CRAZY WEATHER NOW GET READY FOR ARCTIC PLUNGE AS WE HEAD TO NEW YEAR
BRITAIN is set to freeze after one of the warmest Christmases on record gives way to a bitter Arctic plunge.
The turnaround will be the next twist after a mild spell during which thermometers hit 59.2F (15.1C) in Aberdeen yesterday.
The figure just missed the Christmas Day record of 60F (15.6C), set in Devon in 1920.
The mercury will nosedive in the run-up to New Year, with blizzards threatening up to six inches of snow in parts of the country.
The cold snap comes as Storm Conor unleashes a 90mph parting shot across northern Britain today.
Powerful gales threaten damage to trees and buildings, with thousands at risk of Boxing Day blackouts because of falling power cables.
Scotland and the North are braced to near the brunt of today’s onslaught as the rest of the country starts to settle down.
A gust of 148mph was recorded across the top of the Cairngorm mountains yesterday, while winds reached 77mph in many parts of Scotland.
The Met Office has issued severe weather warnings for wind in Scotland today, with a more serious amber alert in place across the Northern Isles.
A separate warning for up to six inches of snow has been issued across Scotland, where gales will whip up blizzard conditions.
Blustery
Met Office forecaster Sophie Yeomans said the weather will calm down after today, although it will turn colder.
Chief forecaster Dan Suri added: “It will turn much colder early on Boxing Day, with blustery showers increasingly turning to snow.
“Gusts of wind of 40-50 mph, and much more on high ground, will lead to temporary blizzard conditions at times.
“Fresh snow accumulations of five to 10cm [up to four inches] are expected above about 200 metres, and of 10 to 15cm [up to six inches] above about 400 metres.
“Gusts of 70 to 80mph, locally 90mph, are possible for a time as a swathe of particularly strong winds associated with Storm Conor passes across the far north of Scotland and the Northern Isles.
“There is potential for renewed travel disruption, for example bridge closures and ferry delays, disruption to power supplies as well as large waves affecting coastal areas.”
Accuweather forecaster Eric Leister warned that strong winds will hit parts of Britain through today.
He said: “While the greatest threat for damaging or travel disruptive winds was on Sunday night as a band of rain and gusty winds crossed the area, a strong wind continuing into Boxing Day could still lead to rail, ferry and flight delays.
“High pressure will bring more tranquil weather to the entire United Kingdom on Tuesday and Wednesday.” The Local Government Association said it is prepared for anything over the next few days.
The LGA’s environment spokesman Martin Tett said: “Councils are constantly monitoring up - to - the minute weather reports to make sure they can stay one step ahead of the weather. Council teams are ready to be drafted in to help provide a variety of services to ensure we are looking out for the more vulnerable members of our communities this winter, from carrying out emergency household repairs to delivering hot meals and portable heaters.
“Local authorities will be constantly updating websites with information on weather, gritting routes, road conditions, school closures and bin collections.” James Madden, forecaster for Exacta Weather, said daytime temperatures would drop to mid-single figures across Britain over the coming days, with overnight lows of minus 3C (26.6F) in the North and freezing point elsewhere.
He said: “Boxing Day could see some heavy falls of snow in parts to the north and west of the country with maybe rain or sleet further south.” Ladbrokes last night decided to refund all bets on a White Christmas after the balmy weather.
Spokeswoman Jessica Bridge said: “White Christmas punters were never given a proper run for their money this year. We’re feeling festive and a little merry from all the sherry and have decided to refund all wagers.”