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Beast from the East? UK Weather Forecaster Debunks Snow 'Wall'
19 Jan
Summary
- Met Office refutes reports of a '656-mile snow wall' hitting the UK.
- Extreme cold spell predictions are deemed too early and uncertain.
- UK climate trend shows warmer winters with fewer extreme cold events.
The Met Office has officially debunked media speculation about an imminent "Beast from the East" cold snap, which suggested a "656-mile snow wall" would reach the UK by January 31. While some weather models indicate below-average temperatures, the forecaster emphasizes that extreme predictions are not currently supported and that it is too early to make such definitive forecasts.
According to Met Office deputy chief forecaster Steven Keates, while conditions are likely to turn colder next week, variations between weather models mean the exact timing and extent of this cold air are uncertain. The rare conditions that caused the 2018 "Beast from the East" event, involving a Sudden Stratospheric Warming and a specific Scandinavian high-pressure pattern, are not anticipated.
The general climate trend in the UK is toward warmer winters and fewer extreme cold events. Although severe cold spells remain possible due to natural variability, they are expected to occur less frequently. The Met Office's long-range forecast for February indicates an increased chance of cold conditions and wintry hazards, but with low confidence.
