Meteorologists are warning that the infamous Beast from the East weather phenomenon, which caused widespread snow chaos in 2018, could be poised for a return to the UK. While a brief respite from the cold is expected next weekend, a significant atmospheric event may soon reverse this trend.
What is a Sudden Stratospheric Warming?
According to forecasts from Netweather TV, a Sudden Stratospheric Warming (SSW) is predicted to occur. This complex event involves a rapid temperature increase high in the stratosphere, which can weaken or even reverse the westerly winds that make up the polar vortex.
Met Office spokesman Stephen Dixon confirmed to the Mail that signals suggest this SSW could develop near the end of November. He emphasised that this timing is "very early in the season," noting that while such events occasionally happen in November, it is relatively unusual. "This suggests that the chances of a cold start to winter is higher than in recent years," Mr Dixon stated.
The Exact Dates and Potential Impact
Netweather's senior forecaster, Nick Finnis, provided more specific details. He indicated that the much colder conditions are expected to ease next weekend as westerly winds from the Atlantic bring milder, rainier weather.
However, the significant change is forecast for high above the Earth. "This possible SSW, which looks to occur around 25/26th November, looks to be driven by warming from the troposphere," Mr Finnis explained. This coupling between the stratosphere and the troposphere means the effects of the SSW could influence our weather patterns fairly quickly.
The warming is expected to displace the stratospheric polar vortex from the Arctic towards northern Russia and Northeast Europe. In response, cold arctic air could be pushed further south into northern Europe, including the UK.
What This Means for the UK
The potential consequences for Britain are clear. After the brief milder period next weekend, the country may see an increased chance of further bouts of colder and potentially wintry conditions as November ends and we move into December.
Mr Finnis concluded that the UK may experience these colder spells "if the SSW takes place." This development puts meteorologists on high alert for a potentially early and sharp start to the winter season, with memories of the 2018 freeze still fresh in many people's minds.
