In a startling sign of our changing climate, bright yellow daffodils have been seen flowering in December, following what is likely to be one of the UK's warmest years on record.
Spring Flowers Tricked by Mild Winter
The classic spring-time bloom was spotted on a grass verge in Abbotsbury, Dorset, this week. The unseasonal display was triggered by recent mild weather, with temperatures reaching a balmy 15°C during the first two weeks of December. This warmth effectively tricked the plants into emerging months ahead of their usual schedule.
The early bloom aligns with data from the Met Office, which indicates that 2025 will likely be the hottest year since records began. Experts state that climate change continues to drive global temperatures to unprecedented levels.
Sharp Cold Snap and Health Alerts Issued
However, the unseasonable warmth is set to be replaced by a potentially dangerous cold spell. Forecasters warn that while the end of 2025 will see temperatures of around 7-8°C, conditions are set to deteriorate sharply as 2026 arrives.
Met Office forecaster Dan Stroud explained: 'We're losing this sort of settled but chilly conditions, and bringing in something a little bit more showery with more wintry hazards in the forecast, particularly for the north of the country.'
In response, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued serious cold health alerts:
- An amber alert is active for the North East and North West of England from 8pm on Sunday, December 29th, until 12pm on January 5th. Temperatures here could plunge to 3-5°C.
- A yellow alert covers the East Midlands, West Midlands, South East, South West, East of England, Yorkshire and the Humber, and London, with lows of 4-6°C expected from New Year's Day.
Significant Risks to Public Health and Services
The UKHSA warns that the forecasted freeze is 'likely' to cause a significant impact across health and social care services. The agency anticipates a concerning rise in deaths among those aged 65 and over and people with pre-existing health conditions.
Dr Agostinho Sousa, head of extreme events and health protection at UKHSA, urged the public to take action: 'As the colder weather sets in it is vital to check in on friends, family and neighbours that are most vulnerable. The forecasted temperatures can have a serious impact on health, leading to increased risk of heart attacks, strokes and chest infections.'
The agency outlined several critical risks associated with the incoming cold:
- Indoor temperatures in hospitals and care homes falling below recommended safe levels.
- Increased demand across already strained health services.
- Potential impacts on younger age groups.
- Staffing issues due to travel delays and wider disruption to transport and energy sectors.
This stark contrast—from daffodils blooming in December to life-threatening cold warnings within days—highlights the volatile and extreme weather patterns becoming more frequent in the UK.
