Yellow weather warnings have been issued by the Met Office for high winds, rain, and even snow across certain parts of the UK this week. With numerous reports predicting a harsh winter for the UK, knowing what the weather warnings mean could help you be more prepared for what may come.
What Weather should we be Expecting?
Over the rest of the week, parts of northwest Wales, northern England, and southern Scotland should expect to see heavy and persistent rain. In some places, this may be as much as 25-50 mm of rain. Higher ground could potentially see levels of over 100 mm.
Accompanying this, gusts of over 50 mph are likely to be seen widely across the country. This, coupled with severe rain, is expected to cause difficult driving conditions.
Adverse weather conditions such as this can also have an impact on your home or business premises. Damage to your roof or water leaks into your home can become more common during adverse weather. Checking your property for signs of wear and tear could reduce your chances of further damage occurring due to bad weather.
What do Yellow Weather Warnings mean?
Issues such as rain, snow, fog, and ice are given warnings depending on the likelihood of them happening and the potential impact of the conditions.
Although yellow weather warnings are the least severe cautions, the Met Office advises people to “be aware”. If you need to travel during these times, plan your journey ahead of time, as severe weather conditions can cause delays and disruption.
The Met Office continually monitor any weather warnings in place, adjusting accordingly should the conditions ease or become more severe.
What happens if the Conditions become worse?
Should their predictions take a turn for the worse, the Met Office will increase their warnings to Amber or even red, if the conditions become extreme and pose a potential danger to life.
During amber weather warnings, the Met Office advises to “Be Prepared”. In these conditions, people should be prepared to “change plans and protect themselves and others from the impact of the weather.”
The highest alert is a red weather warning, and during these times the Met Office advises to “take action”. Red weather warnings predict “widespread damage, travel and power disruption and risk to life.” During these times, it is important to avoid dangerous areas and take any advice given by the emergency services or local authorities.
Stay Safe this Winter
Local weather warnings are announced on radio and TV; however, you can receive notifications through the Met Office app or social media.