The Met Office has issued a weather warning for North Yorkshire amid freezing temperatures this week.
Lasting until Thursday lunchtime, the warning is for snow and ice which could lead to travel disruption.
In its warning, the Met Office said:
“Snow showers and icy surfaces will bring some travel disruption, [including] some roads and railways likely to be affected with longer journey times by road, bus and train services, some injuries from slips and falls on icy surfaces, [and] probably some icy patches on some untreated roads, pavements and cycle paths.”
The forecast for this week suggests temperatures are unlikely to rise more than one or two degrees above freezing during the day, with night-time temperatures dropping as much as five degrees below zero on Thursday night.
After the home match against Northampton Town last weekend was called off thanks to a frozen pitch, Harrogate Town is warning that its away game at Doncaster Rovers on Saturday could also fall foul of the weather. Supporters are asked to check for updates before travelling – and are being warned not to travel by train because of planned industrial action.
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In the second half of the weekend, the forecast begins to change.
There is the possibility of some snow early on Sunday morning, before temperatures are expected to rise throughout the day and reach 10C overnight on Sunday.
At present, the forecast in the week up to Christmas suggests the weather will be warmer and wetter. Temperatures could rise to around 6C during the day and drop to 3C at night.
The likelihood of a white Christmas in the Harrogate district remains uncertain at this stage, though in the wake of the recent cold weather, bookies have slashed the odds of a white Christmas being reported somewhere in the UK.
Weather warning for Harrogate district as icy snap loomsA weather warning for ice has been issued for the Harrogate district as sub-zero temperatures loom.
The warning is in force from 6pm tomorrow until noon on Thursday.
The Met Office has warned “some disruption is likely due to icy surfaces” on untreated roads, pavements and cycle paths.
The district has had remarkably little ice so far this winter.
Temperatures are expected to fall slightly below freezing tonight and then plunge to minus three degrees centigrade on the next few nights. They will struggle to rise much above freezing even during the day and light snow could fall on Friday and Saturday.
Temperatures could fall even lower in more rural areas, such as Greenhow Hill, which is the highest place in the Harrogate district.
Gritters, which operated last night, will be back out on key routes again tonight.
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Hosepipe ban to remain despite heavy rain across Harrogate district
The hosepipe ban across the Harrogate district will remain in place despite today’s heavy rainfall.
Yorkshire Water confirmed it will keep the ban in order to help refill its reservoirs ready for dry weather in spring and summer next year.
A spokesperson for the company said:
“Although we have had some rainfall recently, reservoir levels are still significantly below where we would expect for this time of year and are only around half full.
“Winter is the best chance our reservoirs have to refill and be ready for the warmer and drier months in spring and summer next year.
“We’re grateful to our customers who have been saving water where they can this summer, it’s important that we all continue to do so over winter too. Our teams are out 24/7 fixing leaks and moving water around the region to where it’s needed.
“The hosepipe ban is still in place to help protect the environment and give our reservoirs the best possible chance at returning to healthy levels.”
The Met Office has issued a weather warning for heavy rain across the district today and into tomorrow morning, saying there is the possibility of localised flooding.
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Meanwhile, extensive surface water has appeared on the Stray in Harrogate and there are reports of small patches of flooding on roads across the district.
One hardy resident was out this morning trying to clear leaves from blocked drains on Leadhall Lane, in an attempt to clear the flooded road between the junctions of Leadhall Road and By-ways.
Spotted a problem caused by the weather? Email us the details to let others know.
Met Office issues weather warning for rain in Harrogate districtThe Harrogate district is braced for heavy rain today as a weather warning has been issued.
The Met Office has put a yellow warning in place for rain across much of northern England until midnight.
It says that the adverse weather may affect public transport and possibly cause flooding.
The warning says:
“There is a small chance that homes and businesses could be flooded, causing damage to some buildings.
“Spray and flooding could lead to difficult driving conditions and some road closures.
“Should flooding occur, delays or cancellations to train and bus services are likely.”
The warning covers much of the district including Harrogate, Ripon and Boroughbridge.
Heavy rain and a moderate breeze is forecast throughout the day in the district.
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Met Office issues weather warning for wind in Harrogate district
A yellow weather warning has been put in place for the Harrogate district for strong winds.
The Met Office has issued the warning until 8pm tonight.
It forecasts a spell of “very windy weather” to hit the district and parts of northern England.
The Met Office has warned that public transport and roads could be affected.
It said:
“Some delays to road, rail, air and ferry transport are likely.
“Probably some bus and train services affected, with some journeys taking longer.”
Meanwhile, the district is expected to see temperatures of 12 degrees today.
This morning will be dry before rain showers arrive this afternoon and into this evening.
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Heavy rain floods some Harrogate district roads
Heavy rain has led to flooding on some Harrogate district roads today
The Met Office issued a yellow weather warning for thunderstorms this morning and warned some roads could be flooded.
It proved accurate as drivers across the district, which is still under drought, struggled in many of the usual highway trouble spots for flooding.
Pic: Lynne Hardcastle
Church Lane in Hampsthwaite, pictured here, remained open despite treacherous conditions.
Pot Bridge, where there is a sharp double bend, on the B6161 was also difficult due to the conditions.
The weather warning ended at 1pm but driving conditions are expected to remain difficult this afternoon due to spray and standing water.
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Weather warning for thunderstorms issued for Harrogate district
The Harrogate district is braced for thunderstorms this week after a yellow weather warning was issued.
The Met Office has warned that the UK will face “hit and miss” storms today.
A yellow weather warning is in place for the whole of England and Scotland on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.
The warning says that thunderstorms are likely to develop throughout the day, with torrential downpours in some areas and “potential disruption”.
The Harrogate district is forecast light showers this afternoon with more rain on Tuesday.
It comes after a heatwave lasting several days, with temperatures reaching 30 degrees.
Yorkshire Water announced a hosepipe ban for the county last week amid some parts of England declaring a drought. The ban will come into force on Friday, August 26.
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Temperatures to soar to 30 degrees – but no weather warning for Harrogate district
Temperatures are set to soar close to 30 degrees in the next few days — but today’s extreme heat warning does not include the Harrogate district.
The Met Office has issued a four-day amber extreme heat warning for much of southern and central England from Thursday.
The warning, which predicts temperatures of up to 35C, extends north as far as Leeds.
Although the Harrogate district is not included, it is still set to be very warm for the rest of the week.
The Met office is forecasting temperatures of 29 degrees centigrade in Boroughbridge tomorrow, with the rest of the district a degree or two cooler.
Temperatures are not expected to fall until Monday to Tuesday next week when there could be thunderstorms.
Many farmers are praying for rain.
Yorkshire Water said today average stocks in its reservoirs were 51% last week, which is around 20% less than usual for this time of year.
https://twitter.com/metoffice/status/1556941086316236800
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Harrogate district sizzles on hottest day ever
The Harrogate district is slowly cooling down from its hottest day ever.
Here’s how the heatwave impacted on life in the district today.
5.39pm – Temperatures start to fall
Temperatures are finally beginning to fall from their afternoon peak. It is forecast to still be 26 degrees at 10pm and not drop below 17 degrees all night. Tomorrow is set to be much milder, with some rain later on, and a maximum temperature of 23 degrees.
4.10pm – Met Office storm warning
A Met Office yellow weather warning is in place in Yorkshire and Humberside from 4pm until 8pm.
The Met Office says:
“Thunderstorms could bring disruption this afternoon from lightning strikes and strong, gusty winds.”
4.06pm – Yorkshire Water reports record water use
Yorkshire Water has said it provided more than 1.56 billion litres of water on Monday – which is around 260 million litres more than usual.
The increase is enough to supply the equivalent of the whole of York and Leeds and is the highest the water company has seen since 2006.
Yorkshire has seen a particularly dry spring and summer, with only 52% of rainfall expected in June actually falling on the region.
Neil Dewis, director of water at the company, said:
“Our reservoirs are still feeling the impact and levels do continue to decrease. As the ground incredibly dry, we would need a few weeks of wet weather to help them return to their usual levels, so it’s really important that people keep taking steps to save water throughout the summer.”
3.38pm – Temperatures touching 40 degrees as peak heat hits
We are now hitting the hottest part of the hottest day. According to local weather stations, which post their details online, most places are at about 38 degrees but Staveley is at 39 degrees. In old money, 39 degrees is 102 degrees Fahrenheit.
2.50pm – Bystanders smash car window to rescue four dogs in Harrogate
Bystanders in Harrogate had to smash a car window today to free four dogs who were trapped for 40 minutes without even a window open.
Ruth Watson and her partner had been shopping at Aldi on Oak Beck Road at around midday when they spotted the labradors who were visibly distressed and barking in the sweltering heat, which has topped 38 degrees today.
1.25pm – Lunchtime meltdown in Valley Gardens
Harrogate is unusually quiet at lunchtime as most people avoid the approaching hottest part of the day.
Daniella Kerr and Albie Kerr staying cool in Valley Gardens paddling pool.
Staying in the shade
Brollies up to shield from the sun.
12.31pm – Major Tom’s closes for the day
Major Tom’s Social on The Ginnel has succumbed to the heat for the day.
A post on its Facebook page says:
“Hey all, we’re taking the day off today. It’s already pretty warm in here and the kitchen feels like the centre of the earth at the best of the times! Back to normal from tomorrow.”
12.22pm – Free ice cream in Harrogate
A cafe on Beulah Street in Harrogate is offering free ice cream to help shoppers stay cool.
Cafe Lago Di Como posted on Facebook that it was going to place an ice cooler filled with free water bottles outside its cafe today. It added:
“We are also offering for free ice cream all day.”
11.54am – Burst main causing low or no water in HG2
On a day when we are being urged to keep hydrated, this isn’t great news for people in HG2,
⚠️ We are currently doing some work on a burst on a main in the area which may be causing low pressure or no water. We aim to get your supplies back to normal as soon as possible. -Tarna pic.twitter.com/AbgWXwZFHt
— Yorkshire Water Help (@YWHelp) July 19, 2022
11.05am – Harrogate chip shops closed for the day
The Wharfe of Harrogate has confirmed it will be closed today.
In a post on its Facebook page, the restaurant said it will be shut due to extreme heat but be open as usual tomorrow.
10.45am – Heatwave impacts on River Nidd
The heat is having an impact on the Harrogate district’s rivers.
Compare and contrast the two pictures from the River Nidd at Birstwith above. Pictured right is the river in February and left is its current level.
10am – 30 degree morning heat in Killinghall
Local weather stations are reporting 30 degree heat in Killinghall at 10am.
Meanwhile, its 29 degrees in Knaresborough and 28 degrees in Ripon.
9.50am – Businesses close during the heat
Some businesses in Harrogate are either closed today or closing early because of the extreme heat.
KD Fruiters, which is based at Harrogate District Hospital, will be closed today as its stall is outside.
Meanwhile, Imagined Things Bookshop, which is based on Montpellier Parade, has asked customers to check its social media in case it makes the decision to close early.
Resurrected Bites has also asked people to keep an eye on its social pages for information on whether its grocery outlets will be open. It has, however, said its Gracious Street cafe will be closed.
9.20am – County council warning over tourist hotspots
North Yorkshire County Council has issued advise over tourist hotpots during the extreme heat.
It has urged people to plan journeys in advance and take water with them.
Popular tourist destinations are expected to be very busy during the hot weather.
If you're planning a trip out please:
– Plan your journey in advance
– Take water with you
– Be kind to others around you
– Park consideratelyGet #heatwave advice ⬇️https://t.co/LvFJHsibGi pic.twitter.com/rAYqnilVAs
— North Yorkshire Council (@northyorksc) July 19, 2022
8.45am – Yorkshire Water issues reservoir plea
Yorkshire Water has urged people to act responsibly around its reservoirs today as temperatures soar.
It has also asked people not to use the reservoirs to cool off.
https://twitter.com/YorkshireWater/status/1549295368994783233
8.35am – Bin crews out early in Ripon
Harrogate Borough Council’s refuse crews across the district are ensuring that homes are clear of rubbish as temperatures soar. In Ripon, the sack crew who collect black bags left outside thousands of city homes, started two hours early at 5am today in a bid to beat the heat, while maintaining hygiene for householders.
Simon and Danny (pictured) were out in the city this morning.
8.20am – Northern: Do not travel
Northern is urging people not to travel today amid the extreme heat.
Those who have to travel are advised to carry water and find a safe spot in the shade while waiting for their train.
https://twitter.com/northernassist/status/1549287296825966594
8am – Amber weather warning in place
The Met Office has an amber weather warning in place for the Harrogate district until midnight.
7.45am – Dog walkers out early in Ripon to beat the heat
Dozens of early to awake men and women were out before dawn in Ripon today to walk their dogs before the scorching sun makes being outdoors too hot to handle.
Later today, there will be nowhere hotter than Hell Wath’s wide open spaces, so many regular dog walkers wanting to find cool paths to protect the paws of their pets, were up before the dawn and walking in the shade of the nature reserve’s trees and shrubs.
Kathy and her dogs Mile and Max.
Among them was Kathy, with her rescue dogs Mila aged 12 and six-year-old Max, who told the Stray Ferret:
“I wouldn’t normally be here this early, but with the forecast weather, I decided to take the dogs out before the heat arrives to keep them safe.”
Paula with her fox red labrador at Hell Wath.
The same applied to Paula and her Fox Red Labrador, who said:
“This is definitely the best time to come, before the paths get too hot.”
Hell Wath, which is one of the few places in Ripon where it is safe to let a dog off its lead, has been popular with generations of owners, many of whom bring their pets for morning exercise.
7.23am – Bin collections to start earlier
Harrogate Borough Council has said bin crews will be out earlier this morning due to the soaring temperatures.
It has advised people to put their waste and recycling out early.
⚠️ Due to the expected high temperatures tomorrow (Tuesday) and possibly later in the week, our crews will be starting earlier than normal.
Please can you ensure your waste and recycling is presented the night before your scheduled collection. pic.twitter.com/ST4GQIWDIr
— Harrogate Borough Council (@Harrogatebc) July 18, 2022
7.20am – School closures amid heatwave
Harrogate Grammar School, the largest school in the Harrogate district, is closed today due to the extreme weather.
Hampsthwaite Primary School has also told parents that although the school will be open, if parents are uncomfortable sending their children to school it will not be considered unauthorised absence.
Meanwhile, St Aidan’s Church of England High School has told parents that the school will be open. Those in year 7 to 10 can wear their school PE kit, while sixth form can wear loose-fitting, comfortable clothing.
7am – LNER cancellations
No trains will run from Harrogate to London Kings Cross today due to the extreme heat.
LNER has cancelled the direct trains and urged customers not to travel.
https://twitter.com/LNER/status/1548638466656931840?s=20&t=RqCt_XWfE1CyMZlgOOFXLQ
Harrogate district prepares for heatwave as red weather warning issuedThe Met Office has upgraded its weather warnings to red for the Harrogate district on Monday and Tuesday next week.
Temperatures are set to rise as high as 38C in the early part of the week, before dropping rapidly from Wednesday onwards.
The warmer weather begins tomorrow, with highs of 24C, rising to 30C on Sunday. A previous amber weather warning has been upgraded to red, meaning there is a risk to health among the general population, not just the most vulnerable.
A spokesperson for the Met Office said:
“Exceptional, perhaps record-breaking, temperatures are likely on Monday, then again on Tuesday.
“Nights are also likely to be exceptionally warm for the UK, especially in urban areas. This is likely to lead to widespread impacts on people and infrastructure.”
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The forecast has prompted some event organisers across the Harrogate district to make changes to their plans.
At St Michael’s Hospice on Hornbeam Park, Harrogate, an open garden event on Sunday has been brought forward to the morning rather than later in the day as the heat increases, and organisers are reminding visitors to bring sun hats and sunscreen.
A spokesperson said:
“While the beautiful warm weather looks set to continue, there is plenty of shady areas, lots of water available and – while stocks last – free ice cream and ice lollies to cool you down, thanks to the charity’s corporate supporters Froneri.
“Drop in any time between 10am and 12 to see stunning views and garden areas, enjoy refreshments and a mindful moment. Entry is free, however do bring some cash as there will also be a raffle and a plant sale.”
Harrogate Borough Council is also considering changing the location of an event on Sunday evening. A spokesperson said:
“We are looking at the best location for the open air theatre in the Valley Gardens on Sunday to ensure there is shade available under trees.”
Meanwhile, care homes are being given advice by North Yorkshire County Council to keep their residents well during the high temperatures.
Cllr Michael Harrison, executive member for health and adult services, told the Stray Ferret:
“We have got regular communication with all of our care homes. We’ve about 225 care homes in North Yorkshire and we make sure from a public health perspective that we give various messages about keeping out of the sun, drinking lots of fluids and being more concerned about the welfare of people.
“That’s not only in care settings – it’s also for people to look out for their next door neighbours and other vulnerable people.”