Residents in Swadlincote, Derbyshire, are being told to prepare for sleet and strong winds on Wednesday 25 March 2026 as temperatures are expected to drop significantly. The cold snap follows a mild start to the week, with conditions turning unsettled as a cooler air flow moves across the region.
According to the Met Office, Wednesday will see a maximum temperature of 7°C, but it will feel closer to 1°C due to wind gusts reaching 43mph. There is an 80 per cent chance of sleet showers at 6am, which may cause difficult conditions for those travelling during the morning rush hour. Wind chill happens when strong winds take heat away from the skin, making the air feel much colder than the actual temperature recorded on a thermometer.
The change in weather begins on Tuesday 24 March 2026, which is expected to bring heavy rain and wind gusts of up to 36mph. Temperatures are forecast to drop from a high of 13°C during the day to just 1°C overnight. The cold weather is likely to continue into Thursday 26 March 2026, with a small chance of further wintry showers early in the morning and temperatures remaining around 7°C.
Met Office Chief Forecaster Steve Willington said that while the month began with warm sunshine for many, it is not unusual to see colder spells or wintry showers in March. He noted that this type of weather pattern is typical for this time of year. The current forecast shows temperatures dropping well below the usual March daily high of 9°C.
To keep roads moving, Derbyshire County Council operates a 24-hour gritting service during the winter months. Specialist vehicles are used to treat major roads, busy bus routes, and roads that link local towns together. The RAC has advised drivers to slow down, hold the steering wheel firmly, and leave extra space between vehicles when driving in high winds.
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