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Scotland may see wintry showers as polar vortex weakens
Scotland could have sleet or snow on higher ground on Thursday and Friday next week, while rain and stronger winds are forecast across the UK on Tuesday and Wed
Scotland could see sleet or snow over higher ground on Thursday and Friday next week, as rain and strong winds are forecast to cross the UK earlier in the week. Separately, a weakening polar vortex may increase the chance of colder conditions reaching Britain later in November, but it does not make a cold spell certain.
Met Office forecaster Marco Petagna said warming was taking place in the stratosphere and that the polar vortex there was beginning to weaken. The vortex is a ring of powerful winds around the North Pole that helps keep freezing air close to the Arctic.
If the winds reverse direction, the change would qualify as a major sudden stratospheric warming event. Petagna said such an event could increase the chance of cold weather in the UK a few weeks later, with any influence more likely deeper into November.
He cautioned that the effect is not guaranteed. A major warming event occurred last November, Petagna said, but it did not directly bring much cold weather to the UK. The possibility of a colder spell depends on how the stratospheric disruption develops, and forecasters will monitor the polar vortex over the coming weeks.
For the nearer-term outlook, rain and stronger winds are forecast to move across the UK on Tuesday and Wednesday. Wintry showers are possible over higher ground in Scotland on Thursday and Friday; the timing and location are forecast possibilities rather than a certainty that snow will fall in any particular place.
A yellow fog warning is in place for parts of the South West, South East and Midlands on Sunday morning. Visibility could drop below 50 metres in some areas, and fog is expected to clear slowly through the morning. It could disrupt travel, including journeys to Remembrance services.
Petagna said conditions should improve later on Sunday, with sunshine breaking through, light winds and temperatures of around 9C or 10C. Another foggy start is expected on Monday, ahead of the rain and stronger winds forecast for Tuesday and Wednesday.
Page details
- Section
- Forecast
- Location
- UK
- Published
- 8 November 2026, 03:34
- Updated
- 8 November 2026, 03:44
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