Will the 'Beast from the East' bring a 656-mile snow wall to the UK?

The Met Office has dismissed reports of a '656-mile snow wall' and stated that such extreme predictions are too early and uncertain.

What is the Met Office's prediction for the UK weather next week?

Conditions are expected to turn more widely colder next week, but the exact timing and extent of this cold air remain uncertain.

Are extreme cold events becoming less common in the UK?

Yes, the UK climate trend is towards warmer winters with fewer and less intense extreme cold events.

Home / Environment / Beast from the East? UK Weather Forecaster Debunks Snow 'Wall'

Beast from the East? UK Weather Forecaster Debunks Snow 'Wall'

19 Jan

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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.

Beast from the East? UK Weather Forecaster Debunks Snow 'Wall'

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.