Home / Weather / UK braces for snow as polar vortex warning issued
UK braces for snow as polar vortex warning issued
11 Nov
Summary
- Snow showers expected in northern Scotland and Northern Isles early Thursday.
- A sudden stratospheric warming event could lead to a cold spell.
- Temperatures predicted to drop below average across the UK by Thursday.
Snow showers are forecast for parts of northern Scotland and the Northern Isles during the early hours of Thursday. This follows recent warnings from meteorologists about potential disturbances to the stratospheric polar vortex. Experts indicate that a sudden stratospheric warming (SSW) event appears to be developing, which could increase the likelihood of a prolonged dry and cold weather period in Britain.
Forecasters predict that temperatures will drop widely below seasonal averages by Thursday, with frost becoming more prevalent. By Friday morning, temperatures could be at or below freezing across much of the UK. Chillier conditions are expected to move southward throughout Thursday and Friday, with drier weather and clear intervals anticipated for most locations, though some wintry showers may persist in northern and eastern areas.
Looking ahead to the weekend, temperatures are projected to return closer to normal. The forecast suggests markedly colder conditions with frosty nights, largely dry weather, and autumnal sunshine. However, coastal areas might experience showers, and strong winds could accompany wintry showers in the far north.
