The Met Office has issued a statement warning of a potential late cold snap in the UK following a ‘polar vortex collapse’. Meteorologists have predicted a sudden stratospheric warming event in the next two weeks, which could result in the rapid decline of the polar vortex, leading to colder weather in Britain. The polar vortex, a pocket of cold air around the Earth’s poles, can weaken the jet stream and bring Arctic air southwards, potentially causing extreme snowfall, blizzards, and plummeting temperatures.
According to forecasters, the upcoming stratospheric event is expected to be stronger than previous ones, which could disrupt the jet stream pattern and allow cold air from the polar regions to move southwards. This scenario increases the risk of significant snowfall in certain regions. The Met Office has confirmed the rapid weakening of the stratospheric polar vortex, with forecasts indicating a likely sudden stratospheric warming in mid-March, causing a shift in the mid stratospheric wind from westerly to easterly.
The impact of a similar event in mid-February was severe, with extended periods of cold and heavy snow affecting eastern and northern Scotland, as well as causing disruption in the USA and Canada. The potential cold snap resulting from this polar vortex collapse could have a more widespread effect, possibly affecting various locations in the northern hemisphere. Reports suggest that Europe may face a cold snap this month due to an unusual weather event originating in the Arctic.
Meteorologists warn that this weather pattern could increase heating demand and put pressure on gas inventories, impacting businesses as spring begins. The sudden stratospheric warming phenomenon, although named as such, can lead to colder conditions on the ground due to its effects on the polar vortex and jet stream. The Met Office highlights that not every stratospheric sudden warming event directly impacts surface weather, but recent history has shown its correlation with extreme winter weather events.
This potential cold snap has sparked concerns among the public and officials as they prepare for the impact across various sectors. As forecasters monitor the situation closely, the Met Office’s assessment of the risk of a polar vortex collapse and its subsequent effects will be crucial in informing the public and relevant industries about the potential challenges ahead. Stay tuned for updates as the situation unfolds, and be prepared for the possibility of a late cold snap in the UK.