12 November 2026 · BBC
Early Polar Vortex Weakening Could Bring Snow
The polar vortex is weakening earlier than usual, which may affect UK winter weather and snow chances.
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125 words · ~1 min readLesson audio
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Narration includes the headline and summary.
Adapted from BBC and rewritten at three levels by Newslish. Newslish is not affiliated with the source. Read the original.
Grammar in this story
“Experts say this is an unusual event, and they are unsure why it is happening now.”
Reporting verb + that-clause. Read the guide
Key vocabulary
vortex noun
A vortex is a spinning mass of fluid or air.
“The tornado created a powerful vortex that lifted debris into the sky.”
weaken verb
To weaken means to make something less strong.
“The storm will weaken as it moves over land.”
unusual adjective
Unusual means not common or rare.
“It is unusual to see snow in April.”
concern noun
Concern is a feeling of worry about something.
“There is a concern about the rising temperatures this summer.”
forecast noun
A forecast is a prediction about future weather.
“The weather forecast says it will rain tomorrow.”
Quick quiz
01What is the main topic of the article?
02What does the word 'weaken' mean in the text?
03When does the polar vortex usually form?
04What is a concern mentioned in the article?
Discussion
What do you think about the early weakening of the polar vortex? In your answer, use the words 'weaken' and 'concern'.