London could face a repeat of the Beast from the East as polar vortex threatens winter freeze: How it could affect the weather

• London could face a spell of unusually cold weather this winter as a disruption to the polar vortex raises the possibility of Arctic air moving towards the UK.
• The polar vortex, a vast circulation of cold air high above the Arctic, can influence winter weather patterns when it weakens or becomes distorted, potentially allowing colder air to reach lower latitudes.
• Meteorologists are also monitoring the developing El Niño phenomenon and its possible influence on atmospheric circulation.