How unusual weather patterns impact commercial winter gritting decisions

The summer of 2022 will be remembered as being hot and dry, temperatures in the UK reached a record-breaking 40.3C at the peak of the heatwave. These hot temperatures are becoming more common and often trick us into presuming that the winter will be mild and without any need for winter gritting services.

As our climate changes, we need to prepare ourselves for the unpredictability of the weather. Extreme weather events such as heatwaves, heavy rain and snow storms could become more frequent, which has many scientists concerned. According to a new study, carried out by an international team of scientists including the University of Sheffield, they have found that warming in the Arctic may be intensifying the effects of the jet stream’s position, which in the winter can cause extreme cold weather.

“Improving our ability to predict how climate change is affecting the jet stream will help to improve our long-term prediction of winter weather in some of the most highly populated regions of the world.” Professor Edward Hanna, Sheffield University.

Unpredictable winter weather impacts budgets and commercial winter gritting decisions

Anticipating what the weather will be isn’t a case of watching the television forecast – it is far more sophisticated. As the winter specialists, OUTCO employs smart technology to monitor and track weather patterns in real-time and have large amounts of accurate weather data at our fingertips which ensures ensure high-level temperature accuracy. Armed with this data we can identify trends that allow us to better inform and guide our clients as to when and which winter services are best for them.

Are freezing temperatures a thing of the past?

While it’s true that the global climate is warming, this does not simply translate into a scenario where winter gritting and snow-clearing services are dispensed with. Fundamentally the UK temperature still falls below freezing and we commonly experience prolonged snowfall.

Despite most of us being used to the British winters, there are still a surprising number of incidents that are caused by the colder weather. According to NHS figures (2018-19), more than 2,500 people were admitted to hospital in England following a fall on snow or ice.

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