As Storm Goretti sweeps across the United Kingdom, bringing with it a severe icy blast, many Britons are facing a week of frost, snow, and biting winds. With weather warnings in place and spring feeling distant, preparing for the deep freeze is essential.
How to Stay Cosy and Warm at Home
For those opting to hunker down indoors, creating a warm sanctuary is key. A popular choice for comfort is the Women’s flannel pyjamas from Uniqlo, priced at £34.90, praised for their comfortable fit and stylish colours like navy and olive green. Men might prefer the classic checked flannel pyjamas from Sea Salt, starting from £27.95, noted for being a genuine winter warmer.
Footwear matters even inside. The women’s mule slippers from Regatta, currently £15, are ideal for wearing with thick socks, while the unisex classic slippers from Mahabis (£99) offer a more professional feel for those working from home. For toasty toes, Uniqlo’s Heattech socks (£7.90) use a special material to retain heat and wick moisture.
When blankets aren't enough, electric options provide extra warmth. The fleece electric throw from Dunelm (£32), with six heat settings, was a top budget pick. For bed, the Love Mornings cotton heated duvet from Dreamland (£199.99) features dual controls, perfect for couples with different temperature preferences. A hooded blanket from M&S (£15) offers practical, snug coverage.
To heat a room efficiently, the Beldray electric heater (£206.75 at Argos) was rated best overall for its smart features and quiet operation. For tackling damp laundry, the Minky SureDri heat pod drying system (from £49.99) transforms a standard airer into a heated one for faster drying.
Essential Gear for Braving the Outdoors
Venturing outside requires strategic layering. The Puffertech compact vest from Uniqlo (£34.90) adds warmth without bulk under a coat. For extremities, Oocoopa rechargeable hand warmers (from £14.99) are a pocket-sized solution for frozen fingers.
Robust outerwear is crucial. The Janelle waterproof raincoat from Seasalt (£99.95) offers longer coverage and insulation for cold, rainy days. For men, the Hybrid recycled down coat from Uniqlo (£99.90) combines water-repellent fabric with high-performance insulation.
Keeping feet dry is non-negotiable. The men’s Merrell Moab 3 hiking boots (£155) were a recommended budget option for their comfort and versatility. For women, the Lowa Renegade Evo GTX boots (£175.95) are a top-tier choice capable of handling most terrains.
What to Wear for Winter Exercise
Don't let the cold derail your fitness resolutions. For runners, Sealskinz merino running socks (£15) provide warmth and moisture-wicking properties. A Kiprun running headband from Decathlon (£5.99) offers ear insulation without causing overheating.
Footwear for mixed surfaces is vital. Both the women’s and men’s Merrell Morphlite Gore-Tex road-to-trail shoes (from £60) combine road shoe cushioning with grippy, waterproof soles for tackling wet, slippery conditions. Finally, water-repellent running gloves from Sealskinz (£34.99) keep hands warm and feature a retractable mitten cover for extra cold days.
With these essentials, from electric blankets to high-performance outerwear, you can navigate Storm Goretti's chill whether you're staying cosy indoors, commuting, or keeping up with your outdoor exercise routine.
