Storm Malik weather tracker – Brutal 80mph winds to hit within HOURS as Met Office issues danger to life warning
THE Met Office has issued a danger to life warning as Storm Malik is set to bring brutal 80mph winds within a matter of hours.
The amber danger to life alert was issued earlier today, with the threat expected to begin first thing tomorrow morning.
Storm Malik is expected to bring high winds and wet weather to northern parts of the UK over the weekend, the Met Office said.
For Brits, gusts could reach up to 80mph in exposed coastal areas, but more widely 60mph as Storm Malik tracks eastwards towards Denmark
Read our weather live blog for the latest news and forecasts
- Milica Cosic
Big freeze to start today
The big freeze took a hold on Friday morning, and it is expected that the winter storm could wreak havoc across Scotland over the weekend.
It could bring 80mph gale-force winds on Saturday, followed by several inches of snow across the Highlands on Sunday, which may also fall on lower ground.
AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist and Lead European Forecaster, Tyler Roys, told the Express: "The larger chance for snow will occur Sunday and linger into Monday.
"A rapidly deepening storm will move across Scotland on Sunday, which will bring gusty winds, possibly gale-force.
"This storm will likely bring snow across the Scottish Highlands that could accumulate at least several inches.
"There is a possibility that some of the snow does reach the interior valleys in Scotland."
- Milica Cosic
Weather outlook for February 8 to February 22
Moving into mid-February, there is an increased likelihood of more unsettled conditions becoming established.
With the northwest likely to be the wettest area, but showers or longer spells of rain may spread to most areas at times, but with the southeast likely to be the driest.
Spells of strong winds are likely to develop more widely at times.
Temperatures likely to be near or slightly above average although short lived colder interludes are possible.
Any snow likely to be restricted to high ground in the north.
- John Hall
Snowstorm could continue until at least February 11
Met forecaster James Madden explained cold and snow will approach from the north during the beginning of the month, with wintry downpours potentially reaching the capital.
Long-range predictions are suggesting that snow could fall in northern regions if the freezing temperatures continue.
A snowstorm could continue until at least February 11, according to forecasts, after parts of the country are soaked by rain and the white stuff.
- John Hall
Chances of snow greater on Sunday
AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist and Lead European Forecaster, Tyler Roys, told the Express: "The larger chance for snow will occur Sunday and linger into Monday.
"A rapidly deepening storm will move across Scotland on Sunday, which will bring gusty winds, possibly gale-force.
"This storm will likely bring snow across the Scottish Highlands that could accumulate at least several inches," he added.
"There is a possibility that some of the snow does reach the interior valleys in Scotland."
- John Hall
Arctic blast to kick off THIS WEEKEND
The Met Office warned Brits to expect "severe frost" ahead of snowfall predicted over the next few days – with forecasts suggesting it could arrive on Sunday.
The polar blast is set to bring snow across the country before moving west, then hitting the north and the Midlands on Monday.
According to WXCharts, the Arctic blast will ravage the UK in early February – after kicking off this weekend
- John Hall
Yesterday was 'mild for many' says Met Office
The Met Office tweeted: "Usually a northwesterly wind brings a #colder feel to our weather.
"However, today [Thursday] it is #mild out there for many.
"To find out why this is, we've got to look further afield to find out where the air is coming from."
- John Hall
Weather outlook for this weekend
The Met Office has released a short weather summary for the weekend.
It reads: “Unsettled and often very windy across the north with gales around some coasts.
“Rain at times, mostly across hills of the northwest.
“Mainly dry for the south.”
- John Hall
Brits are in for a turbulent February, says forecaster
Forecaster John Hammond added that Brits could be in for a turbulent February, with a mix of wet, and windy weather with snow.
Mr Hammond told The Sun: “Briefly on Thursday a pulse of Arctic air will clip some northern and eastern areas, bringing some wintry showers to the Scottish mountains and perhaps the highest parts of northern England.”
He added: “There are signs of a more lively start to February – it looks wetter and windier at times than for much of the previous month.
- John Hall
Edinburgh outlook for Saturday to Monday
Rain clearing to leave a few showers on Saturday with strong to gale force northwesterly winds at first.
Lighter winds on Sunday with further rain. Breezy with showers on Monday.
- John Hall
UK Saturday to Monday outlook
Changeable with periods of rain spreading from the west at times, these interspersed with cooler, drier spells.
Often rather windy with a risk of gales, especially in the north.
- John Hall
Households warned about electricity blackouts if temperatures fall again
Should a cold snap hit the region, demand for gas could soar and hit supplies, meaning blackouts are "likely", investor Goldman Sachs said.
Even though enough is currently stored up, bad weather could mean supplies could drop below lows seen in 2018, Sky News reports.
It comes as Brits are bracing themselves for a -7C Arctic blast to hit the nation, brining severe frost and even snow in some areas in the coming week.
The bank also said gas prices could double if Russia increases its supply of gas into northwest Europe.
But other experts have warned that Russia could decide to restrict the flow of natural gas and petrol into Europe as tensions between the country and Ukraine grow.
Should Russia invade Ukraine, supply of gas into Europe could be tapered off, hitting supply and hiking prices.
Although just 3% of the UK's gas is supplied from Russia, compared to the 35% that Europe as a whole gets, households have been warned that they could feel the impact.
- John Hall
London weather outlook for Friday to Sunday
Mostly bright and sunny with occasional fog patches Friday morning.
Turning cloudy with outbreaks of light rain overnight and through Saturday with strong winds. Dry and bright Sunday, light winds.
- John Hall
Parts of country to see snow soon
Some places will soon see snow as the freezing blast holds the country in its grip.
Met Office forecaster Clare Nasir said: “There will be Arctic air streaming down from the north delivering snow showers, particularly in the far north-east of the country.”
However, in most places it’ll stay cold and mostly bright for the rest of the month.
- John Hall
February could be the coldest on record
Next month could be the coldest February on record, according to Ladbrokes.
The bookies now make it just a 3/1 shot for the coldest February EVER to be recorded this year, with temperatures soon set to tumble.
Odds of 2/1 says this ends up being the coldest winter since records began.
Alex Apati of Ladbrokes said: “With a big freeze set to batter all four corners of the UK, the odds suggest we’re in for some record-breaking low temperatures in the coming weeks.”
- John Hall
How rail operators plan ahead for bad weather
Behind the scenes, rail operators have emergency plans in place to keep that disruption to a minimum.
Sometimes trains will be running to a different timetable or under speed restrictions; the aim is to get as many people as possible safely to their destination, even if the journey takes longer than normal.
Contact details for many travel operators can be found on our useful contacts page.
- John Hall
Manchester Saturday to Monday outlook
Cloudy with some rain on Saturday and the possibility of more persistent and heavier rain and stronger winds later on Sunday.
Generally mild this weekend. Colder and brighter on Monday.
- John Hall
Keep an emergency winter kit in your car
No driver plans to break down but it happens and often at the most inconvenient times.
It’s best to keep an emergency kit in the car just in case, especially if it’s dark out and temperatures have plummeted.
It’s also worth keeping de-icer in the pack so you have some ready for those frosty mornings.
Hugo said: “A torch, a first-aid kit and some emergency food and drink may also come in handy, while keeping de-icer and a decent scraper in the car will make frosty morning starts less wearisome.”
- John Hall
Long range forecast: February 10 – 24
The current north-south split to the weather is likely to continue from mid-February and through to the second half of the month, with most seeing drier than average conditions.
The northwest of the UK is likely to see some rain and strong winds at times.
During this period, temperatures are likely to remain milder than average overall, with brief colder incursions possible in the north.
- John Hall
Long range forecast: January 31 – February 9
Through this period, the weather is likely to start off wetter than of late, with blustery showers in the north and cloudy with rain in the south, before clearing away through the day on Monday to leave brighter conditions.
Cloudy and dry weather is then possible to return for most at the end of January, while it is likely to be wet and windy in the northwest at times, with wintry showers possible over high ground in Scotland.
Moving into February, the largely settled and cloudy weather is likely to remain for most, with some rain and wind in the far northwest at times.
Overall, temperatures are likely to be near or milder than average through this period, although some brief colder than average spells in the north are possible.
- Milica Cosic
Top tips for safe winter driving
1. Drive slow — Speed limits indicate the maximum speed that should be travelled on that type of road. Depending on the type of vehicle you are driving and the current weather conditions, you may need to slow down.
2. Allow extra space — Stopping distances can increase to more than double during bad weather. Maintaining a safe distance from the vehicle in front allows more time to plan and brake as required.
3. Driving in fog — Before entering fog, it’s important to switch fog lights on, check your mirrors and slow down. Fog creates low levels of visibility, so remember to stay cautious of other drivers who may not be using headlights and keep a safe distance behind the vehicle in front.
4. Loss of control — If the steering becomes unresponsive, it is likely that the tyres don’t have enough grip on the road. The best way to deal with this is to ease off the accelerator and slow down gradually. You should switch to winter tyres before the winter period, to increase the amount of grip you have while driving.
5. Driving on ice — When the temperature drops towards freezing, be wary of black ice. Drive slowly and avoid breaking where possible as this can cause the car to spin out of control.
6. Know when to stop — If visibility becomes extremely poor, drive carefully until it is safe to stop at a nearby petrol station, service station or safe location (such as a lay-by) until visibility increases. Avoid the hard shoulder as the chances of an incident occurring there are much higher in the winter months.
7. How to drive in snow — If your car gets stuck while driving in snow, take your foot off the accelerator and avoid spinning your tires. Instead, try the rocking manoeuvre which might give you enough momentum to drive out.
8. The highway code — Ensure that you consult the Highway Code which applies in England, Scotland and Wales, or the Highway Code for Northern Ireland and see rules 226 to 237 for further advice on driving in adverse weather conditions.
- Milica Cosic
Arctic blast to kick off THIS WEEKEND
The Met Office warned Brits to expect “severe frost” ahead of snowfall predicted over the next few days – with forecasts suggesting it could arrive on Sunday.
The polar blast is set to bring snow across the country before moving west, then hitting the north and the Midlands on Monday.
According to WXCharts, the Arctic blast will ravage the UK in early February – after kicking off this weekend
- Milica Cosic
Brits are in for a turbulent February, says forecaster
Forecaster John Hammond added that Brits could be in for a turbulent February, with a mix of wet, and windy weather with snow.
Mr Hammond told The Sun: “Briefly on Thursday a pulse of Arctic air will clip some northern and eastern areas, bringing some wintry showers to the Scottish mountains and perhaps the highest parts of northern England.”
He added: “There are signs of a more lively start to February – it looks wetter and windier at times than for much of the previous month."
- Milica Cosic
Snowstorm could continue until at least February 11
Met forecaster James Madden explained cold and snow will approach from the north during the beginning of the month, with wintry downpours potentially reaching the capital.
Long-range predictions are suggesting that snow could fall in northern regions if the freezing temperatures continue.
A snowstorm could continue until at least February 11, according to forecasts, after parts of the country are soaked by rain and the white stuff.
- Milica Cosic
Households warned about electricity blackouts if temperatures fall again
Should a cold snap hit the region, demand for gas could soar and hit supplies, meaning blackouts are “likely”, investor Goldman Sachs said.
Even though enough is currently stored up, bad weather could mean supplies could drop below lows seen in 2018, Sky News reports.
It comes as Brits are bracing themselves for a -7C Arctic blast to hit the nation, brining severe frost and even snow in some areas in the coming week.
The bank also said gas prices could double if Russia increases its supply of gas into northwest Europe.
But other experts have warned that Russia could decide to restrict the flow of natural gas and petrol into Europe as tensions between the country and Ukraine grow.
Should Russia invade Ukraine, supply of gas into Europe could be tapered off, hitting supply and hiking prices.
Although just 3% of the UK’s gas is supplied from Russia, compared to the 35% that Europe as a whole gets, households have been warned that they could feel the impact.
- Milica Cosic
BREAKING: Warning as Storm Malik brings massive 80mph winds TOMORROW
A WINTER weather warning has been issued as Storm Malik is set to bring massive 80mph winds TOMORROW.
The danger to life alert was issued today, with power cuts expected as Brits battle the torrent.
Meanwhile, Britain is set to be covered in up to 20 inches of snow in two weeks after facing howling gales that could even cut the power supply tomorrow.
Temperatures are set to plummet next month, with parts of the country expected to be hit by an "Atlantic" freeze which will bring heavy snowfall.
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