Britons are bracing for a blast of cold weather as temperatures are expected to drop to -7°C accompanied by heavy snow due to disruptions in the Polar Vortex.
The UK has been experiencing unsettled weather recently, with many regions seeing significant rainfall. This trend is projected to persist through the week, with temperatures remaining relatively mild. However, as we enter the weekend and the latter part of November, much colder weather is anticipated as high pressure systems dominate, bringing frigid Arctic winds.
This shift in weather patterns is attributed to a significant disruption in the Polar Vortex caused by an unusually early Sudden Stratospheric Warming Event. The Polar Vortex, a mass of extremely cold air above the Earth’s poles, weakens during such events, allowing cold Arctic air to move southward, resulting in heavy snowfall, blizzards, and a sharp drop in temperatures.
Forecast maps from WXCharts indicate a wintry spell this month, with temperatures hovering around or below zero early next week. By Wednesday, temperatures are forecasted to reach -7°C in Scotland, -3°C in northern England, and -2°C in the southern regions. The incoming cold air from the Arctic is expected to meet moisture from the Atlantic, setting the stage for snowfall across the UK.
The Met Office predicts a cooler airmass to envelop most of the UK by the weekend, bringing overnight frosts and generally drier and brighter weather. Some showers may persist, particularly in the south and southwest regions. Looking ahead to November 16-25, the Met Office anticipates continued cold weather, with central and northern areas experiencing a colder but drier climate, while the south may see cloudier and wetter conditions initially before transitioning to drier and colder weather by the start of the following week.
As we move later into the period, the weather outlook becomes more uncertain, with a potential shift towards more changeable conditions, including rain, showers, and possible hill snow in the north. Overall temperatures are expected to return to near-average levels.
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