Cold snap could turn into ‘warmer than average winter’

Dr Matthew Patterson, from the University of Reading's Department of Meteorology, comments on the UK’s cold snap.

Read more comments on the cold weather from University of Reading meteorologists: UK cold snap: experts explain impending freeze. 

Dr Matthew Patterson said: "Snow and ice have been forecast across parts of the UK from Tuesday (19 November) to Wednesday (20 November), particularly Scotland, northern England and Northern Ireland. This is being driven by northerly winds driving Arctic air down towards the UK. Air moving over the North Sea will pick up moisture leading to the risk of significant snowfall, particularly in elevated areas.

“Autumn has been relatively close to average thus far in terms of temperature. A “La Nina” event (meaning cold temperatures in the tropical Pacific Ocean) is currently developing and would usually be associated with slightly colder conditions for the UK, particularly in early winter. However, this cooling may be largely offset by warming due to human-induced climate change as current seasonal forecasts predict a slightly warmer than average winter."