Weather Blog

What happened to winter?

I have to admit - along with many other amateur weather forecasters - that I was wrong in that this winter has - at least to date - turned out much milder than expected. In fact temperatures, although being cooler than the record warm winter of last year, have been warm enough to fool nature into believing it is already spring. During my trips around the South Wales valleys this week I have noticed a profusion of flowers that should not as yet be displaying their glory - and many hedgerows and early trees coming into leaf. It seems that tortoises have in some cases already awoken from their slumber - and tadpoles seen swimming around pools. It is hard to sometimes remind myself that when I was a young lad living in South East England this was all then unheard of in early February

Indeed it is easy to fool us into believing winter is over given a week of high pressure and sunshine promised - a condition that is sure to fool nature even more. True this coming week will become cooler with much of Europe cooling under convection - but not cool enough to stop the grass - and flowers growing it seems.

There can be no doubt that our winters here in the UK are becoming warmer and in the process shorter. Although myself I do not condone the doomsday scenery painted by some as to the perils of a warmer climate. In fact living in South Wales I can see the distinct advantage of having just that as tourism would increase and with so much beautiful landscapes to enjoy here in Wales there would be no need to hop on a plane to enjoy Greece, Cypress or some other far flung land.

Don't though be fooled. Easter is early this year - being celebrated in March. And it is often that an otherwise warm winter has a sting in the tale with snow in March. Although given how the climate has changed of late maybe a barbecue will be on order after all.