The Met Office has warned that the rare weather phenomenon behind the 2018 'Beast from the East' could be set to return, bringing the potential for severe cold and snow to the UK.
Forecast models suggest a Sudden Stratospheric Warming (SSW) event is 'looking likely' for next week, according to Met Office meteorologist Aidan McGivern. An SSW occurs when temperatures in the stratosphere rise rapidly, disrupting westerly winds and potentially pushing cold easterly winds towards the UK.
While not all SSW events lead to extreme weather, they make a cold snap far more likely. McGivern noted that on roughly 70 per cent of occasions when an SSW happens, cold weather follows in the UK. The effects could be felt 10 to 14 days later, potentially bringing a 'colder than average' start to winter.
Currently, snow and ice warnings are in place across parts of the UK, with up to 25cm of snow forecast in some areas. However, the Met Office's long-range forecast for December 3 to 17 suggests a period of settled weather, with temperatures near or slightly below normal, and a chance of wintry hazards including snow.
