Rare weather phenomenon that led to ‘Beast from the…

Rare weather phenomenon that led to ‘Beast from the East’ returning to UK this winter after Arctic freeze

The UK could be facing another cold snap as the weather phenomenon that brought in 2018’s Beast from the East looks set to have “significant implications” on the country’s weather.

The Met Office said “winter has arrived early across the UK, bringing cold Arctic air and a complex mix of weather hazards” after a week of ice and snow weather warnings across stretches of the UK.

More unsettled, Atlantic-driven weather moved in this weekend and brought milder, wetter conditions of cloud, rain and winds, but a sudden stratospheric warming (SSW) event this week could see colder weather return in the next two weeks.

Colder weather could return to the UK in the next two weeks (PA)

A SSW involves a rapid increase in temperature in the stratosphere above the North Pole, often leading to a reversal of the stratospheric polar vortex winds, involving the rapid descent of cold air south, potentially bringing cold weather to the country.

According to the forecaster, this increases the likelihood of colder weather in the UK 10 to 14 days later by roughly 70 per cent. While not guaranteed, meteorologists will be keeping a close eye on the weather phenomenon that can lead to a colder than average start to winter.

“From the clash of Arctic and North African air masses to the impacts of heavy rain, flooding, and significant snow, the country is experiencing a wide range of conditions,” the forecaster reported. “Regional differences are stark, with some areas facing substantial snow while others enjoy sunny skies and frosty nights. The outlook remains uncertain, with the potential for further cold spells and unsettled weather as the season progresses.”

A SSW was the same weather phenomenon that led to the brutal Beast from the East in 2018, which transported cold air from Siberia to Europe and heavy snowfall to Great Britain and Ireland. Temperatures plummeted across the country, with lows of -14.7C recorded in Faversham, Kent, and Storm Emma brought 50cm of snow in some elevated areas.

Lows of -11.7C were recorded in Loch Glascarnoch on Thursday night, the coldest night of the season so far (PA)

Temperatures dropped well below average for this time of the year across the country this week with wind chill making it feel even colder. The Met Office recorded lows of -11.7C at Loch Glascarnoch on Thursday night, the coldest night of the season so far.

The recent arctic air mass brought snow to the UK this week as schools were forced to close across the country, with yellow and amber ice and snow weather warnings issued for parts of the UK.

Met Office outlook

Monday

Showers and a longer spell of rain will spread across eastern areas today, where it will be largely cloudy. Turning drier in the west with some sunny spells, although a few showers too. Windy in the west and feeling chilly.

Showers continuing in the east overnight, but drier with clear spells elsewhere. Winds easing and turning frosty in the west.