Will pointed out 'how unusual it was to have such a configuration of
isobars at this time of year'. And I agree with him. To take the matter
further and explain it as 'climate change' is going too far - and
I don't agree with him.

From my records, the cold-trough type of weather we are having at the
moment is more likely to be met with in April or May, although it is not
unknown in October. In October it is known to last from 1 to 6 days
with a majority of cases lasting 3 days.

A change to colder weather after 20th October 03, has been known for
some time - well before the NWP picked it up. My reason for saying
this is to point out that cold weather was on the cards. It wasn't a
random happening. It wasn't part of a climate change. It happened
because it had to happen. When a rare weather situation comes up
doesn't mean we have to explain it away with a climate change.

Cheers, Keith.

"Keith Darlington" wrote in message
...

A change to colder weather after 20th October 03, has been known for
some time - well before the NWP picked it up. My reason for saying
this is to point out that cold weather was on the cards. It wasn't a
random happening. It wasn't part of a climate change. It happened
because it had to happen. When a rare weather situation comes up
doesn't mean we have to explain it away with a climate change.

If 'it had to happen' simply because as one moves through autumn
cold spells become increasingly likely then big deal, that is to be expected.

I don't think Will was saying that the cold spell was unusual, merely
the persistence of an unusual atmospheric circulation in the N.Atlantic
of which the forthcoming cold spell is but one manisfestation.

Col
--
Bolton, Lancashire.
160m asl.
http://www.reddwarfer.btinternet.co.uk