Could rare polar vortex bring snow to Norfolk this winter?

Scientists are closely watching an unprecedented disruption to the polar vortex, a huge band of winds which normally traps freezing air around the North Pole.

When that system weakens, cold Arctic air can sometimes spill southwards towards Europe and the UK, bringing a greater chance of wintry weather and snow.

Scientists say an event this early in November is unprecedented in modern observations. (Image: James Bass)

Experts say that if the event develops into a major sudden stratospheric warming, it would be the earliest such event on record, making it difficult to predict exactly what could happen next.

Jeff Knight, lead climate scientist at the Met Office, told the BBC: "It would appear to be the earliest on record looking back over the 75 years we've been observing, with most experts agreeing this is a very unusual event."

While snow is not expected in the coming weeks, similar disruptions in the past have sometimes been followed by colder and drier weather across the UK.

However, because an event of this type has never been observed so early in the season, there are few historical comparisons available.

Another factor is that the Arctic is not yet as cold as it becomes later in winter, which could reduce any impact on weather closer to the ground.

Before this latest development, Met Office long-range forecasts suggested a stormier start to winter followed by a greater chance of colder conditions later in the season.

Scientists have also noted that the current record-strength El Niño may be contributing to unusual weather patterns around the world.