been reported as yellow snow and ice warnings continue in parts of the UK.
Many drivers’ batteries failed on Wednesday morning due to cold weather and snow across the country, the RAC said.
RAC spokesperson Rod Dennis, said: “We’ve seen, as you would probably expect, a really sharp rise in breakdowns - predominantly from a lot of people’s batteries failing in the cold, which is inevitable.”
He recommended properly de-icing vehicles and ensuring the entire windscreen is clear, rather than rushing out of the house “with a tiny little space” to see the road.
“Adopt a cautious driving style” in areas with risk of black ice and “be gentle on the accelerator, never be tempted step on the brake” as it could cause issues on slippery roads, he added.