Historic pictures from the archive as Leeds prepares for the big chill

Leeds is expecting to be hit by a polar vortex next week.

The weather system - nicknamed ‘the beast from the east’ becomes it originates in Siberia - is expected to bring heavy snow and freezing temperatures. To mark its arrival, we’ve delved into our archives and found some of the best photos of harsh winters in Leeds during decades past.

Leeds, 8th February 1971.placeholder image
Leeds, 8th February 1971.

Click on the gallery above to view the images.

Related topics:
Celebrating 135 years of telling Leeds' stories
Follow us
© 2026 Iconic Media Group Ltd. All rights reserved.Cookie SettingsTerms and ConditionsPrivacy notice