WorldEurope could turn colder as polar vortex weakens

Forecast models indicate the Northern Hemisphere’s stratospheric polar vortex could weaken sharply over the next 10 days, with a major sudden stratospheric warming possible. This may shape weather in the weeks ahead, raising the chance of persistent high pressure and later colder conditions in parts of Europe, though severe cold is unlikely in the next two to three weeks. A Mediterranean low is also forecast to bring heavy rain and strong winds to central and southern Italy on Monday before moving towards Greece.

polar vortexEuropean weatherstratospheric warmingItaly rainfall

TThe Guardian★★☆☆☆2026-11-02 11:00Original