After a week of Arctic winds, snow, and icy conditions across the UK, Storm Bert is set to bring new weather hazards this weekend. Named by Ireland’s Met Éireann, Storm Bert will unleash a combination of very strong winds, heavy rain, and, for some regions, snow and freezing rain. The Met Office has issued yellow warnings for rain and snow, effective Saturday and Sunday, as temperatures are expected to rise dramatically with the arrival of much milder air.
Multiple Weather Hazards Expected
Storm Bert will sweep in from the Atlantic on Saturday following explosive cyclogenesis, a phenomenon where the storm’s central pressure drops more than 24mb in 24 hours—commonly referred to as a “weather bomb.”
Winds will intensify across the UK on Saturday morning, with widespread gusts of 40-60mph (65-96km/h). Around Irish Sea coasts, gusts could reach 70mph (113km/h), posing a risk of transport disruptions, power outages, and structural damage.
Heavy rain is also forecast, with the Environment Agency warning of potential localized flooding. In south-west England and Wales, rainfall totals could range from 50-75mm (2-3in) on Saturday, with some areas like south Wales and Dartmoor experiencing up to 125mm (5in)—equivalent to the entire month’s average rainfall in just one day.
The storm’s impact will linger into Sunday and Monday as it moves slowly eastward, bringing continued strong winds and rainfall.
Snow and Freezing Rain for Northern Areas
While most of the UK will contend with wind and rain, northern regions could face significant winter hazards. As Storm Bert’s rain meets the Arctic air currently over the UK, heavy snow is expected in northern England and Scotland on Saturday morning.
Met Office yellow warnings for snow will come into effect, with higher ground in Scotland and northern England potentially seeing 30-40cm (12-16in) of snow. Lower areas, such as the Vale of York, could see 5-10cm (2-4in). Strong winds may create blizzard conditions on higher routes, adding to travel challenges.
Freezing rain is also possible, where rain freezes on contact with cold surfaces, creating hazardous icy conditions. However, as temperatures rise later in the weekend, snow and freezing rain are expected to transition into regular rain, potentially leading to flooding.
Rising Temperatures: A Shift to Milder Weather
The past week has seen temperatures well below average, ranging from 1-7°C with biting wind chills. Storm Bert will change this as it shifts wind directions from cold northerlies to milder south-westerlies.
On Saturday, temperatures will climb to 12-15°C in Wales, central, and southern England, while northern areas will remain cooler at 2-7°C. By Sunday, milder weather is expected to spread across the entire country, bringing some relief from the cold snap.
