A research project by the Universities of Bristol, Exeter, and Bath predicts sudden stratospheric warming (SSW) this week, potentially leading to snowstorms and severe weather. SSW events can raise polar stratospheric temperatures by up to 50°C in days, resulting in cold weather patterns. The study, published in the Journal of Geophysical Research, analyzed 40 SSW events over 60 years to track their impact on surface weather. Lead author Dr. Richard Hall noted a heightened chance of extreme cold and snow, noting that two-thirds of SSW events affect surface weather significantly. The current event may be particularly hazardous, as the polar vortex is expected to split. Dr. William Seviour emphasized the need for further research to understand these processes.
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