Flake news Weather event could trigger another Beast from East
EXPERTS in Bristol anticipate more snowstorms in the UK and Europe after a “dramatic meteorological event” in the North Pole.
Research led by scientists at the universities of Bristol, Bath and Exeter sought to track the impact of so-called “sudden stratospheric warming”, which is the phenomenon that triggered the 2018 Beast from the East.
The study’s lead author Richard Hall said there was an increased chance of extreme cold – and potentially snow – in the next week or two.
A statement from the University of Bristol advised that the “dramatic meteorological event is currently unfolding high above the North Pole”, which could “see polar stratospheric temperature increase by up to 50 degrees C over the course of a few days”.
Dr Hall, of Bristol’s School of Geographical Sciences, said: “While an extreme cold weather event is not a certainty, around two thirds of sudden stratospheric warmings (SSWs) have a significant impact on surface weather.
“What’s more, this SSW is potentially the most dangerous kind, where the polar vortex splits into two smaller “child” vortices.”
This latest SSW, if transmitted downward into the earth’s surface, could lead to unusually cold weather across Europe and Northern Asia in the coming days or weeks.
Scientists’ prediction echoes similar forecasts from the Met Office in the past few days, which advised of icy conditions, frosty winds and some snow until mid January.
The researchers analysed 40 observed SSW events from the last 60 years, tracking its signal downward into Earth’s stratosphere.
They say their report, funded by the Natural Environment Research Council, quantifies for the first time when we might expect extreme weather following an SSW.
Dann Mitchell, associate professor of atmospheric science at the University of Bristol, said: “The extreme cold weather that these polar vortex breakdowns bring is a stark reminder of how suddenly our weather can flip.
“Even with climate change warming our planet, these events will still occur, meaning we must be adaptable to an ever more extreme range of temperatures.”
Forecaster Weather.com is predicting snow showers for Bristol tomorrow. However, the Met Office and the BBC were predicting just a 10 per cent chance of precipitation today, and 20 per cent tomorrow.
The extreme cold weather that these polar vortex breakdowns bring is a stark reminder of how suddenly our weather can flip
Dann Mitchell