Storm Austen to arrive as just one in eight say they’re fully prepared for winter weather

With Storm Austen becoming the first named storm of the 2026/27 storm season, new Met Office research suggests that only one in eight people say they are fully prepared for severe winter weather.

The research also shows that, following provisionally the hottest summer on record for the UK, the public are taking weather warnings and advice more seriously, which is especially important as Storm Austen approaches.

Providing trusted forecasts, warnings and free, actionable advice is a key part of helping the UK prepare for severe weather. New research suggests people are paying close attention, with many saying weather information influenced the decisions they made during this summer's extreme heat.

More than a quarter of those surveyed (27%) said this summer's heat has made them take weather warnings and advice more seriously, with 29% saying they are now more likely to follow advice issued alongside future weather warnings.

The research also suggests that weather advice is not only being seen, but acted upon. More than half of respondents (57%) said forecasts, warnings and advice caused them to do something differently during this summer's hot weather, demonstrating the value of practical weather information in helping people respond to changing conditions.

Among those who changed their behaviour, nearly two-thirds (63%) kept curtains or blinds closed during the hottest part of the day, while 54% drank and carried more water and 45% closed windows during the hottest hours to help keep homes cooler.

Sleep disruption was cited as the biggest consequence among those affected by the hot weather, with 56% struggling to sleep, 45% struggling to keep their homes or workplace cool, and 32% saying they felt unwell or unable to do much.

Nearly half (49%) said they checked weather forecasts more often than usual during periods of hot weather, with younger adults especially more likely to increase how often they checked the forecast.

Winter preparedness gap remains

However, despite signs that the summer has increased awareness of weather risks, many households may still be entering winter underprepared.

The survey found that only 13% of people consider themselves ‘fully prepared’ for severe winter weather. While 32% say they have made ‘some’ preparations, 29% have ‘thought about preparing’ but not yet taken any action, while 19% have not thought about preparing at all.

With Storm Austen marking the start of the UK's named storm season and the clocks set to go back this weekend, the Met Office is urging people to use the seasonal change as a reminder to prepare for winter weather. Checking forecasts and warnings regularly, ensuring homes and vehicles are ready for severe weather, and looking out for vulnerable friends, family members and neighbours can all help to reduce disruption when bad weather strikes.

Holly Clements, Head of Warnings and Guidance at the Met Office said:

“It’s encouraging that the research suggests more people are paying attention to forecasts, warnings and advice and using that information to take practical action.

Being prepared for severe weather is a shared responsibility. Small actions taken before severe weather arrives can help protect people, reduce disruption and make communities more resilient.

"When more people are prepared, it can also ease pressure on emergency responders and public services, allowing them to focus on those most in need. That's why we're encouraging everyone to make use of the forecasts, warnings and practical advice available from the Met Office and take a few simple steps to be #WeatherReady.”
 

When asked what winter preparations they were most likely to make, people cited ensuring essential supplies are available at home (41%), putting away garden items ahead of stormy weather (36%), checking forecasts more regularly (29%) and preparing their vehicle for winter conditions (28%).

Get WeatherReady

Visit the Met Office's WeatherReady webpages for advice, including 10 things you should do now to prepare for winter and follow #WeatherReady on social media.