Uk shivers amidst arctic freeze: Are sub-zero winters becoming the norm?

The United Kingdom is experiencing a chill like never before, with average temperatures plummeting 5C to 6C below the usual for this time of year. Scotland bore the brunt on Tuesday night, enduring a bone-chilling -14C, marking the coldest January night in five years.

Reasons Behind the Deep Freeze:

• The Met Office attributes the ‘freeze of the century’ to a ‘cold plunge of Arctic air’ affecting the country, leading to widespread snow and ice.
• Weather patterns are influenced by winds high in the atmosphere, with the polar vortex and jet stream playing crucial roles.
• A weakened polar vortex causes the jet stream to shift, pushing cold air southward. The current exceptionally cold air originates directly from the Arctic.
• Accumulated snow in certain areas further intensifies the cold, allowing temperatures to drop significantly over three to five days.
• The El Niño weather phenomenon, occurring every three to four years, can impact UK winters. Warming sea surface temperatures in the Pacific can alter the jet stream, increasing the risk of colder winters.

Current Weather Warnings and Impact:

• England experienced temperatures as low as -11C on Wednesday night, with a forecast of -18C in Scotland.
• The Met Office issued three yellow weather warnings for ice and snow, and an amber warning is in effect for northwest Scotland.
• Heavy snowfall may result in more than 40cm of snow on high ground in northwest Scotland by Friday.
• The UK Health Security Agency issued an amber cold-health alert, and power cuts could occur due to heavy snowfall.
• The last time temperatures were extremely low was in January 2010, with -22.3C recorded in Scotland.

Climate Change Connection:

• Some scientists suggest that global warming might disrupt the jet stream and polar vortex, leading to more cold winters.
• Warming in the Arctic could weaken the jet stream, causing cold air to be pushed southwards.
• The link between climate change and colder winters is not definitive, and opinions vary among scientists.

Global Impact:

• The US is facing similar extreme temperatures, with avalanche warnings issued for Colorado’s Rocky Mountains.
• Over 100 million Americans remain under a weather alert, with blizzards and snowstorms affecting various regions.
• Skiers and snowboarders are cautioned to avoid dangerous terrain, and conditions are described as the worst in decades.

Surviving the Cold:

• Recommendations include cranking up heating, ensuring unobstructed radiators, and layering up with thermals.
• Cold weather payments are available to vulnerable individuals during extended periods of extremely low temperatures.
• The public is urged to check on vulnerable friends, family, and neighbours, especially those over 65 or with pre-existing health conditions.
• If in England or Wales, report sightings of individuals sleeping rough to Streetlink for prompt outreach and support.

As the UK braces itself for the deep freeze, citizens are advised to take necessary precautions and support those most vulnerable in the community.