Drivers are being urged to prepare for possible Polar Vortex-induced snowstorms this winter after the Met Office warned that the risk of an earliest-ever disturbance to Arctic air could bring a big freeze to the UK as soon as this month.
In its latest weather blog, the forecaster said: "The stratospheric polar vortex is already unusually stretched, with the disturbance associated with so-called 'wave two' activity, when two large atmospheric waves push into it from opposite directions."
"This wave two activity is considerably stronger than average for the time of year. Forecasts suggest the vortex will subsequently become increasingly displaced from the North Pole."
What the Met Office Predicts
When this happens, freezing air is pushed towards the UK and Europe, bringing the possibility of colder weather, fog, frost and even snow, though like any weather forecasting, it's never guaranteed.
As part of its advice on driving in cold weather linked to its forecasts, information from breakdown experts at the RAC urges people to put at least six key items in their car to help deal with the snow.
As well as filling up with fuel, these key items could be a literal life-saver if you find yourself stranded.
The Six Essential Items
The RAC urged drivers to pack in their car:
- Warm, high vis clothes and blankets
- Jump leads
- Empty fuel can
- Food and drink
- Shovel
- Torch
On warm clothes, the RAC said: "It's sensible to have some warm clothes to wrap up in case of a breakdown - a big coat, gloves, a spare jumper, hat and gloves. If you need to leave the vehicle in the dark, it's crucial that you can be seen by other motorists – it could even save your life."
Regarding jump leads, it added: "Flat or dead batteries can happen to any car regardless of age and at any time, but in cold weather such problems are far more likely to occur. Always have a set of jump start cables or jump leads in the car."
On the empty fuel can, the RAC said: "In an ideal world you would plan your journey to include fuel stops but sometimes things don't go to plan. If you find yourself without fuel, it's essential to have an empty fuel can available."
For food and drink, it said: "The prospect of being abandoned at the roadside for hours in poor weather conditions is a gloomy one - if you're hungry it can feel far worse. If you have children in the car, it's doubly worse! Food and drink are essential additions to any winter breakdown kit, especially on longer journeys."
On shovels, the RAC said: "Unless the weather is very snowy you shouldn't usually find deep snow on treated roads, but if you're driving on smaller roads or there is a snowstorm or blizzard you may be surprised. With a shovel you can dig yourself out."
Finally, on torches, it said: "A phone light won't really give you visibility if you're stuck by the side of country road in winter. A large torch with spare batteries or a wind-up torch which doesn't require battery power is essential for your vehicle."
