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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
National
Nicole Wootton-Cane,Suha Kidwai and Bryony Gooch

Met Office warns super El Niño to bring UK stormy autumn and icy winter

  • The Met Office has warned that an unprecedented super El Niño event, which has already smashed global records, could bring wet and stormy autumn weather to the UK followed by potential icy cold snaps in winter.
  • Forecasters explained that the phenomenon could disrupt the stratospheric polar vortex, potentially sending freezing Arctic air towards Europe and North America later in the winter season, although exact impacts on the UK remain uncertain.
  • Professor Adam Scaife from the Met Office described the developing climate pattern as an extraordinary event with expected global consequences, while noting that scientists are still evaluating the full scale of its effects.
  • Early winter in the UK is projected to be milder than usual, but the latter part of the season carries an increased likelihood of Sudden Stratospheric Warming, prompting organisations such as British Gas to issue cold-weather guidance.
  • Met Office scientist Dr Nick Dunstone stated that heat released by this massive El Niño means 2027 is very likely to surpass 2024 as the hottest year on record, temporarily exceeding pre-industrial temperatures by more than 1.5C.

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