Anyone who has been following recent weather forecasts will likely have heard talk of the Polar Vortex, bringing with it speculation that another 'Beast from the East' could be on its way.
While the Polar Vortex is not a new phenomenon, it has become more talked about in recent years since it was connected to the freezing temperatures and heavy snowfall of 2018. There is currently a weather event linked to the Polar Vortex known as a Sudden Stratospheric Warming underway, which was linked to the Beast from the East at the time.
In other years, however, similar events have had little impact, so this does not necessarily mean we are set to be hit by another Beast. Here's what the Met Office has said about the current weather conditions and what they are likely to mean for the UK and the North East in the coming weeks.
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What is a Polar Vortex and how does it affect the weather?
According to the Met Office, the Polar Vortex is a circulation of winds up to 30 miles above the earth. These winds often surpass 155 miles per hour - speeds seen in the strongest Category 5 hurricanes - and can strengthen and weaken during the winter, ultimately having an impact on our weather.
The strength of the polar vortex impacts the jet stream - this is a fast-moving ribbon of air around six miles above the earth, which drives weather systems towards the UK from the Atlantic. The jet stream will typically bring in winds from the west to give us our mild, damp climate.
But when the polar vortex is strong the jet stream also tends to strengthen, which brings with it very wet and stormy weather. Meanwhile, a weaker polar vortex can lead to a weaker jet stream, which allows more frequent wind spells from the North or East to come in - in winter, this can mean very cold air from the Arctic and Europe affecting the UK.
What is a Sudden Stratospheric Warming and will it mean another 'Beast from the East'?
Sometimes, the polar vortex can break down altogether - this is known as a Sudden Stratospheric Warming and has been linked to many cold snaps in recent years, including the famous 'Beast from the East' in 2018, though in other years it has barely affected our weather. According to the Met Office, there is currently a Sudden Stratospheric Warming underway - but only a "minor" one, with another Beast looking unlikely at the moment.
The Met Office explained: "The strong westerly winds high over the Arctic, called the stratospheric Polar Vortex, have weakened and the vortex is partially collapsing. However, the Polar Vortex has been unusually strong so far this year and although there has been a minor Sudden Stratospheric Warming, the winds are expected to rebound quickly, recovering to speeds around normal for the time of year."
What does it all mean for February's weather?
The Met Office has said that current forecasts predict only "minor impacts" from the Polar Vortex, with temperatures expected to stay around average for many. The North and West of the country will experience "unsettled" conditions over the next few weeks, with "changeable" weather likely to continue through to the second half of February which is expected to mean heavy rainfall for the North and West.
There are currently no weather warnings in place for the UK, with the long-range forecast for January 31 to February 9 predicting wet and windy weather across the country and potential for wintry conditions in the North East. Looking ahead to the period from February 10 to February 24, early forecasts show that heavy rainfall could affect the North which is likely to be near or slightly above normal levels for the time of year, with temperatures expected to be around average.
The outlook for the North East for the final few days of January is a cloudy and wet start to Saturday with a brighter afternoon and light winds, while Sunday is forecast to be cloudy and windy with outbreaks of rain. Monday is predicted to bring bright spells and breezy conditions, and Tuesday will see blustery showers.
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