‘Beast from the East’ phenomenon that prompted chaos set to return to UK this month
The weather phenomenon that caused the infamous ‘Beast from the East’ snowstorm in 2018 could be about to occur over the UK again, according to the latest forecasts
The weather phenomenon responsible for the notorious ‘Beast from the East’ blizzard in 2018 may be poised to strike the UK once again. The dreaded Beast from the East caused temperatures to nosedive across Britain. Numerous areas witnessed up to 20 inches of snow blanketing the landscape.
It was triggered by a meteorological event called sudden stratospheric warming (SSW) which, contrary to its title, can deliver freezing temperatures and polar conditions to British shores. Weather experts are now suggesting that SSW could be on the verge of happening again.
According to the Met Office, SSW describes a swift temperature rise (reaching approximately 50C within just a few days) occurring in the stratosphere, positioned between 10km and 50km above Earth’s surface, reports the Mirror.
This phenomenon happens because of alterations in the polar vortex, and can force frigid air to plunge downwards, affecting the jet stream and potentially establishing a blocking system that can trap snow and bitter cold in position for prolonged periods.
Netweather forecaster Nick Finnis believes SSW could materialise around November 25 and 26 “due to a significant warming of the stratosphere taking place from the Canadian side of the polar region, which looks to displace the stratospheric polar vortex from its usual home over the arctic towards northern Russia and north-east Europe”.
Fortunately, weather experts don’t anticipate anything resembling the conditions witnessed in 2018 should SSW strike again this month.
Finnis explains: “Cold arctic air could be pushed further south into northern Europe at times later this month, after turning briefly less cold, and perhaps through December too.
“So the UK may see an increased chance of further bouts of colder and perhaps wintry conditions as we end the month and head through December, if the SSW takes place.”
Finnis emphasises that “there are no guarantees of colder weather because of a SSW”.
Prior to the potential SSW event later this month, meteorologists suggest there’s a possibility of snowfall across the UK next week.
The Met Office outlook reveals: “Potential for rain, hill snow and icy stretches on Tuesday and Wednesday, mostly across northern regions. Dry and sunny for many inland areas on Thursday. Remaining cold with overnight frosts.”
BBC Weather reports: “Tuesday will see showery rain spread south-eastwards, turning wintry on the hills in the north, especially overnight.
“Wednesday will be a cold and largely dry day for most, but coastal areas will see some wintry showers moving in at times. Thursday will be another cold day, with a few lingering wintry showers possible in the east, but it should otherwise be bright.”
