Articles by Eliana Nunes,James Rodger

Technology

Brits told to prepare emergency kit with seven items ahead of 'severe weather'

UK households have been given a list of seven essential items to prepare for "severe winter weather" as the country heads into the run-up to Christmas . The Met Office wrote on X: "Stay #WeatherReady this winter by following some helpful tips from our partners on preparing your home and garden for severe winter weather ." The national weather service recommended gathering water, snacks, medication, warm clothing, baby formula and nappies (if needed) and pet food (if necessary). Looking ahead in its 10-day outlook, the Met Office's 'deep dive' blog said on Friday: "Probability plots for next week suggest that high pressure across Scandinavia will dominate through the weekend, but as the week progresses, higher pressure to the north of the UK becomes more likely. "This does not guarantee dry weather, as recent computer model runs indicate that the low to the southwest could become more dominant, pushing further rain into southern and western areas. The key uncertainty is whether this low will push further north or if higher pressure will build in from the north. "This could shift the division from an east-west split to a more south-north split, but with low pressure to the southwest, further outbreaks of rain are likely, especially in southern and western parts of the UK. In summary, the latest 10-day trend points to a continuation of mild conditions, with temperatures remaining above average for the time of year. "However, the weather is set to become more unsettled, with rain most likely in western and southern areas. The slow-moving nature of the weather patterns, driven by a weak and wavy jet stream, means that uncertainty remains high, particularly regarding the extent and timing of rainfall. "The wettest conditions are expected in southern and western parts of the UK, especially through the second half of next week." It comes as parts of Britain could be hit by up to 10cm of snow per hour in less than two weeks, GFS weather model maps show. Wet and icy weather is forecast to sweep over large parts of the UK between November 13 and November 17. The latest map for November 13 at 6pm shows heavy rain moving across Scotland , Northern Ireland and parts of northern England , especially around Newcastle. In the Scottish Highlands - mainly around Inverness and Aberdeen - snow could fall at up to 5cm per hour. Edinburgh may see a mix of sleet or wet snow, while further south, conditions are expected to stay dry. On November 14 at 6am, a few centimetres of snow are forecast across parts of the Highlands, while other parts of Scotland, including Aberdeen and Edinburgh, are set for rain. Wet weather is also expected in Newcastle, Belfast and further south in Birmingham, Cardiff and Plymouth - but London looks set to escape the downpours. On November 15 at 6am, the maps show heavy rain and strong winds will batter much of the country. Downpours will sweep through Northern Ireland and northern England. Further north, the Highlands - from Inverness to Wick - are set for wintry conditions, with snow likely over higher ground. Meanwhile, the south of England, including London, Birmingham and Cardiff, should remain milder.