UK weather likely to remain stormy and unsettled for rest of winter

Winter is defined in meteorology as December, January and February.

Up until now we have had a real mix of unsettled weather with five named storms but we also had a significant cold snap in early January.

With -18.9C recorded in Altnaharra, Highland on 11 January it was the coldest night in the UK for 15 years.

Widespread snow and ice caused disruption across the UK.

However, long-range weather forecasts are hinting at the opposite for the rest of winter.

An active jet stream – the fast moving air high in the atmosphere – appears to be the dominant driver for weather conditions and this is likely to bring frequent low pressure systems across north-west Europe.

In its three-month forecast, the Met Office suggests that the chances of impacts from wet and windy weather is increased compared to normal, particularly throughout February.

It also says “the increased risk of storms gives rise to a greater risk of ‘storm clustering’, with consecutive events affecting the UK in quick succession”.

DTN, the forecast provider for BBC Weather, also suggests that “risks of disruptive wind events are likely to be higher, especially during February”.