Severe weather

Severe and adverse weather are common due to the UK's oceanic climate and occasional continental and arctic influences, so it is good to be prepared and plan ahead to stay safe.

Severe weather includes:

• storms and gales
• low temperatures
• heavy rains or snow
• heatwaves
• droughts

How you could be affected

Severe weather can take a variety of forms and at times can cause significant problems and disruption to normal life. Over the coming years, we are likely to see rising temperatures and sea levels and an increase in the frequency and severity of extreme weather events in the UK.

Storms and gales impacts include:

• danger to life from windswept objects including falling trees and structural failures
• damage to property
• damage to electricity and telephone lines
• travel disruption
• disruption to food production
• health risks due to low temperatures
• power and water failures
• school and public building closures

Heatwave impacts include:

• risk to life
• an increase in hospital admissions and GP consultations due to sunburn, heat exhaustion, respiratory problems or other illnesses
• an increase in vehicle breakdowns due to overheating engines
• a deterioration of road surfaces as tarmac begins to melt

Extreme cold weather impacts include:

• risk to life
• casualties
• health impacts such as hypothermia, frostbite and increased risk of heart attacks and strokes
• disruption to gas, electricity and water
• transport disruption
• dangerous driving conditions
• communities being cut off and inaccessible