The Met Office warns a major freeze that has affected Donald Trump’s inauguration in America is set to impact the UK weather as well. The UK forecasting agency predicts that this severe cold spell, which is expected to develop in parts of North America, will bring disruptive weather towards the end of the week. Due to the dangerously cold weather forecasted, President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration address on Monday will now take place indoors. Temperatures in Washington DC on inauguration day are expected to plummet to as low as -11C (12F) with wind chill making it feel even colder. This cold front is part of a larger polar vortex that will plunge temperatures across the US and is now anticipated to influence the weather in the UK as well.
The Met Office reports that a severe cold wave will form in North America over the weekend, bringing the potential for ice, heavy snow, and freezing temperatures. As the cold air interacts with warm tropical air, it will strengthen the jet stream, impacting UK weather towards the end of the week with the possibility of wet and windy conditions. BBC Weather predicts that the jet stream will reach speeds of up to 250mph next week, possibly resulting in quicker flights between the US and the UK due to strong tailwinds. The weather pattern will also lead to an intense low-pressure system with gusts exceeding 100mph over the sea to the west of the UK.
In Wales, the five-day forecast indicates mainly dry and cold weather persisting, with more unsettled conditions expected towards the end of the week. Sunday will see cloudy and cold conditions with the potential for light snow or drizzle in the morning. The night may bring clear spells with mist, fog, and frost forming, transitioning to cloudy skies with showery rain and drizzle later in the north and west. Monday will be predominantly cloudy with rain in the north and some sunshine in the south, albeit feeling chilly. The outlook for the rest of the week suggests dry and chilly weather with occasional bright spells and the possibility of rain or drizzle at times, alongside frost and fog overnight.
Looking ahead, the long-range forecast from Thursday, January 23, to Saturday, February 1, anticipates a shift towards a more changeable and potentially unsettled weather pattern. This could entail outbreaks of rain, stronger winds, and the likelihood of weather warnings or even a named storm by month-end. While temperatures are expected to recover to near-average or slightly above levels, weather conditions may not always reflect this due to varying factors. In preparation for President Trump’s inauguration, the event will now take place indoors at the US Capitol’s rotunda, with the parade and inaugural balls scheduled indoors at different locations in Washington.
As the UK braces for the impact of the freezing conditions in America, it is essential for residents to stay informed about changing weather patterns and take necessary precautions. The collaboration between forecasting agencies like the Met Office and BBC Weather allows for a more comprehensive understanding of how global weather systems can interconnect and influence conditions on a national level. The adaptability and resilience of communities in facing such weather challenges are crucial to mitigating any potential disruptions or hazards that may arise.