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31/03/2011
Other UK News In Brief
Met Office To Change Weather Warnings
The Met Office has launched improvements to the National Severe Weather Warning Service that will bring clearer, more targeted warnings based on the likely impacts that severe weather can bring. The new Alerts and Warnings, issued by the Met Office National Severe Weather Warning Service will: Be easier to understand - using clear language, making the information less technical; Be impact based - warnings will be based on the impacts of expected weather conditions in the area likely to be affected; Use consistent language - The use of Alerts and Warnings is consistent with that used by other organisations such as in SEPA and EA flood warnings; Improve the display of information - using clear, concise and distinct graphics on the Met Office website. Patricia Boyle, Public Weather Service Manager at the Met Office said: "Severe weather can have differing impacts depending on time and location. For example heavy rain in one part of the country may have a greater impact than in another or severe gales may have a greater impact in autumn than in winter. Taking this information into account should lead to fewer weather warnings being issued whilst making them more relevant to the public and emergency services." These latest improvements follow an extensive 18 month consultation with local councils, police and fire services as well as the public. It is hoped they will lead to a greater awareness of severe weather and its potential impacts, helping the public to be prepared and take action if necessary.
Willetts Encourages 'A More Sustainable System'
Commenting on university participation statistics published today, Universities and Science Minister David Willetts said: "To remain internationally competitive and drive social mobility we need young people with the best skills. These figures reflect the high aspirations of our young people. That is why we have provided an additional 10,000 places for 2010 and 2011, which will enable more people than ever before to study at university. Our student finance reforms will ensure a more sustainable higher education system. We will also extend other opportunities to young people by providing more adult apprenticeship places."
5-A-Day Fruit And Veg Scheme Rolled Out Nationwide
The Change4Life scheme designed to help people eat their 5-A-Day in deprived areas has been rolled out nationally following the launch of the final wave in London by Public Health Minister Anne Milton. All the shops involved in the scheme sell a wider range of fresh fruit and veg and prominently display the produce for customers, using Change4Life branding. An earlier pilot of the scheme showed that fruit and veg consumption rose by 40 per cent. The launch comes, as further details were unveiled of the Association of Convenience Stores’ pledge to fund another 1,000 stores across the country by 2012. Speaking at the London launch in a NISA Local store in Wood Lane, the Minister outlined the success of the Change4Life Convenience Stores Campaign to date. An evaluation of a pilot of the Change4Life scheme showed that: sales of fruit and vegetables increased by around 40 per cent; overall store takings increased on average by over 10 per cent; and customers saying that the stores were a good place to shop rose from 43 to 54 per cent. To date, the Department of Health has provided funding to buy fruit and vegetable chillers, stands and marketing materials and all retailers involved have match funded the Government’s contributions. It has also funded a project co-ordinator to work with the stores offering advice on maximising profits, minimising waste, as well as displaying and promoting the new fresh produce to the local community.
(BMcN)
The Met Office has launched improvements to the National Severe Weather Warning Service that will bring clearer, more targeted warnings based on the likely impacts that severe weather can bring. The new Alerts and Warnings, issued by the Met Office National Severe Weather Warning Service will: Be easier to understand - using clear language, making the information less technical; Be impact based - warnings will be based on the impacts of expected weather conditions in the area likely to be affected; Use consistent language - The use of Alerts and Warnings is consistent with that used by other organisations such as in SEPA and EA flood warnings; Improve the display of information - using clear, concise and distinct graphics on the Met Office website. Patricia Boyle, Public Weather Service Manager at the Met Office said: "Severe weather can have differing impacts depending on time and location. For example heavy rain in one part of the country may have a greater impact than in another or severe gales may have a greater impact in autumn than in winter. Taking this information into account should lead to fewer weather warnings being issued whilst making them more relevant to the public and emergency services." These latest improvements follow an extensive 18 month consultation with local councils, police and fire services as well as the public. It is hoped they will lead to a greater awareness of severe weather and its potential impacts, helping the public to be prepared and take action if necessary.
Willetts Encourages 'A More Sustainable System'
Commenting on university participation statistics published today, Universities and Science Minister David Willetts said: "To remain internationally competitive and drive social mobility we need young people with the best skills. These figures reflect the high aspirations of our young people. That is why we have provided an additional 10,000 places for 2010 and 2011, which will enable more people than ever before to study at university. Our student finance reforms will ensure a more sustainable higher education system. We will also extend other opportunities to young people by providing more adult apprenticeship places."
5-A-Day Fruit And Veg Scheme Rolled Out Nationwide
The Change4Life scheme designed to help people eat their 5-A-Day in deprived areas has been rolled out nationally following the launch of the final wave in London by Public Health Minister Anne Milton. All the shops involved in the scheme sell a wider range of fresh fruit and veg and prominently display the produce for customers, using Change4Life branding. An earlier pilot of the scheme showed that fruit and veg consumption rose by 40 per cent. The launch comes, as further details were unveiled of the Association of Convenience Stores’ pledge to fund another 1,000 stores across the country by 2012. Speaking at the London launch in a NISA Local store in Wood Lane, the Minister outlined the success of the Change4Life Convenience Stores Campaign to date. An evaluation of a pilot of the Change4Life scheme showed that: sales of fruit and vegetables increased by around 40 per cent; overall store takings increased on average by over 10 per cent; and customers saying that the stores were a good place to shop rose from 43 to 54 per cent. To date, the Department of Health has provided funding to buy fruit and vegetable chillers, stands and marketing materials and all retailers involved have match funded the Government’s contributions. It has also funded a project co-ordinator to work with the stores offering advice on maximising profits, minimising waste, as well as displaying and promoting the new fresh produce to the local community.
(BMcN)
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17 December 2010
Big Freeze Returns To British Isles
All part of the UK and the Irish Republic are today heading for a blanket of heavy show as the Met Office predicted night-time temperatures will drop to -5C in some parts of the country.
Big Freeze Returns To British Isles
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27 January 2014
Met Office Issues Severe Weather Warning
The Met Office has issued a severe weather warning, covering most of the country. It is expected to be in place until 22:00 on Monday night. The forecaster has warned of falling temperatures, which could lead to icy, frozen surfaces in untreated areas. Some 14 flood warnings also remain in place, which have been issued by the Environment Agency.
Met Office Issues Severe Weather Warning
The Met Office has issued a severe weather warning, covering most of the country. It is expected to be in place until 22:00 on Monday night. The forecaster has warned of falling temperatures, which could lead to icy, frozen surfaces in untreated areas. Some 14 flood warnings also remain in place, which have been issued by the Environment Agency.
06 January 2009
Weather Warning Issued As Big Freeze Continues
Severe weather warnings have been issued by the Met Office, as temperatures across the UK are plummeting towards -10C. The alerts were issued by the Met Office for Tuesday morning in parts of south-east England and northern Scotland, and forecasters are predicting the arctic conditions to persist over the weekend and into next week.
Weather Warning Issued As Big Freeze Continues
Severe weather warnings have been issued by the Met Office, as temperatures across the UK are plummeting towards -10C. The alerts were issued by the Met Office for Tuesday morning in parts of south-east England and northern Scotland, and forecasters are predicting the arctic conditions to persist over the weekend and into next week.
31 March 2010
Travel Disrupted By Chaotic Weather
A teenage girl has died after the coach she was travelling in crashed in South Lanarkshire. More than 40 people were inside the vehicle when it overturned in snowy condition at around 6am this morning. It is believed 39 of those on-board were school children on their way to a theme park, accompanied by five members of staff.
Travel Disrupted By Chaotic Weather
A teenage girl has died after the coach she was travelling in crashed in South Lanarkshire. More than 40 people were inside the vehicle when it overturned in snowy condition at around 6am this morning. It is believed 39 of those on-board were school children on their way to a theme park, accompanied by five members of staff.
10 March 2008
Britain Battered By Storms
Britain is still being battered by severe winds and heavy rains as what is expected to be the worst storm in the UK this year sweeps across the country from the Atlantic.
Britain Battered By Storms
Britain is still being battered by severe winds and heavy rains as what is expected to be the worst storm in the UK this year sweeps across the country from the Atlantic.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
