Will it ever get cold???

I'm going to stick my neck out now and say I think we're in for a mild winter.
On what have I based this wild, nay reckless prediction I hear you cry?
Well not much really, apart from a gut feeling based on a couple of observations:

1. For the past few months it seems that almost everyone, everywhere, including meteorologists, wise old sages steeped in weather lore and even experienced gardeners and weather watchers on these august pages has been making dire predictions of a hard winter to come.
Therefore, given the contrary nature of the great British climate and life in general, this will probably not happen.

2. After many years of working outdoors, you notice subtle patterns in the climate and seasons.
My impression over the years has been that November often sets the trend for the winter to come.
If we get a cold snap during the month with snow or hard frost, it often seems to be followed by more of the same during the following months.
Whereas if November is mild, with an absence of wintry conditions, this mildness seems to persist throughout the winter.
I have absolutely no idea whether the statistics over the years prove this to be true, it's just my impression.

Remember, you read it here first!

 

I'm new here in the UK, but what worries me is the theory of berries (lots of berries means an extremely cold winter)

i'm still learning, so hope that it is mild as I have planted/landscaped several gardens in the tropical/exotic style, but have chosen the hardier plants/shrubs

 

+1

My father in law is a retired farmer and remembers what the weather was like every year for the last 80 years. He reckons it's going to be a mild winter.

But what really convinces me is the hordes of shoppers who have rushed to buy snow shovels and sacks of rock salt.

 

On Autumn watch last week it showed a mother duck swimming along with a line of little ducklings behind her!!!:( They think it is Spring!!! :OUCH:Chris Packham said that unless it stays mild for a good few weeks to come they are all in trouble. The gulls were already circling above ready to feed on them!!
I love this mild weather but the plants and animals are seriously confused.

Val

 

About 5-6 weeks ago, the local shop was selling Snow Shovels £12.99. You could not enter the shop for people squeezing past with Snow shovels, the shop run out of stock a couple of times. Today same shop, same shovels , £6.99. There are a lot of disappointed people out there standing looking out the window with their Snow Shovels and their new thermal underwear staring at the sky with a forlorn look on their faces:WINK1:.

 

Disappointed?!?!? You mean they can't wait to start shovelling!!!! :DOH:

Val

 

Trunky, for you I hope your prediction is right. For me I don't, as it will mean this dear island of mine will continue being lashed by rain and wind, as it is now while I'm writing this post and has been mostly for the last two and a half months!

 

If it continues to be mild we will have a bigger problem with pests next year,might be good for the birds,but not good for the veg.

 

Sorry Trunky, but I predicted this late October

It is bound to be a mild winter as I had spent money on snow tyres, boots, shovel and salt,
Whenever I part with money it is inevetable the stuff I purhcased is not needed :-)

So it is my fault it will be mild

Jack McH

 

A couple of neighbours still have tomato plants growing on their patios, and it's now December!

 

I have seen you FLY BOYS weather stations before

A piece of string
If the string is wet it is raining
If the string is dry it is sunny
If the string is swinging about it is windy
If you can not see the string it is foggy
If the string looks like an icicle it is very cold

Jack McH

 

Armandii, I'm being serious here. What do you read 'sign wise' with the Pyracantha berries. I'm intrigued!

 

My Pyracantha by the front door is abso' full of berries'............is this a sign ?
To follow Armandii's line ----------
A GI and a Tommy are in the urinals. The Tommy finishes and starts to leave. The GI turns and says " In the American army , they teach us to wash our hands after a pee ! "
The tommy turns round and says " In the British army , they teach us not to pee on our hands...........see ya ! " :D