Severe weather
This section describes different types of extreme weather conditions and provides advice for staying safe.
Click on the links below to get some answers to key questions about extreme weather in London:
- What is meant by ‘severe weather’?
- What is the impact of severe weather in London?
- What is being done to limit the damage?
- What can I do to protect myself and other people?
- Useful resources
- Related links
What is meant by ‘severe weather’?
The Met Office defines severe weather in the UK as likely to be the following:
- Severe Gales – repeated gusts of 70mph or more over inland areas.
- Heavy Rain – Rain expected to continue for at least two hours and to give at least 15mm within a three-hour period or, following previous heavy rain events, 25mm/day.
- Heavy Snow and Icy Roads – Snow falling at a rate of 2cm/hour or more for at least two hours.
- Thunderstorms and Lightning – May trigger heavy rain warning.
- Heat and Sun – Expectations of significantly higher than average temperatures in one or more regions of England and Wales.
- Dense Fog – visibility below 50 metres.
Each of the above types of severe weather are covered in greater detail on the Met Office website where both the public and businesses will find detailed information on actions that should be taken before, during and after severe weather has been forecast.
What is the impact of severe weather in London?
- Heavy winds and rain can cause structural damage to buildings and potentially endanger lives.
- Thunderstorms can cause power surges.
- Fog, rain, winds, snow and ice can all make driving conditions difficult and increase the risk of accidents.
- Heavy rain can cause flooding.
- Extreme heat can cause stress, transport problems and power reduction.
What is being done to limit the damage?
The London Resilience Partnership has plans in place to respond to the weather. It doesn’t necessarily mean everything will run perfectly – but as far as possible the Partnership wants to keep London running as normally as possible – with your safety the top priority.
Extreme weather is more likely now due to climate change, so strategies for dealing with these conditions are linked with plans for global warming, so take a look at London Climate Change website for more information.
What can I do to protect myself and other people?
If extreme weather conditions hit the capital, there are a few things you can do to stay safe:
- Only travel if you really need to.
- Prepare your house appropriately (close windows against rain, shut out sunlight in heat wave).
- Make sure anything loose is tied down or brought inside in heavy winds.
- If you do drive, go slowly and carefully.
- Help any elderly or vulnerable neighbours if you think they are cut off by severe weather.