The UK is preparing for a significant winter storm as a massive 540-mile wall of snow, driven by the infamous ‘Troll of Trondheim,’ is forecast to sweep across Europe and impact the country. This powerful Polar vortex extends from Amsterdam in the Netherlands to northern Scotland, poised to unleash heavy snowfall and frigid conditions.
The Met Office has issued yellow weather warnings for Birmingham and other regions on Friday, January 2, as the snowstorm approaches. Predictions indicate that large parts of Europe, including northern France and Belgium, could experience snowfall depths of up to 50cm (19 inches) by January 11. The Norwegian coast, particularly around Stavanger and the rugged fjords, may see even more extreme conditions, with snow accumulations reaching as high as six feet.
Forecasters have described the impending weather as “biblical blizzards” for several European Union countries. Jim Dale from British Weather Services explained to the Mirror that the unusual snowfall results from a shift in the polar vortex—a large, spinning area of low pressure that typically remains over the Arctic, especially in winter.
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Warming in the stratosphere above the pole causes the polar vortex to dislocate, pushing cold Arctic air southward. This movement affects not only the UK but also much of northern and central Europe.
Specifically for the UK, the Arctic air is expected to penetrate Scandinavia and the Trondheim region once again, reminiscent of previous severe snow events triggered by the ‘Troll of Trondheim.’ Dale anticipates substantial snowfall for Scotland’s Highlands and Grampians, followed by heavy snow across the northeast of England.
From there, the snowy conditions are forecast to gradually extend southward, affecting areas such as Dartmoor, the Welsh spine, and the Black Mountains. Residents in these regions should prepare for considerable snow accumulation and freezing temperatures in the coming days.