London, October 25, 2023
The United Kingdom is facing the possibility of more disruptive storms this month, warns the Met Office, leaving many regions, especially in the south, on edge. As the nation still recovers from the aftermath of Storm Babet, which wreaked havoc across northern England and Scotland last week, flood-risk zones are once again under threat.
The Met Office’s long-range outlook has indicated a turbulent period between November 8 and November 22, marked by a battle between high pressure in the north or northeast and low pressure in the south or southwest. The agency’s forecast suggests that southern areas may bear the brunt of the upcoming storm, a departure from Storm Babet, which primarily impacted the north and Scotland.
“An uncertain period in which the UK may well find itself in a battleground between high pressure located to the north or northeast and low pressure to the south or southwest,” stated the Met Office’s report. “It is currently quite unclear as to which one, if indeed either wins out, but the greatest chance of above-average rainfall will be further to the south, especially through the first part of this period.”
Prior to the period of uncertainty, more rain is expected next week, particularly in southern regions. For the first time this season, the UK might experience a plunge in temperatures, accompanied by cold winds. Scottish mountains are also predicted to receive a dusting of snow.
The Met Office has issued a 48-hour yellow alert for eastern Scottish counties, effective from noon on Thursday until noon on Saturday. Persistent and heavy showers are anticipated during this period, with accumulations of 20 to 30 mm expected widely and 50 to 70 mm likely over higher ground. The saturated ground from previous storms raises concerns about potential flooding in affected areas.
This grim outlook follows the recent havoc caused by Storm Babet, which led to widespread flooding, evacuations, and sadly, loss of life. As the nation braces itself for more turbulent weather, authorities and residents are urged to stay vigilant, prepare for possible emergencies, and follow safety guidelines issued by relevant authorities.
The Met Office continues to monitor the situation closely, providing regular updates and alerts to keep the public informed and safe during this challenging weather period.
