A dramatic temperature plunge will be observed in the UK this week as Storm Claudia clears.
Previously, the storm dumped more than a month’s worth of rain in parts of South Wales and Central England over the weekend, triggering severe flooding and infrastructure damage.
The Met Office reported, “Intense rainfall through Friday and overnight has caused flooding impacts in some parts of south Wales and central England. Accumulations of 119.6 mm was recorded between 1800 Thursday and 0600 Saturday at a Natural Resources Wales rain gauge at Tafalog in Gwent.”
“80.6mm was recorded over the same period at an Environment Agency rain gauge at Suckley in Worcestershire,” officials shared.
The extreme cold weather in the region is driven by cold Arctic air as high pressure builds from the north.
The Met Office has issued a stark warning of “widespread frosts” and daytime temperature struggling to reach above single figures.
Met Office Deputy Chief Meteorologist Dan Holley, said: “As Storm Claudia retreats to the south, high pressure to the northwest will drive a cold northerly flow from the Arctic across the UK. This will bring much colder conditions than of late and, whilst generally drier than recent days, there will also be a risk of wintry hazards, such as snow and ice.”
He added that “There will be widespread frosts across the UK, with temperatures dipping as low as -7°C in places next week, and daytime temperatures staying in single figures across the country. Couple this with a brisk northerly wind, and there will be a marked wind chill.”
Holley also requested residents to “keep an eye on the forecast in their area as it is possible warnings may be issued for snow and ice at times.”
Considering the changing weather conditions, the UK Health Security Agency has activated a yellow cold health alert for the Midlands and northern England, as it may have serious impacts on health and social care services.
Although the weather pattern is predicted to be drier, the forecasters indicate a possibility of sleet and snow, especially on high grounds in Scotland and northern England by Tuesday, November 18.
