Adverse weather
The UK sits in the path of predominately westerly winds where low pressure weather systems (and associated clouds and rain) frequently move eastwards or north-eastwards across the North Atlantic and then across the UK. This brings unsettled and windy weather, particularly in winter.
Summers in the UK are usually cooler than those on the European continent whereas our winters are often much milder. However, experts anticipate that climate change will alter the UK’s weather, leading to changes in patterns of rainfall and temperature. This has the potential to cause more frequent extreme weather events.
The Met Office system
The Met Office uses a colour-coded system to show the likelihood and effects of expected severe weather.
Source: MET Office
The sections linked in the menu provide information about different weather conditions but there are some simple actions you can take to make sure you are prepared, whatever the weather:
- Check the weather forecast regularly. The MET Office provides forecasts for locations around the country.
- Listen to the radio.
- The Environment Agency work hard to predict, monitor and provide early warning on severe weather.
- Government public information campaigns such as ‘get ready for winter’ give tailored advice, particularly for vulnerable people.
Further information