Early long range weather forecasts ahead of this winter indicate a snowier season and an earlier than usual start to winter conditions.
It comes as Labour’s own research suggests thousands of pensioners could die amid Winter Fuel Payment cuts.
The shocking report – released in 2017 – warned that the slashing on the benefit would increase excess deaths by 3,850 that winter.
In July, the Government announced that the Winter Fuel Payments will be restricted to those on benefits and Pension Credit – which will impact 10 million elderly people across the UK.
However, going forward, older Britons will now need to be in receipt of means-tested payments from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), such as Pension Credit, to qualify for the payment.
Newly published weather forecasts indicate colder-than-average temperatures, particularly during the core winter months of December to February, according to Real Weather.
In their preliminary winter forecast, meteorologists say October to December could be “more settled”, while “January may be more changeable”.
The forecast reads: “Current expectations for UK winter 2024/25 are that we’ll see blocking high pressure dominate at times with an increase in colder spells.
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Thousands of pensioners will lost their Winter Fuel Allowance GETTY “Northeasterly and easterly occurrences will be more frequent than previous UK winters.”
Wet and windy conditions could also be more frequent as high-pressure systems, typically associated with the climate phenomenon La Niña – may push the jet stream further north.
During La Niña events, the winds intensify, driving more warm water toward Asia. Meanwhile, along the west coast of the Americas, upwelling rises, bringing cold, nutrient-rich water to the surface.
This influx of cold water in the Pacific shifts the jet stream northward.
The Firewood Fund also echo the harsh winter predictions: “In conclusion, the winter of 2024/2025 is shaping up to be one of the most challenging in recent years for the UK.
Wet and windy conditions could also be more frequent as high-pressure systems, typically associated with the climate phenomenon La Niña – may push the jet stream further north
Ventusky
“With the likelihood of colder temperatures, increased snowfall, and heightened storm activity, it’s advisable to prepare for a more severe winter season than usual.
“La Niña’s influence, combined with a weak Polar Vortex and shifting atmospheric patterns, suggests that the UK could experience both frequent cold spells and significant winter storms.”
DWP figures have shown that around 780,000 pensioners in England and Wales are set to lose their Winter Fuel Allowance because they are not expected to apply for benefits they are entitled to.
Critics have termed the Government’s choice to cut payments for millions of pensioners a “historic mistake”.
But despite the chilly predictions, the Met Office warns that a “forecast certainty generally decreases with longer range”.
The UK’s national weather service said: “The one month outlook is more reliable than the one to three month outlook, and the one to three month outlook is more reliable than the four to six month outlook.”
Source Agencies
