December 23rd 2023.
Travellers were hit by a wave of disruptions to their plans yesterday after Storm Pia wreaked havoc across the UK. With up to 70 mph winds on high ground and up to 55 mph in Northern Ireland, Scotland, north Wales and England, north of Birmingham, as well as the top half of East Anglia, at least 700 properties were left without power and 300 families around Birmingham and Coventry had a cold breakfast.
Unfortunately, the UK could face yet more travel chaos in the coming days. Forecasters have predicted another round of strong winds and heavy rains, especially in the west of Scotland. Rain warnings have already been put in place, with the potential for the weather to shift towards Wales and the North-West of England into Sunday. Additionally, strong and very gusty winds could hit parts of the East Midlands, North East, North West, West Midlands and Yorkshire and the Humber from 8am until 10pm on Sunday.
Met Office Deputy Chief Meteorologist Steven Keates warned: “It’s a windy weekend for many, with some heavy rain expected too, especially in the west, with a number of weather warnings in force. Low pressure to the north of the UK is chiefly responsible for this period of unsettled weather, with a number of weather fronts bringing periods of heavy and persistent rain, particularly in western Scotland and Wales through Saturday and into Sunday.”
He went on to add that those living further east will generally see drier conditions, although there will be some showers at times. Temperatures in the south will be very mild, likely peaking at around 15°C in the far southeast on Saturday.
Finally, the Met Office has given an update on their prediction for weather conditions this weekend and for Christmas Day itself on Monday, December 25. Chief Meteorologist Paul Gundersen said: “Christmas Day looks like being fairly unsettled in northern and western areas. Any showers in the north could be wintry with hail and thunder, but even here, any snow will be mainly on high ground. The south of the country will see the best of the drier and brighter conditions. While temperatures will be near normal for the time of year it will be a windy day for many meaning it will feel colder. Beyond Christmas Day further rain or showers and strong winds are likely for many, and again any sleet and snow will be mainly over the hills of Scotland, as is often the case in December.”
For the latest updates on Storm Pia, follow The Agency’s live blog. With the forecasts of further strong winds and heavy rains, it looks like travellers could be in for a bumpy ride.
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