Heavy snow could cause problems for people in the UK by the end of the month due to 'major event' similar to big freeze.
A major sudden stratospheric warming (SSW) event is developing high above the Arctic and is similar to that which triggered the big freeze - or Beast from the East- three years ago.
It could result in the whole country being covered by heavy snow fall and sub-zero temperatures by the end of January into the beginning of February which could hold out until spring.
The 'Beat from the East' in 2018 saw temperatures plummet to -15C and up to 20 inches of snow.
Simon Lee, an atmospheric science and weather forecasting researcher at the University of Reading, told the Mirror : "A weakening of the jet stream often occurs after an SSW, meaning the UK is now more prone to outbreaks of colder weather from the north and east than it was before.
"A weakened polar vortex can last for up to two months, so there is an increased likelihood of colder, drier weather occurring in Europe sometime in the next 4-6 weeks due to weaker Atlantic westerly winds.
"This also means we are less likely to see the kind of windstorms and heavy rainfall associated with a strong jet stream that we experienced last winter.
"Major sudden stratospheric warming (SSW) events occur on average slightly more often than once every other winter.
"When the polar vortex is strong, the jet stream is often strong – bringing a milder winter to the UK and often an increase in Atlantic windstorms.
"Last winter, the polar vortex was unusually strong, and we saw a very wet and mild winter with several major storms – such as Ciara and Dennis."
Jim Dale, meteorologist for British Weather Services, also told the Express : "Milder conditions from the west will start to infiltrate into the UK next week.
"Western regions will feel it first, and we could see highs of 10C or 11C in London by the end of the week.
"However, we are expecting a shift of the Polar vortex triggered by events now occurring over the North Pole.
"This could drive a reversion to extreme cold and snow through the end of January and into the start of February."
In the shorter term, snow, ice and heavy rain is forecast for much of the country this weekend.
Temperatures are also expected to drop as low as -9C in northern parts of the UK before people in the UK can enjoy a break from the cold snap with milder weather on the way next week.
