Dublin: Ireland is on alert for climate change that could cause a 'Beast from the East'-style subzero freeze. In recent days, some weather experts have warned of the emergence of a weather pattern that could bring another cold spell to the country.
Although it's still very early and subject to change, some meteorologists are reportedly keeping a close eye on the polar vortex — cold air swirling over the North Pole — that could trigger a sudden stratospheric warming event. It was such a weather event that brought deep snow to Ireland five years ago. Computer models suggest that a weakening of the stratospheric polar vortex (SPV) in the coming weeks could increase the chance of colder weather in February.
As we saw in February 2018, a weakening of the SPV increases the chance of a very cold Arctic blast or a Beast from the East.” It's winter and the cold can always return, but that doesn't mean stratospheric heat is going to freeze here.
Meanwhile, Met Eireann has ruled out cold weather for the time being, saying temperatures will remain above average until mid-February. Its forecast for the week of January 27 to February 2 reads: “There is a strong indication of high pressure in the southwest to dominate our weather. This will lead to higher-than-average temperatures for the year and much lower-than-normal rainfall in late January and early February.
Looking at the week of February 3 to February 9, “The high pressure trough is beginning to move south and the low pressure is deepening from the north. This will lead to above-average rainfall, particularly in the western parts of the country, while the eastern half has little indication of above-average rainfall. However, it looks like temperatures will be above average in early February. As of February 10, the National Forecaster says "uncertainty in the forecast is increasing" and it is not possible to say what to expect at this time.
