The Met Office launched its winter WeatherReady campaign on 3 October 2022, alongside new research conducted by YouGov on its behalf among more than 2,000 people1. The campaign, in the Met Office's words, "aims to help us all take action to minimise the impacts of severe weather this winter"1.
The survey found that 55% of people in the UK with vulnerable relatives or neighbours would check on them ahead of severe weather, with regional differences across the UK1.
| Area | Share of those eligible who would check on a vulnerable neighbour or relative |
|---|---|
| Northern England | 63% |
| Wales | 60% |
| Midlands | 57% |
| Scotland | 56% |
| Southern England | 52% |
| Eastern England | 52% |
| London | 44% |
Source: YouGov survey for the Met Office, over 2,000 people1
On being caught out, 42% said they had been caught out by severe winter weather; of those, 37% said they could not go to work and 25% reported clothes getting ruined in wet weather1. At home, 37% reported issues with fencing, gutters or garden furniture as a result of the weather1. On mental health, 41% said winter weather has a negative impact on their mental health, and of those, 70% said it makes them stay at home more often1.
On preparation, 51% said they check their heating system, 52% said they put things away in the garden and 40% said they would prepare their car for winter travel1. More than three quarters (77%) said they felt prepared for winter weather, with only 15% admitting they did not feel prepared1.
"Ahead of severe weather, I'd encourage anyone to check on people they know could be vulnerable and help them take steps to keep safe this winter."
Why it matters for households
The findings set out who the Met Office identifies as more vulnerable in severe winter weather, including the elderly and those with underlying health conditions, and the share of households in each part of the UK who say they would check on them1. Will Lang said severe winter weather "can impact us all", but that "some are more vulnerable than others"1. The survey records the practical effects people reported after being caught out, including missed work, damaged clothes and problems with fencing, gutters or garden furniture1.
Stephen Buckley, Head of Information at Mind, said the charity was "concerned but not surprised" that 2 in 5 of those polled said their mental health was affected by weather this winter, and that cost-of-living pressures could make this winter "a particularly challenging time for people's mental health"1. Mind's advice, as reported, is that "it's important that we all take chances to get outside when we can, connect with others and try to eat well"1. Nick Giles, Managing Director for Leisure at Ordnance Survey, said that "if it is a mild day that is safe to go out in this winter, we urge people to get their winter coats on and get outside, no matter even if it is for a short time"1.
Will Lang said people can take "just a few simple steps ahead of winter" to help mitigate the impacts, including preparing the garden, clearing gutters or ensuring an emergency kit is prepared, adding that "these small steps now can save hassle in times of severe weather"1. Roger Hargreaves, Director of the COBR Unit, pointed to the impact of severe weather in the previous twelve months, "highlighted in particular by Storms Arwen and Eunice, as well as the record-breaking heatwave in July", and encouraged everyone, "particularly those susceptible to low temperatures", to engage with the campaign material in the weeks before winter1.
The Met Office points households to its WeatherReady advice, which brings together guidance from its expert partners, including Mind on mental health and Ordnance Survey on getting out and about in winter1. Households preparing for storms and snow can read the guide to storms and snow, and the wider guide to UK preparedness sets out how the country plans for emergencies.
What happens next
The campaign material was published on 3 October 2022, with the Met Office encouraging people to engage with it in the weeks before winter1. No further dates have been reported.
Sources (1)
- Are you WeatherReady? - Met Office, metoffice.gov.uk
