As soon as Christmas was over, the shops were talking about Easter.
And now, whilst the delights of the summer sunshine are still fresh in our minds, Britain was warned yesterday of another big freeze this winter – with snow expected to sweep in as early as next month.
Climate change does not mean that there will be no severe cold weather conditions during the winter months; it means that the weather will be less predictable and that there may well be greater extremes.
Now, temperatures are forecast to drop to below average for the time of year over the next few months.
The early onset of winter was predicted by experts at Exacta Weather.
Long-range forecaster James Madden said on its website: “As we head towards winter, I expect to see the first signs of some moderate to heavy snowfalls as early as October or November in certain parts of the UK.”
“I expect December, January, and February to experience below-average temperatures, with the heaviest snowfalls occurring within the time frame of November to January across many parts of the UK.”
The UK and Ireland would be hit by “prolonged periods of extreme cold and snow from the Arctic regions as cold easterlies or north-easterlies develop”.
Mr Madden said: “Huge swirly low-pressure systems also offer the potential for widespread disruption from heavy snowfall across many parts of the UK including the South, as they clash with the predominant cold air.”
Basingstoke-based Hampshire Snow Clearance is reminding Facilities Managers and commercial property managing agents about the perils of snow and ice, especially with changes in legislation relating to prevention of slips and falls.
Hampshire Snow Clearance (www.hampshiresnowclearance.co.uk), a division of Facilities Resource Limited, operates a specialist snow clearance and early morning gritting service for commercial premises, retail parks, industrial estates, private schools and car parks in the Basingstoke and Hook areas of Hampshire.
Hampshire Snow Clearance Managing Director John Hicks explained, “Last winter caught out many Facilities Managers when the unexpected snow and ice put the safety of staff and customers at risk, caused inconvenience to many and resulted in loss of working days”.
“However, it is too late to start thinking about gritting paths, ice removal and snow clearance when waking up early one morning to find slippery ice on the pavements and roads. So we urge Facilities Managers to think about booking services now.” John added.
Hampshire Snow Clearance service also offers a gritting supplies and off-site storage facility so that businesses do not have unsightly grit and salt stocks occupying valuable car parking spaces.
Give Hampshire Snow Clearance now a call on 01256 220561 for a free site survey and quotation – don’t wait until the big freeze returns! Call now and help keep your staff and visitors safe.
