Arctic air to sweep UK after Storm Claudia flooding

Cold Arctic air is on the way for the UK just as communities in Wales begin the clean‑up after Storm Claudia. On Sunday 16 November, BBC reporting noted the storm moved away, leaving quieter skies but a sharper chill. We’ll walk through what’s happening in the atmosphere, where snow risk sits, and how to travel safely this week.

After a weekend that brought more than a month’s rain to parts of England and Wales, conditions turn drier and calmer, but markedly colder. Daytime highs will sit around 5–10°C across much of the UK, and by Tuesday 18 November snow is possible on higher ground in the northern half of the country.

Here’s the weather classroom bit we all need. Since early November, a southerly wind has been pulling in a mild, cloudy “tropical maritime” airmass from near the Canary Islands. This week the steering winds change: the jet stream shifts south of us, placing the UK on its colder side and opening the door to Arctic air.

What this means for you is a quick temperature drop and a different feel to the air: crisp mornings, clearer spells between showers, and wind chills that make it feel colder than the thermometer shows. Expect a few wintry showers on exposed eastern coasts on Sunday and Monday before the colder push fully sets in.

Monmouth, Wales, is at the centre of the flood story. The River Monnow reached record levels, surpassing peaks seen during Storm Dennis in 2020 and Storm Bert in 2024, according to BBC coverage and the local fire and rescue service. A major incident declared early on Saturday 15 November was stood down on Sunday afternoon as levels eased and the clean‑up began.

Rescues took place as streets and homes filled with floodwater, with some residents temporarily moved to a nearby library. Monmouthshire MP Catherine Fookes said it had been a very worrying time for residents and businesses and that existing flood defences would need another look. Power cuts affected hundreds of homes, the fire service added.

Even away from the worst‑affected areas, an ongoing flood risk remains in England with 24 flood warnings in force. Rail travel was hit too: Great Western Railway said all lines were blocked between Swindon and Bristol Parkway on Sunday morning, affecting services between London Paddington and Swansea, with disruption expected until 16:00 on Sunday 16 November. National Rail urged passengers to check before travelling, and the AA advised drivers to avoid journeys in hazardous weather.

From Tuesday, another area of low pressure brings rain and sleet, with snow again possible on higher ground in northern England and Scotland. Midweek stays cold with brisk northerly winds; sleet and snow showers are likely for some northern and eastern coasts, parts of Northern Ireland, west Wales, and possibly the moors of south‑west England.

If you’re a student or teacher heading out early, dress in layers you can remove indoors, keep hands and head warm, and build extra time into the commute. Ice can form on untreated paths after clear nights. If you cycle, slow down over metal covers and painted lines, which get slick in the cold, and use lights even in the afternoon.

Before you travel, check live updates from your rail operator and your local council’s flood page, and carry a portable phone charger. If you drive, remember that even 30 cm of moving water can lift a small car, so turn around rather than attempt a flooded road. Keep de‑icer and a blanket in the boot in case you get stuck.

At home, think about warmth and wellbeing. Set heating to come on a little earlier, close curtains at dusk to keep heat in, and check on neighbours who may be older or live alone. If your power is out, move perishable food to the coldest part of the fridge, keep freezers closed, and conserve phone battery for essential updates.

Finally, keep perspective on the science as well as the headlines. When the jet stream slides south, our weather can flip quickly from mild and grey to bright and biting; that’s what you’re feeling now. We’ll keep watching the signal for snow on the hills through midweek so you can plan exams, lessons and journeys with fewer surprises.