The Met Office has issued a forecast warning of a significant freeze across Gloucestershire on Boxing Day, with temperatures set to drop below freezing and a chilling wind making it feel as cold as -7C in some areas.
Despite some sunny spells expected on Christmas Day and Boxing Day, the cold conditions will be intensified by blustery winds. Temperatures on Christmas Day will peak at around 5°C near midday but will decline rapidly to freezing levels by evening.
The Met Office’s “feels like” temperature, which factors in wind speed and humidity, suggests that the entire county will experience much colder conditions than the actual air temperature, with values dropping below zero. For most of Gloucestershire, the chill factor could bring feels-like temperatures as low as -4°C.
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Stow-on-the-Wold is forecast to be particularly affected, with the chill factor plunging to -6°C from 6pm on Christmas Day. On Boxing Day, while the afternoon temperature may reach 4°C, the morning start will be below freezing at -1°C, feeling closer to -7°C.
Other parts of the county will not escape the severe cold. Gloucester is expected to feel like -5°C at around 5am on Boxing Day, while Cheltenham and Lydney may experience chill factors near -4°C.
According to the Met Office’s South West forecast for the region tomorrow: “Mostly dry with plenty of sunshine in the east. The far west of the region will be cloudier, perhaps with a few rain or sleet showers. A cold, blustery wind. Maximum temperature 5°C.”
The outlook for the following days from Friday to Sunday maintains a largely dry forecast with variable cloud cover, occasional sunny spells, persistent cold, nighttime frost, and intermittent windy conditions.
Residents of Gloucestershire are advised to dress warmly and prepare for the freezing temperatures and biting winds expected throughout the holiday period.