Leading bookmaker Coral has slashed their odds on a White Christmas this year to 4-5 (from 2-1) as the outlook suggests temperatures are going to drop fast this Autumn, and the Met Office is advising people to prepare for a cold winter. Coral go 2-1 for this month to be the coldest October on record, while it is 6-4 for snow to fall in October.
“We are less than 100 days away from Christmas now, and with temperatures set to fall rapidly over the upcoming days, the early odds suggest we could be set for a White Christmas this year," said Coral’s John Hill.
“October could be a chilly one in the UK. Not only have we cut the odds on it ending as the coldest on record, but we are not ruling out snowfall,” added Hill.
The Met Office has issued weather warnings for wind and rain this week ahead of an unsettled spell, with the potential for very strong winds on Wednesday. At present the longest range forecast from the Met Office is up to November 1.
It reads: "Sunny spells and showers can be expected for much of the country with the possibility for longer periods of rain at times. However, the start of the period may be characterised by drier spells, bringing risk of fog and mist.
"Temperatures are likely to remain slightly above normal throughout the period."
The Met Office is urging people to be prepared for severe weather - including the possibility of a harsh winter. Met Office Meteorologist and resilience expert Will Lang, who leads responses in times of severe weather, said: “Severe winter weather can impact us all, but it’s important to remember that some are more vulnerable than others, especially the elderly and those with underlying health conditions.
“Ahead of severe weather, I’d encourage anyone to check on people they know could be vulnerable and help them take steps to keep safe this winter.”
Roger Hargreaves, Director of the COBR Unit, said: “The past twelve months have demonstrated the impact that severe weather can have on UK lives and livelihoods, highlighted in particular by Storms Arwen and Eunice, as well as the record-breaking heatwave in July. The Met Office WeatherReady campaign provides a really helpful set of actions which all of us can take to help mitigate the risks posed by severe weather, and I would encourage everyone, particularly those susceptible to low temperatures, to engage with the material in the weeks prior to winter.”
Access WeatherReady advice to get prepared for winter weather.
