A major gritting firm has warned British motorists to prepare for an icy winter on the roads after it took delivery of 3,000 tonnes of salt.
Ice Watch, which provides gritting, snow clearance and winter maintenance services, warns that winters that have followed similar summers to what has been seen in 2020 tend to be much colder.
The firm works with MeteoGroup, which provides weather forecasting for the BBC and government agencies worldwide. It says there is an increased chance of higher pressures over the Arctic, which leads to colder weather in the UK.
Because of this forecast, Ice Watch has invested in its salt supply and urged UK businesses to also prepare for the worst.
Ice Watch meteorologist Timo Strom said: “When you look at winters that follow similar summers to 2020, there’s an increased chance of higher pressure over the Arctic bringing cooler Arctic air.
“This would bring cold weather to the UK and businesses need to be prepared.
“We are heading into a negative phase of ENSO (El Niño–Southern Oscillation) called La Niña. During November and December, the Met Office says La Niña can lead to an increase in northerly/north-westerly winds, which would bring colder conditions to Northern England and Scotland, and the increased chance of snow, sleet and ice.”
