Don't get comfortable, there's snow on the way

 

Last updated at 13:24pm on 3rd January 2007

Pedestrians cross the Millennium Bridge as heavy snow falls and sunbathers enjoy summer in Green Park

 

 

 

Snow and severe cold weather could hit Britain within weeks, the Met Office has warned.

Forecasters said that while temperatures this winter have been mild on average, some freezing weather is expected.

 

A spokesman said: "By the end of February there could be some short, sharp cold snaps lasting a few days and we think there is also a high chance of snow."

The Met Office was issuing its new winter forecast today, warning of the potential for ice and snow on the roads. Some forecasters even believe a minus 12C blast is on the way.

 

Meteorologist Piers Corbyn said: "From the middle of January, blizzards will spread across the country from the North-East. It could be very bad indeed in the eastern parts of England." The cold snaps could be followed by a relatively cool summer.

 

Simon Keeling of The Weather Consultancy, which produces longterm predictions, said: "We aren't going to see the heat of previous years and I think that will be really noticeable. Overall, our predictions point to an extremely average year.

 

"I think we've become used to hot summers and mild winters, so it could be a real change. I know GPs are already concerned that the cold snaps being forecast for February could affect people badly, as we're all so used to mild weather."

 

However, one of Britain's leading climate experts has said a combination of global warming and the El Nino weather system will make this year another record high, with far-reaching consequences for the planet. The 12-month forecast is for extremes which could bring drought to Indonesia and deluges to California.

 

The warning, from Professor Phil Jones, director of the Climatic Research Unit at the University of East Anglia, was one of four sobering predictions from senior scientists and forecasters that the year will be crucial for determining the response to global warming.

 

Some experts say the signs are already visible. Former BBC forecaster Bill Giles said: "I have already seen a lot of vegetables in my garden I wouldn't expect to see until March." Mr Giles recently analysed predictions for climate change until 2030.

 

He said: "I found that the index in London for mid-summer in 2030 is the same as Nice today and that by the turn of the century the summer climate in London will be similar to that of Athens at the beginning of this century." 2030.

:dance:

not any time soon then??? end of Feb????????/ that's 4 wjole weeks away

not any time soon then??? end of Feb????????/ that's 4 wjole weeks away

 

It's the daily mail, what do you expect.

 

But snow, at last :D

Yes, we need some snow because, well, I like it.

not any time soon then??? end of Feb????????/ that's 4 wjole weeks away

since when was the start of January to the end of February a 4 week period? :thinking:

since when was the start of January to the end of February a 4 week period? :thinking:

 

Has Jenjie been taking "Jade" tablets??:rolleyes:

No she's been eating too many dates over Xmas :rolleyes:

No she's been eating too many dates over Xmas :rolleyes:

 

What a week excuse!!:rolleyes:

No snow here in barca... no snow on the pyeness when i flew over them yesterday... all bad.. i am going snowboarding next week wont be any good with no snow

Noooooo!!!!!!!!!!!1

 

It cant snow!

 

The country will grind to a halt again!

 

How will i get to work??

Lucky! :P

 

I <3 snow. :blush:

No snow here in barca... no snow on the pyeness when i flew over them yesterday... all bad.. i am going snowboarding next week wont be any good with no snow

 

Pyeness?? :confused:

YES

YES

 

Yes what??:confused:

70F degrees here in NY yesterday........ WTF!

70F degrees here in NY yesterday........ WTF!

 

And arctic conditions in Colorado with avalanches!!:rolleyes: