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What the return of ‘weak La Niña’ will mean for UK weather this winter

Colder temperatures and wet weather for the UK are just around the corner, thanks to complex weather system ‘La Niña’

Amy Houghton
Written by
Amy Houghton
Contributing writer
Wind and rain in London, with a person holding an umbrella
Photograph: starlings_images / Shutterstock.com
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As if winter in the UK wasn’t cold and grey enough, there’s a weather phenomenon on its way to make the country even chillier. Experts predict that a ‘weak La Niña’ will arrive in a matter of weeks.

La Niña is when sea temperatures are cooler than average in the equatorial Pacific creating cooler, drier weather. It has knock-on effects for the rest of the world and is often linked to natural disasters like flooding or drought. 

For Britain, La Niña brings bad tidings. It increases the likelihood of a colder early winter and milder temperatures at the end of the season with higher potential for storms and heavy rainfall. The Met Office says that it also increases the chances of westerly winds. 

According to predictions by the World Meteorological Organisation, there’s a 55 percent chance of La Niña conditions brewing between September and November and 60 percent from October 2024 to February 2025. 

So, prepare to hibernate – winter is coming! 

Learn to love winter with Time Out 

Embrace the chill with our pick of the best stuff to do in London in winter. We’ve also got guides to the UK’s coolest winter staycationsmost beautiful winter walks, prettiest Christmas towns and the cosiest cottages to stay in

ICYMI: Snow and -5C temperatures will freeze the UK next week

Plus: The UK’s Tree of the Year has been crowned for 2024

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