Britain is set to experience dramatic weather changes as a polar vortex collapse brings an Arctic blast, plunging temperatures from a spring-like 17°C to as low as -4°C in parts of Scotland by next week.
The Met Office warns that a 400-mile wall of snow could cover the UK, stretching from Inverness to Cardiff, as cold northeasterly winds sweep across the country.
Polar Vortex Collapse: What It Means for UK Weather
A polar vortex is a circulation of winds high in the stratosphere, around 30 miles above Earth. When this vortex weakens or reverses direction, it can cause sudden stratospheric warming (SSW), which often leads to disruptive cold weather in the UK.
According to Professor Adam Scaife, Head of Long-Range Forecasting at the Met Office:
“There is now over 80% chance of a SSW occurring by the middle of the month. This could lead to some impacts on weather in the UK toward the end of March.”
Although not all SSW events bring extreme weather, the latest forecasts indicate a strong possibility of snow, sub-zero temperatures, and biting winds in the coming days.
Which Areas Will Be Affected?
Scotland
- Hardest-hit areas: Scottish Highlands, Aberdeenshire, Perth and Kinross, Borders
- Cities at risk: Inverness, Aberdeen, Edinburgh
- Expected temperatures: As low as -4°C in rural areas
England
- Counties affected: Northumberland, Cumbria, County Durham, Yorkshire, Staffordshire, Derbyshire, Shropshire
- Cities at risk: Newcastle, Manchester, Birmingham
- Snow depth: Up to 10cm in higher areas
Wales & Northern Ireland
- Snowfall likely in: Cardiff (Wales), Antrim and Down (Northern Ireland)
- Wind chill factor: Strong Arctic winds making conditions feel even colder
Met Office Forecast: When Will Temperatures Drop?
- Sunday Night – Monday
- A cold front moves south across the UK
- Temperatures start falling sharply
- Wintry showers develop across the north and east
- Tuesday – Wednesday
- Rural areas in Scotland could see temperatures plummet to -4°C
- Daytime highs drop to 5-8°C across the UK
- Snowfall likely in Northern England, Scotland, and parts of Wales
- Later in the Week
- Strong Arctic winds will create a bitter wind chill effect
- Freezing temperatures expected in London, Cardiff, and Southampton, though heavy snowfall is unlikely
From Spring Warmth to Arctic Freeze
This sharp contrast in temperatures will be felt across the UK. Some areas, such as North Staffordshire and South Cheshire, will drop from a pleasant 17°C this weekend to just 7°C next week.
Deputy Chief Meteorologist Chris Bulmer explains:
“A frontal zone will move south across the UK during Sunday night and Monday, with much colder air following from the north. With these cold northeasterly winds, we are likely to see some wintry showers across the north and east of the UK.”
While the south of England may avoid heavy snowfall, strong winds and freezing conditions will still make it feel significantly colder.
Britain is preparing for severe weather conditions as a polar vortex collapse brings a sudden temperature drop, strong winds, and widespread snow. While this weekend offers spring-like warmth, the UK will soon face Arctic blasts, with temperatures plummeting to -4°C in Scotland and snowfall expected from Inverness to Cardiff.
The Met Office advises caution, especially in rural and northern areas, where travel disruptions and icy conditions could become a concern. Britons should enjoy the sunshine while it lasts—winter is making a sudden comeback.
