Europe could face colder weather as polar vortex weakens

Disruption to winds above Arctic threatens to alter weather patterns across parts of continent in coming weeks

The stratospheric polar vortex over the northern hemisphere is facing the prospect of an unusually early weakening. Forecast models suggest it could weaken significantly over the next 10 days, when it would typically be strengthening.

A major sudden stratospheric warming (SSW) event is possible. This could influence weather patterns in the following weeks, increasing the likelihood of persistent areas of high pressure across the mid-latitudes and colder conditions weeks later.

The polar vortex is a large area of low pressure and cold air high above the Arctic. It weakens during the summer before strengthening during autumn and into winter.