12 Ways the Arctic Defies the Rules of Weather and Climate

4. Sudden Stratospheric Warmings

Sudden Stratospheric Warmings (SSWs) are rare events where the Arctic stratosphere experiences rapid temperature increases, sometimes by up to 50°C within days. This warming disrupts the typical westerly winds of the stratospheric polar vortex, leading to its weakening or reversal. Such disruptions can influence weather patterns, potentially causing cold spells in regions like the UK. For a detailed explanation of SSWs, refer to the Met Office’s resource on the subject. (metoffice.gov.uk)