UK Braces for Cooler Weather as Storm Darragh Clean-Up Begins
The UK is set to experience more settled but cooler conditions this week as recovery efforts from Storm Darragh get underway.
According to the Met Office, winds will gradually subside, and rainfall will significantly decrease by midweek. However, temperatures are expected to remain in the single digits.
Over the weekend, Storm Darragh wreaked havoc across the country with powerful gusts and widespread damage. Tragically, two men lost their lives when falling trees struck their vehicles on Saturday.
Additionally, approximately 160,000 homes were without power as of Sunday afternoon, according to the Energy Networks Association. Berry Head in Devon recorded the highest wind speed at 96 mph.
Calmer Days Ahead
Met Office meteorologist Liam Eslick explained that Storm Darragh has moved toward the southeast, signaling a gradual improvement in weather conditions. “It is still going to remain quite blustery, especially for the south and southeast of England, for the next day at least,” Eslick noted.
Southern parts of the UK can expect some localized heavy showers, although these will pass quickly. In contrast, northern areas will enjoy calmer winds and abundant sunshine, thanks to a high-pressure system. However, daytime highs will remain chilly, hovering in the mid to low single figures.
Outlook for the Week
By Tuesday, winds will diminish further, except along the English Channel and southern coastline. Northern areas will continue to experience longer sunny intervals, while cloud cover will dominate skies over Wales and southern England. Overnight into Wednesday, clear skies in the north are likely to result in widespread fog, which may be slow to clear.
Wednesday promises sunnier spells in southern areas as persistent cloud breaks apart, leading to a mostly dry day nationwide. East Anglia may still encounter some light showers, but conditions are expected to improve overall.
Flood Alerts Remain
Despite the improving weather, the Environment Agency maintained 45 flood warnings, indicating imminent flooding, and 145 flood alerts across England as of Sunday evening.
As the UK transitions into calmer weather, the focus shifts to restoration efforts and addressing the damage left in Storm Darragh’s wake.