Britain is bracing for a potential repeat of the infamous 'Beast from the East' as weather models signal a dramatic plunge into freezing conditions later this month. Senior meteorologists warn that a significant shift in atmospheric patterns could drag bitter winds and heavy snow across the country, with the risk of prolonged disruption starting around January 21.
Three Chilling Scenarios on the Table
According to Jim Dale, a senior meteorologist at British Weather Services, forecasters are currently evaluating three distinct outcomes for the end of January. The situation remains finely balanced, but all scenarios involve a sharp drop in temperatures as high pressure builds over Scandinavia, funnelling cold easterly winds towards the UK.
The first, and mildest, possibility is a simple cold snap. "There's one that we just get a cold easterly and that's all that happens. It doesn't get much more than that," Dale explained. This would bring a noticeable chill but little widespread snow.
The second, and most feared, scenario is the full return of the 'Beast from the East'. This would involve sustained cold easterly winds combined with weather systems developing over the continent, creating the perfect conditions for significant and disruptive snowfall. "The crippling one will be the Beast from the East that stays there and just is continual frost, ice, snow, all the rest of it," Dale warned.
Where and When Snow Could Strike
If the 'Beast' does materialise, eastern counties are expected to bear the initial brunt. Kent, Norfolk, and Suffolk would be first in the firing line for snow, which could then spread inland and push westwards across the nation. "If it is a proper Beast, I think we have to be on the lookout for significant snow, widespread, becoming more widespread across the country from east to west in time," stated Dale.
The third scenario involves a clash between the invading cold air and milder Atlantic systems, a classic recipe for heavy snowfall events. "You get that mix of very cold air trying to stop the milder air coming in, and you get big snow events either way," the expert noted.
A Long-Lasting Freeze?
The potential danger window opens around January 21. While a minor event could last just a couple of days, a full-blown 'Beast from the East' could see freezing conditions persist well into February. Dale cautioned, "If it's a proper Beast… it could well last into the early part of February without a question. It wouldn't be that unusual to go a week, a week-and-a-half with that kind of scenario."
For now, the UK is experiencing more typical winter weather. Today began with frost and fog, giving way to sunshine and showers, particularly in the west and southwest. Temperatures are expected to reach highs of around 10°C in the south and 8°C in the north, with Edinburgh dropping to around 5°C. However, all eyes are on the forecast models as the month draws to a close, with the spectre of the 2018 deep freeze looming large in the nation's memory.
