Icy Weather On The Way Heres Whats Causing This

The UK is due to for icy weather from the end of this week, with road surface temperatures dropping below zero to as low as -5C in various parts of the country. The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for snow and ice for Scotland, Northern Ireland and parts of northern England, and they have also warned that higher winds will also ‘make it feel colder than recent days.

This upcoming cold snap is attributed to a high-pressure system bringing freezing air from the Arctic, causing temperatures to drop. This is not an uncommon occurrence for the UK’s weather behaviour in November, as the country experiences a transitional phase from autumn to winter. While it may not necessarily become a full-blown “Beast from the East”, norther regions are likely to witness snow, especially in higher altitudes and latitudes.

What to expect

The icy weather is expected to be most severe in Scotland, Northern Ireland, and parts of northern England. These areas are most likely to see snow and ice, and temperatures are likely to drop to as low as -5C (23F). Milder temperatures are expected in southern England and Wales, but there could still be some frost and fog.

Historically, the current average temperature in the UK during the November is around 9°C, with potential lows as low as -2°C during cold stretches. However, it’s not unheard of for temperatures to dip below freezing, with records indicating occasional snowfall during this month. The UK has an average of 10 days of snow and 14 days of frost in November. The record snowfall in November was 80cm (31in) in 1982. The record low temperature in November was -23C (-9F) in 1981.

November is not usually considered one of the challenging winter months, although there have been exceptions – 1981 was especially notorious. In that year, no fewer than 102 tornadoes recorded on a single day in November, appearing across an area running from north Wales, through the English Midlands, to East Anglia, with a few outliers to the north, during a brief but eventful five-and-a-half-hour spell. The reason was the appearance of a vicious cold front, which crossed rapidly over the country, which in turn led to updraughts of warm air hitting downdraughts of cooler air, all of which caused a spinning action and led to the formation of tornadoes.

Why is this icy weather happening now?

This cold weather is being caused by a large area of high pressure over Scandinavia. This high-pressure system is bringing cold air down from the Arctic. This is a typical weather pattern for this time of year, as the UK starts to transition from autumn to winter – when Polar continental air masses originate from the Arctic and Siberia. They are cold and dry, bringing clear skies and cold weather. Polar continental air masses are formed when cold air from the Arctic or Siberia moves over land.

Business preparedness

The impending icy weather should prompts businesses to take proactive measures to ensure smooth operations during adverse conditions.

Infrastructure check, heating systems and boilers are in good working order. Regular maintenance can prevent unexpected breakdowns when they are needed the most.

Communication plans, clear communication plans for employees. In case of severe weather conditions, make sure there are channels in place to inform staff about any changes to working arrangements.

Transportation considerations, if your business involves transportation, weather forecasts closely. Have contingency plans in place for delays or disruptions due to adverse weather conditions.

Workspace comfort, create a comfortable work environment by providing extra heating, warm beverages, and encouraging employees to dress in layers to stay warm.

Remote working options, consider allowing employees to work remotely during extreme weather conditions. This can help productivity while ensuring the safety and wellbeing of your workforce.

Emergency supplies, stock up on essential supplies for the office outdoor space such as grit bins, salt and snow shovels to keep walkways and entrances safe and slip-free.

Preparing for your Winter Gritting and Snow Clearance

Winter Gritting services, your business has considered both the financial and health and safety impacts of wintery shutdowns, and consider engaging a professional winter gritting company to guarantee operational continuity. If you and your business is self-delivering own winter services, there are some other important points to bear in mind.

As our weather patterns become more unpredictable and extreme, it is vital for business to adapt to changing conditions and invest in services that will help mitigate the impacts of increased frost and snowfall. By preparing for challenges head-on, business can better protect operational continuity and safeguard the health and safety of visitors and staff alike.

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