BRITAIN will soon be warming up after a record-breaking cold snap as a “warm air mass” hits the country.
Met Office Chief Meteorologist Neil Armstrong said: “For the past week the UK has been in a very cold airmass with temperatures well below average.
“This will change through the weekend as milder air moves in from the Atlantic and pushes that cold airmass out into the North Sea.
“From Monday the whole UK will be in the warmer air mass, with daytime temperatures reaching 12-13C in the south, replacing days which never got above freezing the week before.”
While its good news in the short term, the cold weather will unfortunately return next month when a 72-hour Arctic blitz sends temperatures to -1C.
Recent weather maps forecast an Arctic weather front approaching the UK in the last few days of February bringing freezing temperatures and snow.
According to WXCharts, from March 2 the mercury could dip as low as -2C in Scotland with temperatures averaging at 2C elsewhere in the UK. The cold snap is forecast to last for at least three days.
Follow our weather live blog below for the latest news and updates from around the country
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EXTRA 40-MILE COMMUTE
A flooded road that was used by kayakers and even a jet ski over the winter has finally cleared of water after being submerged for two months.
One businessman who lives in the village of Welney in Norfolk said he had faced an extra 40 miles on his commute while the A1101 Welney Wash Road was under water.
Sports equipment company boss John Loveday has lived in the village all his life and his offices are five miles away in Littleport, Cambridgeshire.
But the 65-year-old said he had a 25-mile detour while the road was closed, upping his commute from 10 miles per day to 50.
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WATER RESCUES: WHAT SHOULD YOU DO?
Devon and Cornwall Police has issued guidance after a man nearly drowned in a flood-swollen river.
They say if you see a person trapped in water inland, always dial 999 and ask for the Fire Service.
If you end up in the water, stay calm and get out of the vehicle as quickly as possible.
Escape should be attempted in the small amount of time (around 30 seconds to two minutes) during which a vehicle often floats, after which the weight of the engine pulls the vehicle under.
The sooner you escape the better. Cars are not airtight, and will not form an air bubble for survival underwater.
When sunk, pressure on the doors and windows exerted by the outside water makes them very difficult, even impossible, to open.
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MAN NEARLY DROWNED IN SWOLLEN RIVER CONTINUED
Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service said “At 16:57 we received a 999 reporting a van had left the road and was stuck in fast flowing water with one person trapped inside.
“Two appliances from Launceston, water rescue Units from Bude, St Austell and Plymouth, along with four station managers, were mobilised and responded alongside Devon and Cornwall Police.
“The police informed us that they also received a call stating a van had crashed and the occupant was on the bonnet of the van in fast flowing water.
“After a brief search of the area the first crew located the vehicle and found the occupant had self-rescued from the vehicle and made his way to the river bank.
“The occupant was checked over by police and fire crews at the scene and declined medical attention.”
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MAN NEARLY DROWNED IN SWOLLEN RIVER
A man is recovering today after he nearly drowned when his van was swept along in a flood-swollen river.
In a major rescue operation, fire crews from Launceston, Bude, St Austell and Plymouth joined police on the banks of the river at North Petherwin, Cornwall, yesterday evening (Wed).
Emergency services received reports that a van had plunged into the fast-flowing, rain-swollen river and the driver was trapped.
A fresh weather warning was issued for torrential rain across the West Country to last for over 48 hours.
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SURFER WIPES OUT IN ROUGH CONDITIONS
This is the dramatic moment a hapless surfer wipes out by crashing into a sea wall.
The bodyboarder was thrown about by the heavy swell in Charmouth, Dorset, today.
The man was one of several surfers who took advantage of the rough sea conditions, but large and powerful waves whipped up by 50mph south westerly winds soon sent him hurtling.
Credit: ©GrahamHunt
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WEATHER THIS AFTERNOON
Are you wondering what’s in store for you weather wise this afternoon?
Here’s how this afternoon’s weather is shaping up 👇
🌧️ #rain clearing from the east
🌦️ #sunshine and heavy showers following
🌬️ windy with some hill snow in the far northwest pic.twitter.com/laRg6Z4Qyl— Met Office (@metoffice) February 18, 2021
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LOCKDOWN SHOWERS
A member of the public walks past a Covid-19 information sign in Epsom, Surrey, this morning, where there is wind and heavy rain.
Downing Street is mulling over how and when to unlock the country from coronavirus restrictions.
Credit: London News Pictures
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FLOODING DANGERS
The Met Office warns: “Although the water may seem shallow, just 12 inches (30cm) of moving water can float your car, potentially taking it to deeper water from which you may need rescuing.
“Flood water also contains hidden hazards which can damage your car, and just an egg-cupful of water sucked into your car’s engine will lead to severe damage.”
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FLOOD DRIVING WARNING
Drivers are urged to find alternative routes if roads are flooded.
The number one cause of death during flooding is driving through flood water, so the safest advice is turn around, The Met Office warns.
The public are advised to stay away from swollen rivers and not to walk or drive through flood water.
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ROADS BLOCKED
Cars plough through flooded roads near Ely in Cambridgeshire after the River Great Ouse burst its banks.
Drivers are advised not to pass through flooded roads ahead of further heavy rain.
Credit: GEOFF ROBINSON.
Credit: GEOFF ROBINSON. -
FLOODING IN CAMBS
Fields and roads near Ely in Cambridgeshire were flooded today – with four more days of heavy rain expected.
Motorists struggled to drive along the roads after the River Great Ouse burst its banks following rain and strong winds.
The Environment Agency has put 64 flood alerts in place.
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UK WEATHER MAP
There will be rain in eastern and northwestern parts of the UK today, while it will be dry and cloudy elsewhere.
Parts of the south west and Wales will see some sunshine though – and it will be windy and “rather mild”, the Met Office forecasts.
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PICTURED
Surfers head for waves at Dawlish Warren in Devon.
There are wet weather warnings for South West England across the weekend.
Credit: Alamy Live News -
ODDS-ON FOR 20C THIS WEEKEND
Bookmaker Coral makes it odds-on at 1-2 for temperatures to reach 20C or higher this weekend in the UK.
The firm has cut the odds on to evens (from 5-4) for this spring to be the hottest on record.
“Some areas of the UK will feel as though spring has come early this weekend as we make it odds-on for 20C or higher being recorded,” said Coral’s John Hill.
He added: “The rise is temperatures is making us optimistic that we may be set for a record hot spring this year.”
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SEWAGE CLEAN-UP UNDERWAY
Southern Water has said a huge clean-up is underway after sewage was dumped at Joss Bay in Kent.
A spokesman said: “We’re very sorry to report that due to a fault at the Broadstairs Pumping Station yesterday morning, wastewater was released via the emergency outfall into the area around Joss Bay.
“This was the only action available to us to prevent internal flooding to local properties.
“A full investigation is taking place to check beaches nearby, and a beach walk and clean up is underway.
“No pollution is acceptable to us or customers, and we’re working with the Environment Agency and local authority to assess the negative impact on the environment.”
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P-EAUTY SPOT
One of Britain’s biggest water firms has apologised after sewage was dumped at a popular coastal beauty spot.
Southern Water said dumping wastewater into Joss Bay, Kent, was the “only action” it could take to stop houses from being flooded after a fault at a pumping station.
The firm, which supplies water and handles waste in areas across Kent, Sussex and Hampshire, hoped to avoid a crisis by diverting sewage to an emergency outfall on Tuesday.
A clean-up operation is now underway and Southern Water says other beaches along the county’s eastern coastline are being checked.
Precautionary advice is being issued at Joss Bay, Kingsgate Bay, Botany Bay, Stone Bay, and Walpole Bay.
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WHAT IS A POLLEN BOMB?
A pollen bomb has the ability to cause misery for millions of hay fever sufferers across the UK.
According to the New Scientist, plants need a period of cold then warm weather before they can flower.
But if there is a long winter, plants that couldn’t flower earlier in the spring are more likely to do so all at once – known as a “condensed spring”.
This causes more pollen to be produced.
Sufferers will experience cold-like symptoms – such as itchy eyes and a runny nose – but the threat could be more serious, with some experiencing deadly asthma attacks.
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WEEKEND POLLEN BOMB
Hay fever sufferers have been warned a temperature surge could trigger a “pollen bomb”.
Temperatures could hit up to 17C by Saturday, which could cause a surge in pollen due to the switch from extreme cold to warmer weather.
The sudden change to spring-like temperatures could see clouds of allergens released into the air.
Airborne allergens expert Max Wiseberg said: “If we get weather that’s warmer than normal for the time of year this could create a mini pollen bomb with flurries of alder, hazel, elm and willow pollen exploding into the air.
“This would make a very early start to the hay fever season, so sufferers should ensure they’re adequately prepared,” he told the Telegraph.
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SUN AND RAIN IN THE CAPITAL
It was a windy start in London this morning with a few scattered showers.
Heavy rain is expected late morning but it will clear through the afternoon.
The Met Office said: “Sunny spells will then follow with scattered heavy showers and lighter winds.”
The capital will today reach highs of 10C.
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TONIGHT’S FORECAST
Overnight will be dry with lengthy clear spells, according to MeteoGroup.
However, thick cloud will build from the west bringing outbreaks of rain to Northern Ireland by dawn.
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FORECAST INTO MARCH
According to the Met Office, higher than average pressure is set to sit close to or over the UK, with dry and settled conditions likely.
Temperatures are predicted to be a little below average at the start of the month, slightly increasing the chances of cold spells occurring.
There could be an increased likelihood of overnight frosts and risk of wintry hazards such as snow and ice, but this will be “unlikely to be as disruptive as earlier in the year”.
Towards mid-March there are signs of a change to milder conditions.
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WHO IS ELIGIBLE FOR COLD WEATHER PAYMENTS?
You’re eligible for the cold weather payment scheme if you’re in receipt of one of the following benefits and meet certain criteria:
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COLD WEATHER PAYMENTS
Low income households can get £25 a week to help with energy bills during the winter thanks to the cold weather payment scheme.
When temperatures are recorded as, or forecast to be, zero degrees or below for seven consecutive days on average between November 1 and March 31, eligible Brits are entitled to extra money to heat their homes.
You get £25 for every seven day period where the weather is below 0C during this time frame.
You can check if your area has had a cold weather payment by popping your postcode into the government’s tool from November 1 onwards.
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WET AND WINDY IN SCOTLAND
It will be an unsettled start for Scotland today, turning drier and brighter later.
The Met Office said: “Cloudy with some outbreaks of rain at first, perhaps heavy in places, but becoming intermittent with some drier spells.
“A few sunny intervals in the afternoon but further showers will develop, especially south of Glasgow.
“Early strong winds soon easing. Maximum temperature 8C.”
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DRIVING IN SEVERE RAIN
Severe weather can present challenges both for keeping the travel networks open and for those navigating through the difficult conditions.
Nine in 10 weather-related deaths and serious injuries on the roads take place in the rain.
The Met Office advises to slow down, choose main roads, dipped headlights, and keep an eye out for spray from other vehicles.
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