Will it snow in Sussex? ChatGPT and Google AI have a say amid amber cold-health alert
We asked ChatGPT and Google AI how likely we are to see snow fall in Sussex in the coming days.
The UK Health Security Agency has issue amber cold-health alerts across England – including the South East – until January 6. The freezing temperatures are ‘likely to cause significant impacts’ across health and social care services.
Parts of Sussex have already experienced some snowfall in January – in places including Hastings, Crowborough, Forest Row, Heathfield and Ashdown Forest.
Sussex Police’s cold weather advice reads: “It is set to be very cold in the days ahead with freezing conditions on the on roads, and snow in some areas, until temperatures rise on Thursday.
“We've already attended lots of collisions due to the weather – it would be remiss of us not to share some safety advice:
– De-ice and demist vehicles fully before driving;
– Check tyre pressures and tread;
– Leave extra room between you and the vehicle in front;
– Drive appropriately for the conditions;
– Consider whether your journey is necessary when temps drop below freezing;
– Pop an extra layers in the car (just in case);
– Look out for those around you, contact StreetLink via https://thestreetlink.org.uk/ to highlight anyone sleeping rough.
According to Google AI, there is a ‘high chance of snow’ in Sussex from Tuesday evening through Wednesday (January 6 and 7), with ‘some potential for light snow or wintry showers’ throughout the rest of the week.
The artificial intelligence added: “While today (Saturday) and the weekend are forecast to be sunny and very cold with little to no precipitation, the middle of the week brings a higher likelihood of snow.”
Popular AI chatbot ChatGPT is not to so certain we will see more snow.
It told us: “Most forecasts show very low chances of snow this week in Sussex – mostly <5 % chance on any given day.
“There might be very isolated wintry showers or flurries, especially later in the week or into next weekend, but any snow is likely to be light and brief (if it falls at all).
"Temperatures will be just above freezing in the daytime later in the week, which makes significant snow less likely.
“Bottom line: Frost and icy patches overnight are basically certain.
"Actual snow in Sussex this week is possible but unlikely — only isolated flurries at best, with little or no accumulation expected.
“Why forecasters once mentioned snow risk: in broader UK cold spells there are sometimes warnings that wintry showers could reach the south, but local forecast models for Sussex this exact week do not show significant snow.”
According to the Met Office, cold Arctic air now covers most of the UK, with temperatures ‘well below average’, widespread frost and ice and an ‘increasing risk of snow showers’.
The weather experts added: ”Snow is expected to settle on the ground in some areas particularly in northern and some central areas. There is also a risk of widespread ice, making travel hazardous.”
Chief forecaster Neil Armstrong said: “With Arctic air now covering most of the UK very cold weather will continue through the weekend, with minus double figures overnight in places and daytime temperatures struggling to rise above 0°C for some.
“It looks like this cold spell could last well into next week and wintry hazards will continue with more weather warnings likely. It is therefore important people keep up to date with the latest forecast and warnings and plan ahead.”
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued amber cold health alerts for England until January 6.
Dr Agostinho Sousa, Head of Extreme Events and Health Protection at UKHSA, said: “As the colder weather sets in it is vital to check in on friends, family and neighbours that are most vulnerable.
“The forecast temperatures can have a serious impact on the health of some people, leading to increased risk of heart attacks, strokes and chest infections, particularly for individuals over the age of 65 and those with pre-existing health conditions.”
East Sussex Highways has been ‘treating all primary and secondary routes’ from 1pm on Saturday. Staff will also be treating all primary routes from 4am on Sunday.