On this day in 2018... The Beast from the East

On this day in 2018, a very cold spell called the ‘Beast from the East’ began to affect the UK and Ireland, leading to weeks of freezing temperatures, heavy snow, and strong winds.

The so-called beast, was actually the result of a strong area of high pressure which brought a cold wave from a large arctic air mass to our shores. This high was centred on Scandinavia, though its size ensured the impact was felt across many parts of Europe.

In total, 17 fatalities were recorded in the UK during the two weeks from the high pressure’s formation on February 22nd to its dissipation on March 5th. It mostly impacted the UK and Ireland from around the 24th of the month.

It was on this day three years ago that temperatures began to fall, within a week snow arrived and overnight lows nearing -12°C were recorded in some areas.

Power cuts hit, airports halted flights and the first ever red warning for snow was issued.

By early March temperatures began to rise once again but soon fell with the arrival of Storm Emma impacting England, Wales, and Ireland from March 2nd bringing up to 50 cm of snow and more disruption.