WXCharts.com map of UK’s new Arctic blast (Image: WXCharts)
Britain faces a ‘deep freeze’ as these striking maps show when a brutal Arctic blast hits the UK this week – and sends the mercury plunging to -6C.
So far Britain faces a wind and flooding crisis with a major incident declared in Somerset after overnight downpours and gusts caused chaos across swathes of the UK.
But alarming new weather maps by shows how the temperature is soon set to plunge to -6C (21.2F) on Thursday morning in Scotland as a new Arctic blast slams into the UK.
The news sends alarm bells for families already struggling with paying heating bills this winter.
Three yellow warns for wind and rain are in effect until Tuesday, amid concerns for more damage to the road, rail and power networks as Storm Herminia hits parts of the UK.
Herminia – first recorded in Spain and France – brings the possibility of damage and disruption, days after Storm Éowyn left two people dead when it battered Britain and Ireland.
Waves roll into Brighton on the South Coast this morning as strong winds continue to affect the coun (Image: Adam Gerrard / Daily Mirror)
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Temperatures will plunge to -6C by Thursday (Image: WXCharts)
Heavy showers and thunderstorms are expected to continue across the UK on Monday, but there is particular concern for flooding in parts of Wales and southern England.
Strong winds have already brought power cuts to thousands in south-west England, while flooding led to a major incident being declared in Somerset.
A yellow alert for rain covering parts of southern England until 10am on Tuesday, warns of heavy rain, possible thunderstorms and flooding.
Another yellow warning for rain, until 9pm Tuesday covers swathes of Wales and parts of the West Midlands, with the predicting 0.8in to 1.6in (20mm to 40mm to fall quite widely and 2in to 2.8in (50mm to 70mm) on higher ground.
And a yellow wind alert is in force until 6am on Tuesday for southern England and parts of Wales, with gusts of 50mph to 70mph possible at times.
This could cause damage to buildings, such as tiles coming off roofs, and cause disruption to transport.
National Rail is advising commuters to check before they travel – specifically for those using ScotRail, Transport for Wales and CrossCountry.
Arctic blast is looming after days of rain and wind (Image: WXCharts)
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Herminia is not powerful enough over the UK to be officially classed as a storm by the – unlike the far more powerful Éowyn, which left a trail of destruction and disruption after causing several rare red weather warnings.
The said Éowyn was “probably the strongest storm” to hit the UK in at least 10 years.
Two people were killed on Friday after trees fell on their cars. A 19-year-old died in East Ayrshire, Scotland while a 20-year-old man was killed in County Donegal, Ireland.
Kate Garraway has been supported by fans after revealing her garden suffered damage from Storm Eowyn, with the Good Morning Britain presenter saying she had a “heck of a day” clearing up the mess as it damaged a tree and a fence.
The mum-of-two shared a video on showing the destruction in her garden, including scattered branches and her efforts to repair a damaged fence.
She captioned the post: “Had a heck of a day trying to sort out storm damage I know it’s nothing compared to what many are facing so not complaining. Lost a tree height pyracantha (shrub)which had glorious orange berries in autumn and dainty white flowers in spring.
“Still needs more chainsaw action but am hoping life will spring back at the roots. Very proud of my fence mend though (on the left) using old fencing from elsewhere.
“Something satisfying about being out in the fresh air though ( even if it was grey and raining) and now ready for a hot bath and bed. Hope everyone has had a great Sunday.”
Vehicles make their way through flkoodwater in Dunsden, Oxfordshire (Image: Geoffrey Swaine/REX/Shutterstock)
Meanwhile Somerset Council and police jointly declared a major incident in the region.
A care home in South Petherton had to be evacuated after it flooded overnight and dozens of residents on an estate for over-50s in Charlton Mackrell were also evacuated by boat.
Emergency rest centres have been opened and some roads, schools and at least one shop are closed.
A council spokesman said: “Following intense rainfall across the region at the weekend, several parts of Somerset were flooded on Sunday afternoon, including roads and some homes in the centre of Chard and Ilminster.
“With further heavy rainfall expected to fall in the early hours of Monday morning, a major incident was called and a decision was made to carry out precautionary evacuations for residents living in properties in the worst affected areas, as well as a caravan site thought to be at risk.
“Rest centres were set up in Chard, Ilminster and Somerton, and all the relevant agencies will continue to work to keep residents safe.”
Waves roll into Brighton on the South Coast (Image: Adam Gerrard / Daily Mirror)
Tuesday is expected to see more in the way of cloud, although a few glimpses of sunshine will develop in Northern Ireland and western Scotland. Most areas of the UK will see further showers or patches of rain.
Storm Herminia will move away from the UK by Wednesday, bringing a day of sunny spells and showers, which could be thundery in the north and wintry on the hills.
Deputy Chief Meteorologist Chris Almond said: “Most areas will be dry with sunny spells on Thursday, although there’s the risk of some freezing fog patches at first.
“Cloud, outbreaks of rain and hill snow will spread to the northwest by the end of the day, and Friday will see a cloudy day in the south, with some sunshine further north, before the next band of cloud and rain arrives in the northwest later. Overall though, rainfall amounts will be lower than of late.”