Severe Cold Spell and Weather Bomb Set to Impact US and UK
Polar Vortex Brings Cold Plume Across US While UK Braces for High Winds and Heavy Rain
A severe cold spell is forecast to affect much of the United States this week as a result of a weakening polar vortex, causing temperatures to drastically drop by 15-20°C in just a few days.
The polar vortex, a strong circulation at about six miles above the Earth’s surface, usually helps contain cold air around the North Pole.
However, recent meandering of this system is allowing cold air to move southward, resulting in temperatures across central and eastern US expected to fall 10-15°C below average.
In New York, daytime temperatures may struggle to rise out of negative double digits.
As this cold air moves south, an area of low pressure is predicted to form in the warmer Gulf of Mexico.
The collision of these two air masses may bring significant rain and snow to regions in the southern United States, where such weather is uncommon.
This cold snap is anticipated to continue until the weekend, after which temperatures are expected to gradually return to seasonal norms.
The effects of this Arctic blast are also projected to extend to north-western Europe.
The sharp temperature gradient across the American continent is expected to intensify the jet stream, leading to the potential development of deep low-pressure systems over the North Atlantic, carrying wet, windy, and possibly stormy weather to countries such as Ireland, the UK, and France.
Meanwhile, the UK is forecast to experience a "weather bomb" by the end of the week.
According to the Met Office, gusts of up to 80 mph could result in power disruptions, travel chaos, and structural damage, particularly affecting Northern Ireland and the western half of Scotland.
A "weather bomb" occurs when a low-pressure system's central pressure drops rapidly within a 24-hour period, resulting in intense winds.
This low-pressure system, developing over the Atlantic, is expected to reach the UK as a "mature feature" by Friday.
A yellow wind warning is in effect for Northern Ireland and western Scotland from midnight Friday till midday Saturday, with inland gusts anticipated between 50-60 mph, increasing to 70-80 mph along the coast.
The Met Office advises preparation for disruptive weather, with suggestions such as securing outdoor items and ensuring readiness for potential power outages.
As these conditions develop, there remains the possibility of further weather warnings or a named storm over the coming weekend.
The polar vortex, a strong circulation at about six miles above the Earth’s surface, usually helps contain cold air around the North Pole.
However, recent meandering of this system is allowing cold air to move southward, resulting in temperatures across central and eastern US expected to fall 10-15°C below average.
In New York, daytime temperatures may struggle to rise out of negative double digits.
As this cold air moves south, an area of low pressure is predicted to form in the warmer Gulf of Mexico.
The collision of these two air masses may bring significant rain and snow to regions in the southern United States, where such weather is uncommon.
This cold snap is anticipated to continue until the weekend, after which temperatures are expected to gradually return to seasonal norms.
The effects of this Arctic blast are also projected to extend to north-western Europe.
The sharp temperature gradient across the American continent is expected to intensify the jet stream, leading to the potential development of deep low-pressure systems over the North Atlantic, carrying wet, windy, and possibly stormy weather to countries such as Ireland, the UK, and France.
Meanwhile, the UK is forecast to experience a "weather bomb" by the end of the week.
According to the Met Office, gusts of up to 80 mph could result in power disruptions, travel chaos, and structural damage, particularly affecting Northern Ireland and the western half of Scotland.
A "weather bomb" occurs when a low-pressure system's central pressure drops rapidly within a 24-hour period, resulting in intense winds.
This low-pressure system, developing over the Atlantic, is expected to reach the UK as a "mature feature" by Friday.
A yellow wind warning is in effect for Northern Ireland and western Scotland from midnight Friday till midday Saturday, with inland gusts anticipated between 50-60 mph, increasing to 70-80 mph along the coast.
The Met Office advises preparation for disruptive weather, with suggestions such as securing outdoor items and ensuring readiness for potential power outages.
As these conditions develop, there remains the possibility of further weather warnings or a named storm over the coming weekend.
