Cold snap brings –6°C risk of snow as Storm Claudia clear up continues
Risk of Snow and cold arctic air is poised to sweep across the UK this week as communities in Wales continue recovering from the severe flooding that inundated homes and disrupted transport over the weekend.
Temperatures are expected to fall sharply, with yellow cold health alerts in place until Friday across northern and central England. Snow is possible on higher ground in Scotland and northern England from Tuesday.
The cold spell follows the departure of Storm Claudia on Sunday after it delivered more than a month’s worth of rain to parts of England and Wales.
In Monmouth, residents, volunteers and business owners have rallied together to begin the clean up after the town experienced unprecedented flooding. A major incident declaration was lifted on Sunday, and four severe flood warnings that had signalled a danger to life were also removed.
The River Monnow reached record levels during the storm, exceeding peaks observed during Storm Dennis in 2020 and Storm Bert in 2024.
Sharp drop in temperatures as wind direction shifts
Although the low pressure system has now moved away, Monday may bring a few wintry showers along exposed eastern coasts. Highs of 5 to 10C are expected across most of the UK in the days ahead.
By Tuesday, another area of low pressure will bring rain and sleet, with snow possible across the northern half of the UK, particularly in upland regions.
The UK Health Security Agency’s yellow cold health warnings highlight the risk of “significant impacts” across health and social care services. The alerts run from 08:00 on Monday until 08:00 on Friday.
Midweek will remain cold with brisk northerly winds, and further sleet and snow showers are likely for northern and eastern coasts, as well as parts of Northern Ireland, west Wales and possibly the moors of south west England.
Meteorologists say the sudden change is due to a shift in wind direction. After a period dominated by a mild southerly flow that carried moisture rich air from the Canary Islands, the UK is now positioned on the colder side of the jet stream.
Communities face long clean up after Wales flooding
In Monmouth, severe flooding forced residents from their homes, with some evacuated to a library and a leisure centre. Hundreds of homes lost power as water levels surged.
As the floodwaters retreated, many buildings were left coated in a thick layer of sludge.
“It is dreadful,” county councillor Martin Newell told the BBC. He said one resident had “lost everything, all of his possessions”, and warned that some businesses may not reopen before Christmas.
Monmouthshire MP Catherine Fookes said it was a “really worrying time” for the town and that flood defences would need urgent review as the clean up continues.
Flooding has been less severe across England, but 24 flood warnings remain in place.
Check: Flood clear-up continues
Travel disruption continues after weekend of chaos
The weather triggered major disruption to rail services across the weekend. Most lines have now reopened, but Great Western Railway and Transport for Wales expect further delays.
National Rail has urged passengers to check services before travelling, while the AA warned drivers to avoid unnecessary journeys in “hazardous weather”.
