Polar vortex disruption could bring UK snow in November

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 4 Nov, 11:13 · Archive

A disruption to the Arctic polar vortex could push freezing air into the UK, with snow possible by mid-November.

A disruption to the Arctic polar vortex is underway and could push freezing air into the UK in the coming weeks. The Met Office has warned of 'highly unusual disruption' to the stratospheric polar vortex, the high-altitude ring of swirling cold winds above the Arctic.

If the current disruption develops into a major Sudden Stratospheric Warming event, it will be the earliest such occurrence on record, the Met Office said. Disturbances to the polar vortex can see freezing Arctic air pushed into North America and Europe. Forecasting maps suggest up to 12 counties across parts of Scotland and northern England could experience snowfall by 12 November.

The Met Office indicated that the current strong El Niño weather phenomenon developing over the Pacific Ocean may be contributing to the polar vortex disruption, as El Niño is known to increase the likelihood of Sudden Stratospheric Warming events. Warnings have been issued that freezing temperatures could spread across the country amid the continued disruption to global weather caused by El Niño.

How it is being reported

• Met Office new polar vortex verdict as forecast shows November snowThe Met Office has issued a new update on the polar vortex as temperatures look set to plungeHuddersfield Examiner · 4 Nov, 10:39
• The Met Office and BBC Weather on how and when disturbed polar vortex could affect the UK’s weatherThe Met Office and BBC Weather on how and when a sudden stratospheric warming could affect the UK’s weather.Yorkshire Post · 2 Nov, 17:27

In this story: Met Office · BBC Weather · UK · Scotland · England · Arctic · El Niño

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