Schools across Birmingham and the Midlands are preparing for potential closures as Storm Goretti threatens to bring severe winter weather to the UK. Following a challenging Tuesday when over 1,000 schools nationwide shut due to heavy snowfall and plummeting temperatures, the icy conditions are expected to continue.
On January 6, more than 380 schools in Wales, around 300 in Scotland, 203 in Northern Ireland, and over 230 in England closed their doors as temperatures dropped to as low as -12.5°C in some areas. These conditions have led to considerable disruption and raised safety concerns.
The Met Office has issued a yellow ice warning covering much of the country, including Birmingham, for Wednesday. Additionally, a snow warning has been placed for the Midlands region, with further alerts extending across England and Wales on Thursday and Friday.
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Forecasters warn that temperatures will remain significantly below average this week, accompanied by icy roads, wintry showers, and challenging travel conditions. Storm Goretti, named by French meteorologists, is expected to sweep across southern England from Thursday into Friday. This storm will bring a mix of heavy snow in northern areas and strong winds and rain in southern regions, creating a “multi-hazard” weather event.
The Met Office highlighted the possibility of 5 to 10 centimeters of snowfall across large portions of the UK, with up to 20 centimeters expected on the higher elevations of Wales. Winds may reach speeds up to 70 mph, posing additional safety risks and the chance of power outages.
Authorities urge residents to stay informed as weather warnings may be updated or escalated over the coming days. Schools and families are advised to monitor official updates closely to determine whether closures will affect local schools.
To check your child’s school status amid these conditions, please visit the official government website and enter your postcode for the latest information.