The London Weather Station

As Britain recovers from heavy rain, snow and gales, forecasters are predicting the worst of the wintry weather is over. Isn't that good news?

The last weeks of raincall and days of transport chaos are over. After the snow a lot have experienced the floods. Last night, 64 flood warnings remained in place throughout Britain and the Thames flood barrier was raised to protect London from a rising tide. A Met office spokesman said: "It will be much quieter for the next several days. It will be a dry scene across most of the UK with light winds but below average temperatures by day and overnight frosts."

Britain's coldest winter in almost two decades will tighten its grip today with further snowfalls adding to yesterday's blizzards.

Central and southern England were bracing for 10cm (4 inch) of the white stuff during the morning rush hour."London could see up to 5cm and parts of the Midlands, Oxfordshire, Wiltshire and Hampshire can expect up to 10cm," the Met office said last night.

Temperatures today are not expected to rise much above 3°C, meaning any snow which does thaw will quickly refreeze, causing teacherous condotions on untreated roads and pavements.
Night-time temperatures at the weekend could fall as low as -7°C in the countryside and -4°C in cities.

More heavy snow is forecast for the beginning of next week. London is expected to be affected and there are fears of a repeat Monday's travel chaos. The cold is here to stay: last night the Met Office warned that low temperatures would continue for the rest of the month.

Source: Metro 06-Feb-2009
Image Source: © Fickr - Carlo Nicora

Will Friday be another snow day?

While for some of us the winter and snow as followed us all night, tomorrow could be another snow day. It has been the heaviest snowfalls in 18 years, which crippled public transport in London and the south-east earlier this week.

Matt Taylor from the BBC weather described today the weather as follows:
"The snow that fell overnight, and is still falling in places, has been quite extensive from the West Country through the Midlands to London.Typically 4-10cm is lying but in one or two places, for example Cirencester, 20cm has been reported. Snow has not yet finished falling, but will become lighter as the day progresses."

Although much of the country has returned to normal, more snow is on its way. Snow and icy conditions overnight are expected. Early on Friday morning further snow will fall across central and southern England, continuing into the rush hour. 5-10cm (4 inches) are likely with up to 20cm (8 inches) possible over higher ground. this would cause another snow chaos day for public transport. It's could to be prepared for a day home office.

BUT, there is hope that the captial could escape the worst of the weather this time. Mild temperatures mean it is more likely to rain than actually snow.

Here a few facts about snow and questions kids often ask

What makes it snow?
When it is very cold the water in clouds freezes and forms snow crystals. As these crystals fall through the clouds they join with others and become snowflakes.All snowflakes have six sides, but no two are ever the same.


When does the coldest weather occur?
In the most countries the coldest times are clear, calm nights when there are no clouds to keep the heat near the Earth's surface.


What is a blizzard?
A blizzard is a snowstorm. Loose, powdery snow is whipped up by strong winds, sometimes making it impossible to see anything.


Can snow be useful?
Yes. It can help crops - such as winter wheat - by protecting them from very hard frost and cold dry winds. Also it can be fun for skiing and for making snowballs and snowmen. In the past the Inuit people built houses, called "igloos", out of snow. Some animal such as the polar bear are specially adaped to live in a snowy climate.


What's the difference between snow and hail?
Snowflakes are much lighter than hailstones and have more air trapped inside. Hailstones are hard and heavy, like icy pellets. Hail comes out of cumulonimbus clouds and can even fall in summer.

More to the topic snow you can find in thesection simple weather facts about snow.

Leaving the house this morning has snown that my wardrobe was not prepared for the winter. Although my ugg boots keep my feet warm, they turn out to be be wrong boots for snow. The ugg boots' leather is too sensitive and not only would I get wet feet but also ruin the leather. Instead of the warm option I went for the try choice of putting on my wellis. Important also is that you have some grip with you shoes, luckily my wellis do.

Scarf, gloves and a cap, and my skiing jacket and I was ready to go.

If you are missing any clothes, and you find it difficult to get to the right stores in town, why not shop online and get prepared for the winter wonderland. At least that's what I did today ;-) Let's hope the clothes just arrive on time...