Key Takeaways
- A cold health alert and weather warnings have been issued for parts of the UK on Christmas Day
- The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued a yellow alert for south-west England from 18:00 on 25 December to midday on 27 December
- Gusts of up to 65mph (105 km/h) are expected in the South West, with a Met Office warning affecting Somerset and a large swathe of Wales
- The Met Office has said it is "highly unlikely" the UK will see a white Christmas, with a dry picture across the UK over the next few days
- Organisers of some Christmas and Boxing Day swims in Devon and Cornwall have had to cancel events due to the weather forecast
Introduction to the Weather Alert
A cold health alert and weather warnings have been issued for parts of the UK on Christmas Day, as forecasters dashed hopes of a white Christmas. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) issued the yellow alert for south-west England from 18:00 on 25 December to midday on 27 December. This alert is due to the expected low temperatures, which are likely to have minor impacts on health and social care services. The Met Office has also issued a warning for the South West, with gusts of up to 65mph (105 km/h) expected. This warning affects not only the South West but also Somerset and a large swathe of Wales, stretching from Cardiff and Swansea up to Bangor.
Weather Forecast and Warning
The Met Office warning covers 18 of Wales’ 22 council areas, with east to north-easterly winds becoming particularly strong and gusty during Christmas Day. Gusts are expected to peak fairly widely at 45-55mph, but 55-65mph is possible along some exposed coasts and to the west of prominent hills. The Met Office has also warned that the unusual wind direction may lead to some disruption to transport and power supplies, and that large waves will be an additional hazard on some coasts. The highest temperatures on Christmas Day are forecast to be around 7C (45F) in North East England and 6C in south or South East England. Frost and freezing temperatures are likely in western rural areas overnight on Christmas Day into Boxing Day, with -6C possible in rural parts of Scotland and -4C in rural Wales.
Impact on Events and Daily Life
The weather forecast has already had an impact on some events, with organisers of the Coverack swim in Cornwall postponing the event until New Year’s Day due to the expected weather conditions. Start Bay Inn, in Devon, has also cancelled its Boxing Day swim, citing safety concerns. The RNLI Teignmouth has taken a similar decision, insisting that "safety considerations must come first". These cancellations are a disappointment for many, but the safety of participants is the top priority. The Met Office has also warned that the weather may cause disruptions to transport and power supplies, which could affect daily life for many people.
Unlikely White Christmas
The Met Office has said it is "highly unlikely" the UK will see a white Christmas, with a dry picture across the UK over the next few days. Although not an official part of the UK, the crown dependency of Jersey experienced snow on Thursday morning, which is only the third time since records began that snow was observed on the island on Christmas Day and the first time since 1970. Met Office spokesman Oli Claydon said, "We’ve got a very dry picture across the UK over the next few days". This means that many people’s hopes of a white Christmas will be dashed, but the dry weather may bring some relief to those who are tired of the wet and windy conditions that have been prevalent in recent weeks.
Conclusion and Precautions
In conclusion, the cold health alert and weather warnings issued for parts of the UK on Christmas Day are a reminder to take precautions and stay safe during the holiday season. The expected low temperatures and strong winds may cause disruptions to transport and power supplies, and the large waves in south-western coastal areas are an additional hazard. It is essential to check the weather forecast regularly and take necessary precautions to stay safe. The Met Office and UKHSA have issued warnings and alerts to help people prepare for the expected weather conditions, and it is crucial to take these warnings seriously and take necessary actions to stay safe and warm during the holiday season.