The Met Office has warned that "significant snowfall" remains possible across the UK this winter, as concerns grow over the polar vortex and the potential impact of El Niño.
In a statement, the national weather forecaster said that while substantial snow events and the average number of days with falling snow have declined, cold spells can still happen against a warmer climatic backdrop.
Forecaster's winter outlook
The Met Office said: "A warm, sunny summer can be followed by one dominated by cloud and rain, while a mild winter does not rule out periods of snow and ice. Snowy weather has not disappeared, but substantial snow events and the average number of days with falling snow have declined. Cold spells can still happen, although they are occurring against a warmer climatic backdrop."
The statement added: "The familiar characteristics of the UK's seasons are not vanishing overnight. Grey summer days, cool spells, winter frosts and occasional significant snowfall will remain part of the country's weather."
El Niño and polar vortex risks
Experts have warned that a powerful El Niño event could raise temperatures at the surface of the Pacific Ocean, disrupting global weather patterns. The UK could face flooding, drought, and bitter, stormy conditions as a result.
There are also concerns that El Niño could destabilise the polar vortex, a band of freezing winds usually confined to polar regions but potentially pushing closer to the equator early next year. If this happens, prevailing winds could shift from mild westerlies to northerly or northeasterly airflows, increasing the chances of frost, snow, and cold snaps across the UK and Europe, reminiscent of the "Beast from the East" in 2018.
Alternatively, a disrupted jet stream could divert low-pressure systems away from the UK, leading to exceptionally dry, stable, and chilly weather.
Weather warnings in place
The warning follows a series of Met Office alerts as wintry conditions affect parts of England, Scotland, and Northern Ireland this weekend. The forecaster has issued two amber alerts for wind, two yellow alerts for wind, and one yellow alert for rain.
