Freezing UK temperatures linked to Arctic warming

Scientists have linked continued rapid warming in the Arctic with severe cold weather affecting the UK and nearby parts of Europe.

The scientific team, led by a climate expert from the University of Lincoln, is calling for action following a study finding that despite temperatures warming globally, cold weather snaps will possibly become more frequent across the Northern Hemisphere.

Edward Hanna, Professor of Climate Science and Meteorology at the University of Lincoln explained: “Despite strong ongoing global warming, Northern Hemisphere midlatitude regions in Eurasia and North America have continued to experience some surprisingly severe cold-air outbreaks in winter in the last 10 - 20 years, which have continued to cause major social and economic disruptions and may seem surprising, as surely cold extremes should be becoming much rarer with human-driven climate change.”

The research suggests that the weather changes affecting billions of people around the Northern Hemisphere could be caused in part by the Arctic region warming faster than the globe as a whole. 

The study shows that the polar vortex, which is a large area of cold air high above the Arctic surface, may be experiencing more frequent weaker periods which can disrupt the jet stream leading to cold pockets of Arctic air plunging further south than usual. A weaker vortex happens periodically, but the research suggests that this may have become more common in recent years which could be the cause of colder British weather. 

The findings could benefit seasonal predictions and help the country be better prepared for extreme weather conditions; however, it is hoped it will also provide a greater understanding of climate change and influence positive action to address the causes of environmental destruction.

“The Arctic may seem irrelevant and far away to most folks, but our findings say the profound changes there could be affecting billions of people around the Northern Hemisphere,” Edward added.