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Sudden Stratospheric Warming Raises Snowstorm Risks for UK in Late 2025
17 Nov
Summary
- Sudden stratospheric warming could bring heavy snow to UK again
- Forecasters warn of potential 'Beast from the East' repeat in late 2025
- Snowfall up to 20 inches reported in parts of UK during 2018 event
According to the latest weather reports, the UK could be facing the prospect of another major snowstorm similar to the 'Beast from the East' event that hit in 2018. Meteorologists say a sudden stratospheric warming (SSW) phenomenon, which was responsible for the 2018 snowfall, is expected to occur around November 25-26, 2025.
The SSW process involves a rapid warming in the stratosphere, between 10-50 km above the Earth's surface, which can disrupt the polar vortex and push cold Arctic air southwards. This led to temperatures plummeting and heavy snow accumulations of up to 20 inches in parts of the UK three years ago.
While forecasters don't anticipate a repeat of the 2018 conditions, they warn that the upcoming SSW event could still bring an increased chance of colder, wintry weather to the UK in late 2025 and through December. Coastal areas may see some wintry showers, and there is potential for snow on hills, especially in northern regions.
Experts caution, however, that the impact of the SSW is not guaranteed, and the severity of any resulting cold snap or snowfall remains uncertain at this stage. Nonetheless, authorities and residents are being advised to prepare for the possibility of disruptive winter weather in the coming months.
