The science behind the big freeze
Updated / Wednesday, 9 May 2018
09:05
When Siberian gusts come to Ireland
If you think it s bad in Ireland today, be thankful you re not on Venus
The so-called Beast from the East has arrived on our doorsteps, bringing unusually cold weather – about 7°C colder than the historical average for this time of year. Wind chill is making temperatures feel particularly arctic. So how did the Siberian gusts come to arrive on Europe s doorstep?
The movement of air across the globe, and the weather it brings with it, is governed by three major influences: gravity, the sun, and something called the Coriolis effect. The influence of gravity is simple, constantly pulling air towards the Earth s surface.