British Gas Advises UK Homes To Prepare Winter Emergency Kits

British Gas has advised UK households to prepare emergency kits with essential supplies ahead of possible winter snowfall, as the Met Office forecasts changing autumn conditions and potential wintry weather across parts of the country.

The energy supplier recommended keeping sleeping bags, blankets, warm coats, three days of food, medicines and drinking water available at home. British Gas also advised storing a torch, batteries and a phone charger nearby.

The Met Office said some areas could experience a temporary snow event on higher ground as showers move across the UK. Its forecast described the coming weather pattern as varied, with colder periods expected alongside milder conditions.

"Showers will move through widely during the day, with northern parts of the UK likely to see the most frequent and intense downpours. Scotland will be particularly prone to heavy showers, with a risk of hail and thunder. There could even be a temporary sprinkling of snow over the highest ground, adding a wintry flavour to the autumn weather." said the Met Office in its forecast.

British Gas issued the household advice as temperatures were forecast to fall as low as 6C over the following week, according to the Met Office. The company said emergency supplies can help households manage short-term disruptions during colder weather.

"While it's unlikely that a heavy snowfall will leave you without any heating, it's always worth keeping sleeping bags, blankets and warm coats handy" said a British Gas spokesperson.

The supplier said households should keep essential items together in an accessible location. The recommended supplies include non-perishable food, medicines and water that can be used during an emergency period.

"It's a good habit to have at least three days' worth of food and essentials stored in an easy-to-reach part of your home. That's things like medicines, drinking water, non-perishable food and snacks, and extra blankets. You should also keep a torch, batteries and a phone charger close by too." said a British Gas spokesperson.

The Met Office said the next few days would bring a mixture of weather conditions typical of autumn, with shifts between warmer and cooler periods. The agency said these changes are expected during the season.

"The next few days will bring a smorgasbord of weather types, with swings from relatively balmy conditions to relatively cool. All typical of the variability we can expect with autumnal weather." said a Met Office spokesperson.

The Met Office's longer-range forecast for October 14 to 23 said weather conditions would remain changeable, with rain and strong winds possible in some areas while temperatures were expected to stay above average in many parts of the UK.