News 7 November 2016
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Author: Seth P

The UK is about to get hit by a “polar vortex” & our coldest winter in years

7 November 2016
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We had a real good run this summer, however the last couple of weeks have emphatically put an end to any hope of an extended run of good weather.

Last year was apparently the warmest December we’ve had since records began, but this year we are due to experience what experts are calling a “polar vortex”, and it is set to bring an end to any and all possible hope of a repeat of last year.

To avoid getting all bogged down with the scientific terminology, a polar vortex is basically a huge amount of very cold air that sits above the North and South Poles.

The strength of the vortex is what normally determines the direction of the cold air and the vortex is weaker than it was last year, which is why it is unfortunately heading straight for us.

Met Office forecaster Emma Sharples said, “There’s a higher chance of cold being able to sink southwards, whereas if it was fast, it would stay on its normal track around the poles”.

The last time a polar vortex hit the headlines was in 2014 when our American cousins were subjected to the wraith of the polar vortex. It was so bad that even the polar bears in Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago had to be brought inside. I

It sounds like the Great British public will have another reason to talk about the weather this year!