A weather event that led to the well-known ‘Beast from the East’ snowstorm in 2018 might be on the horizon for the UK once again. The previous occurrence of the Beast from the East caused a drastic drop in temperatures across the UK in February 2018, resulting in significant snowfall in various regions.
This event was triggered by a weather phenomenon called sudden stratospheric warming (SSW), which, despite its name, can bring extremely cold temperatures and Arctic-like conditions to the UK. Meteorologists are now suggesting that SSW could happen again.
The Met Office explains that SSW involves a rapid warming, up to around 50 degrees Celsius in just a few days, in the stratosphere, located between 10km and 50km above the earth’s surface. This warming is linked to changes in the polar vortex and can lead to the downward movement of cold air, affecting the jet stream and potentially causing a blocking pattern that traps cold weather and snow for an extended duration.
According to Netweather forecaster Nick Finnis, SSW is anticipated around November 25 and 26, due to a significant warming in the stratosphere originating from the Canadian side of the polar region. This warming is expected to shift the stratospheric polar vortex from its usual position over the Arctic towards northern Russia and northeastern Europe.
Although the possibility of SSW occurring this month is being monitored, forecasters do not foresee a repeat of the extreme conditions witnessed in 2018. Finnis suggests that while cold Arctic air may move south into northern Europe, there is no guarantee of prolonged cold weather as a result of SSW.
Before the potential SSW event later this month, forecasters are predicting a chance of snow in the UK next week. The Met Office forecast includes the likelihood of rain, hill snow, and icy patches in northern regions on Tuesday and Wednesday, with dry and sunny conditions expected for many inland areas on Thursday, although cold temperatures and overnight frosts will persist.
BBC Weather forecasts show that Tuesday will bring showery rain spreading southeastward, potentially turning wintry on northern hills, especially overnight. Wednesday is expected to be cold and mostly dry, with some wintry showers along coastal areas. Thursday will continue to be cold, with a few lingering wintry showers possible in the east, but overall, it should be a bright day.
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