Scots are gearing up for a chilly spell this week as snow blankets vast swathes of the country.
The Met Office has rolled out multiple weather warnings for snow, ice, rain, and wind that could hit the UK today (November 22) and continue through to Sunday (November 24).
Moreover, it’s been revealed that a storm, dubbed Bert, is set to sweep in on Saturday, ushering in freezing temperatures and snowfall over the weekend. Forecasters predict wind gusts reaching up to 70mph, accompanied by heavy rainfall in certain regions, which could lead to flooding and travel chaos.
Yet, instead of worrying about their heating expenses or the looming frosty weather, many Brits have taken to finding humour in the name of Storm Bert. A number of people have admitted that they can’t help but think of the Muppet character Bert from Sesame Street whenever they hear the storm’s moniker.
For those not in the know, the golden yellow Muppet is one of the most beloved figures from Sesame Street, known for his tuft of black hair, orange nose, and striped wardrobe. Bert, alongside his flatmate Ernie, makes up a comedic pair at the heart of the show, with Bert often playing the straight man to Ernie’s antics.
One person shared a gif of Bert on X, with the caption: “If #StormBert isn’t followed in three storms time by Storm Ernie, I’m writing a letter.” Someone replied: “Storm Cookie Monster, Storm Doctor Teeth, then Storm Ernie.”
Another social media user also injected some humour into the weather updates, saying: “Apologies all, but I had to do it,” alongside a humorous image of Bert caught inside the Met Office’s weather map. The hilarious post tickled online users, prompting reactions such as: “Wish he was doing the forecast,” and “We need laughter in all the gloom – well done whoever you are.”
Someone else contributed their artistic touch with the quip too, saying: “An actual visual representation of Storm Bert in Ireland this weekend,” accompanied by an illustration depicting a beleaguered cartoon Bert wrestling the elements with only his disheveled hair and a beleaguered umbrella for defence.
As Storm Bert gears up to drape a winter shroud over much of Britain, Scotland is steeling itself for a particularly battering experience. An amber alert for snow and ice is announced for Saturday, casting attention onto areas including Aberdeenshire, Argyll and Bute, Highland, Stirling, Perth and Kinross, and Angus.
The Met Office indicates snow levels possibly reaching 40cm on higher terrain.