So what is the Beast from the East? Well, here is an explanation from Prof Tom Choularton, head of the Centre for Atmospheric Science at the University of Manchester.
“At this time of year there is normally a polar vortex – a large mass of cold air – in the upper atmosphere, also known as the stratosphere. This vortex is what causes air to usually move from west to east. Every now and again there is sudden stratospheric warming above the North Pole. That causes the vortex to weaken and break up.
When it does, it allows the very cold air to blow from east to west. Which is what is happening at the moment.”
So there you go that is why it is so cold (-5 tonight) and also why we were able to finish work early and go sledging (yay!) Twice in one winter!!
This was Park Lane this morning.
Snowy walk through the meadow. Maddie loves an icicle!
