Scenes reminiscent of 2018's 'Beast from the East' could hit the UK again, with a major warming event possible in the coming days. The start of a major Sudden Stratospheric Warming (SSW) could soon bring on snowy conditions in the UK, according to long-range forecasts from the Met Office.
The development often leads to wintry weather as it can cause the jet stream to shift off its normal course. Back in February 2018, a SSW was responsible for the 'Beast from the East'.
The winter storm saw as much as 22 inches of snow fall in some areas and an estimated £1.2 billion in damage caused to the national economy.
READ MORE: 'I paid £160 for Heathrow's secure car park and came back to find my vehicle written off'
As reported by The Mirror, new long-range forecasts from the Met Office indicate the start of a new SSW. Forecasters state there is a 80 per cent chance we will see another SSW by the end of February, although its impact is not yet clear.
In a recent Met Office blog, the Exeter-based forecaster wrote: "A major SSW often makes the jet stream meander more, which can lead to a large area of blocking high pressure over northern Europe, including the UK.
"This blocking high pressure can lead to cold, dry weather in the north of Europe, including the UK, with mild, wet and windy conditions more likely for southern areas of the continent. However, this is not always the case and impacts on UK weather can also be benign when an SSW occurs."
Prof Adam Scaife, Head of Long-Range Forecasting at the Met Office, said that "any effect on UK weather" is most likely to occur in late February and March. In the meantime, freezing fog and frosty conditions are expected to cause disruption on Wednesday.
Met Office 5-day South West forecast
Today (Wednesday): Dense freezing fog in places for the rush hour, but gradually brightening up for most during the morning. Many places will see some sunny spells by the afternoon. Feeling a little chillier as the breeze picks up. Maximum temperature 9 °C.
Tonight: Turning chilly this evening where skies are clear, however gradually clouding over through the night with temperatures lifting a little by dawn. Light winds. Minimum temperature 3 °C.
Thursday: A cloudy start to the day with occasional light rain and drizzle and murky conditions over higher ground. Slowly brightening up with some sunny spells during the afternoon. Light winds. Maximum temperature 10 °C.
Outlook for Friday to Sunday: Staying generally dry albeit often cloudy, with perhaps a few spots of drizzle at times. Occasional brighter periods are likely. Turning gradually milder with a reducing likelihood of frosts.
READ NEXT:
Nicola Bulley search: Disappearance has forensic expert 'well and truly baffled'
Tent set on fire at Bristol nature reserve with sleeping man inside
EDF customer switched to smart meter but feels 'let down' by £100 deal
Council responds to woman's call for Clean Air Zone exemption
For more stories from where you live, visit InYourArea.
