Storm Darragh bringing ‘worst UK climate in decade’ as -13C snow blasts arrive from Greenland
Britain faces the worst December weather of the decade, with -13C Greenland blasts bringing snow and ice chaos.
Winter starts with snow and storms this week – as a 500 mile-wide chill is followed by twin 70mph tempests on Thursday and Saturday which could see Storm Darragh named. The Met Office is briefing councils and transport chiefs that December has the highest cold risks for years.
The Met Office long-range outlook said: “The likelihood of a cold December is greater than seen in recent years, with an increased chance of northerly or northwesterly winds.”
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Snow is due in Scotland on Monday and threatens northern England the following day. Festive shoppers will shiver as temperatures plunge by 10 degrees to bitter highs of just 4C in the North and 6C in the South on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Nights will be around freezing for many, with -8C lows in Scotland. The first new torment from the Atlantic is due on Thursday, with 60mph gusts in the West and 50mph in the East shown on forecast models.
(Image: Getty Images)
Another tempest is set to arrive on Saturday, with 60mph gusts in the South and 70mph in the North. Soakings sweeping across the country from both storms threaten more floods after Storms Bert and Conall chaos.
The Met Office will name Storm Darragh when an Atlantic low pressure system has potential for amber warnings. Another polar plunge is due for most of the week commencing December 9, with snow and ice likely at times and lows down to -13C on the cards.
A Met Office forecaster said: “Northerly winds will bring colder conditions across the UK once more, with wintry showers in the North on Monday and sleet and snow later on Tuesday.
“Frontal systems will then move across the country, bringing rain and strong winds for many areas, before next week sees some colder days.”
(Image: Getty Images)
The Weather Outlook forecaster Brian Gaze said: “Forecast models show very windy weather in all parts of the UK during this week. Computer forecasts are firming up a cold spell next week, with incursions of Arctic air. It comes after autumn’s northerly plunges packed more of a punch this year.”
Bookmakers Ladbrokes cut odds on a white Christmas to 6/4 in Edinburgh, 7/4 in Newcastle, 5/1 in Manchester and 8/1 in London. Ladbrokes spokesman Alex Apati said: “The odds say it’ll be all white on the big day this year.”
