COULD another 'Beast from the East' hit the county this month?

Recent Met Office predictions for 2024 initially detailed ‘colder than average’ conditions for January, with some meteorological experts believing that the return of the Beast could be possible.

The infamous weather event hit the county especially hard in 2018, causing harsh weather conditions and heavy snow as a result of a sudden stratospheric warming (SSW), which is described as rapid warming above the earth’s surface causing colder weather a few weeks later as a knock-on effect.

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A Sudden Stratospheric Warming was predicted as possible this month, however, some forecasters say it is too early to predict how it affect the county.

Jo Farrow, Netweather.tv senior forecaster, said: "Over the last few days a major SSW doesn't look as likely. There might be a minor one.

"But to get another Beast from the East is a long path. A major SSW is just the first step on this path."

According to the Met Office, conditions similar to those caused by the Beast are likely to manifest during the period from January 22 to February 5.

A spokesperson said: "Through this period, there is an increased chance compared to normal of cold conditions along with the associated impacts from low temperatures, ice and snow.

"Frontal systems will probably move in from the west or southwest at times, bringing periods of rain or snow. Some drier, more settled interludes are also likely."