UK Faces Return of 2018’s ‘Beast from the East’

The United Kingdom is facing harsh winter conditions amid forecasts that the same weather phenomenon responsible for the 2018 “Beast from the East” storm may return, bringing significant impacts to the country’s weather.

The UK Met Office said that winter has arrived early, with cold polar winds and a complex mix of weather hazards. This comes after a week of warnings about ice and snow in various parts of the country.

According to The Independent, temperatures are expected to rise at the end of this week as a mild and unsettled Atlantic weather system arrives, bringing clouds, rain, and wind. 

However, a sudden stratospheric warming (SSW) event expected next week could bring back colder weather over the following two weeks.

The sudden stratospheric warming (SSW) phenomenon involves a rapid increase in temperature in the stratosphere above the Arctic, often causing a reversal of the polar vortex winds and a rapid descent of cold air.

According to meteorologists, this increases the likelihood of colder weather in Britain within 10 to 14 days by roughly 70%. Although not guaranteed, experts will be closely monitoring this atmospheric event, which could signal the start of a colder-than-average winter.

Meteorologists reported that the UK is facing a wide range of weather conditions, from the collision of cold air masses from the Arctic and North Africa to the effects of heavy rain, flooding, and significant snowfall. 

They added that regional differences are clear, with some areas experiencing heavy snow while others enjoy sunny skies and cold nights. Experts warned of the potential for more cold spells and unstable weather as the season progresses.

A southwesterly phenomenon, similar to the one that triggered the violent 2018 “Beast from the East," has transported cold Siberian air into Europe, bringing heavy snow to Great Britain and Ireland. Temperatures dropped sharply across the country, reaching lows of –14.7°C.