Met Office issues 'significant snowfall' verdict as polar vortex looms
The Met Office has issued its verdict on whether the UK could see snow this winter, as a polar vortex looms. According to the national weather forecaster, "significant snowfall" will still occasionally batter the country. It 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...
TL;DR
- Substantial snow events and days with falling snow have declined in the UK, but significant snowfall will still occur occasionally.
- Cold spells still happen, but against a warmer climatic backdrop.
- A significant El Niño event could lead to rising Pacific Ocean temperatures and affect global weather patterns.
- El Niño could destabilize the polar vortex, causing colder air to extend towards the equator.
- This destabilization can shift winds from mild westerlies to colder northerly or northeasterly airflows.
- This increases the risk of winter frost, snow, and cold snaps, similar to the "Beast from the East" in 2018.
- Alternatively, a buckled jet stream can lead to unusually dry, settled, and cold conditions.
- The Met Office has issued amber and yellow alerts for wind and rain as wintry conditions affect parts of England, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.