Brits have been experiencing a cold spell this week as snow blankets swathes of the UK.
The Met Office has sounded the alarm with a variety of warnings for snow, ice, rain, and wind, which could make their presence felt today (November 22) and continue to Sunday (November 24).
A storm, named Bert, is forecasted to descend upon the UK on Saturday, ushering in chilling temperatures and further snow showers over the weekend. Wind speeds could hit an intense 70mph and heavy rains might lead to potential floods and commotion for travellers.
Yet instead of worrying about escalating heating costs or shivering in the upcoming frosty weather, scores of Brits have chosen to see the lighter side in the name of Storm Bert. A chuckle echoes among the public, with many admitting that every mention of the storm conjures up visions of Bert from Sesame Street.
The beloved golden yellow muppet, famed for his singular tuft of black hair, bright orange nose, and distinctive striped sweater, partners with Ernie to deliver humour on the show. In their on-screen partnership, Bert often takes on a more sombre and tired demeanour opposite to the cheeky troublemaker Ernie.
The internet doesn’t miss a beat, with one person sharing a gif of Bert on X, jokingly writing: “If #StormBert isn’t followed in three storms time by Storm Ernie, I’m writing a letter.” Someone else replied: “Storm Cookie Monster, Storm Doctor Teeth, then Storm Ernie.”
Another social media user couldn’t help but inject some humour into the situation, posting: “Apologies all, but I had to do it,” alongside a humorous image of Bert stuck inside the Met Office’s weather map. People quickly joined in the fun, with comments such as: “Wish he was doing the forecast,” and “We need laughter in all the gloom – well done whoever you are.”
Another enthusiast contributed their own touch of creativity, remarking: “An actual visual representation of Storm Bert in Ireland this weekend,” as they shared a drawing of cartoon Bert battling the elements with just his windswept hair and a struggling umbrella for protection.
While Storm Bert is set to cover much of the UK with a wintry shroud, Scotland is gearing up for an especially tough time. An amber warning for snow and ice has been issued for Saturday, putting areas like Aberdeenshire, Argyll and Bute, Highland, Stirling, Perth and Kinross, and Angus on high alert.
According to the Met Office, snowfall could reach up to 40cm on higher ground.