Scottish Rock Garden Club Forum

General Subjects => General Forum => Topic started by: WimB on November 27, 2010, 08:31:54 AM

Title: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: WimB on November 27, 2010, 08:31:54 AM
Here are some shots taken this morning. Snow and -2°C. It's been ages since we had snow in November...
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: tonyg on November 27, 2010, 09:05:48 AM
The same here - and snowing again now.  I know where I put the sledges .... pity I'm laid out with a virus :-\
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Panu on November 27, 2010, 09:14:21 AM
-16°C now, pics from last weekend trip to Kuusamo.


Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Rogan on November 27, 2010, 10:00:25 AM
"pics from last weekend trip to Kuusamo"

Beautiful, but oh, so cold!!!

Here it is +20'C as we speak...

A Drakensberg pass in November:
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Anthony Darby on November 27, 2010, 04:12:08 PM


Here it is +20oC as we speak...

A Drakensberg pass in November:

Cool! 8)
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: mark smyth on November 27, 2010, 08:07:14 PM
my area missed out on big snow fall. The grass can still be seen poking through. I'm sure the north of N Ireland had a lot of snow
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Philippe on November 27, 2010, 08:40:59 PM
Deep snowcover in the Vosges. 40/50cm on the ground by -10°C air temperature this morning. This could well last 'till late april next year if the winter turns good.
Plants now are safe and warm under the snow.
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: daveyp1970 on November 27, 2010, 10:28:10 PM
"pics from last weekend trip to Kuusamo"

Beautiful, but oh, so cold!!!

Here it is +20'C as we speak...

A Drakensberg pass in November:
Rogan is that a Moraea in your pic
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Paddy Tobin on November 28, 2010, 10:15:56 AM
Most unusual for us here in the south of Ireland, we had snow yesterday. I cannot remember having snow so early in the year previously. Naturally, one runs out to capture such events with the camera and here is one for you.
Paddy
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Luc Gilgemyn on November 28, 2010, 10:20:51 AM
Some more "Winterfun" from Flanders :

Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Gerdk on November 28, 2010, 11:55:10 AM
- and a few from a walk along the Düssel - near the Neanderthal!
No snow but hoarfrost and - 3 ° C.
 - very cold for southerners!  ;)

Gerd
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Martinr on November 28, 2010, 12:12:33 PM
November???????????????? We too have had about an inch of snow here in the English East Midlands but, more surprisingly, it got to -9 C last night which must be close to a winter record around here and is close to the all time low I've been aware of here in 15 years of -11 C, but that was in Februarty when you'd expect it. It's noon now and a balmy -5
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Anthony Darby on November 28, 2010, 01:51:11 PM
At 8 a.m. this morning we had 6" of snow lying. The BBC had cameras just outside Dunblane (that's Perthshire, by the way, not Stirlingshire. Clearly the reporter failed her geography) showing chaos on the A9. No gritters out! ::) ::) The road through Dunblane is the same. We have since had another 8" of snow! The Hydro (Doubletree, by Hilton, Dunblane Hydro to be correct) snowplough has run out of diesel; I'm not surprised! (who said British workforce + British management = failure; British workforce plus Japanese management = success? I sure there's an analogy there somewhere?), so the guests are stuck. The local nursing home has no management in, so the staff are running round like headless chickens (I wonder if one is called Mike?) not knowing if the next shift will make it in. My children are sledging down the Hydro lawn. It's still snowing. :o
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Olga Bondareva on November 28, 2010, 03:53:34 PM
(http://cs847.vkontakte.ru/u6450879/62605997/x_b93f23a6.jpg)

It's about 0.15 m of snow and -8 C. Usual  weather for November.
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: ranunculus on November 28, 2010, 05:56:15 PM
Only a dusting of snow in Lancashire so far, but the icicles are pretty.   A clutch of images captured this morning in Healey Dell, our local beauty spot.
The final images are of autumn leaves trapped in frozen waterfalls ...


HEALEY DELL (TEN IMAGES)
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: mark smyth on November 28, 2010, 05:57:48 PM
Philippe excellent photos - great for Christmas cards

Soooo cold here today. The needle rose to only 3c today. Snow rock hard but easy to walk on. The road that runs through my estate not gritted
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: admin on November 28, 2010, 06:52:42 PM
Almost 2 feet of snow here now and -10 with -20 forecast for later in the week.

[attach=1]

To be honest it gets a little wearing after a while.
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: angie on November 28, 2010, 06:57:45 PM
Some pictures of veiws from the house and garden yesterday. I have now given up trying to clear the path to the greenhouse.
Today was horrible, wind snow and now sleet.
Angie :)
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Anthony Darby on November 28, 2010, 09:20:27 PM
Here's some pics taken through the windows. We did make it into Dunblane this morning, but on foot. The cars are going nowhere! The Victoria Hall (Early Bulb Show) is being prepared for stranded motorists tonight. My niece was staying with friends and had to leave her car. She made it to Dunblane but had to walk home to Kinbuck a couple or so miles north of the town. She got a lift the last bit with a farmer on a quad bike! Lucy's sunflower never opened!
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Roma on November 28, 2010, 09:25:30 PM
I don't envy you your snow Fred.  It's bad enough here.  I have not been outside since Thursday.  I do not think it a good idea to go out in the snow on crutches.  
I got some picturesque shots on Thursday and some from the doorstep on Friday and Saturday.  More snow today but the wind has blown it off the trees now.
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Paddy Tobin on November 28, 2010, 09:30:09 PM
Goodness, I'm glad our snow is only a small amount and not at all as heavy as you all have experienced. We managed to go for a walk today and I drove into town and out to collect my son at about 5.30p.m., a journey of about two miles each way and I managed it easily enough.

Trampled snow, when frozen, is dangerous for walkers and we found it a nuisance in town.

Paddy
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Casalima on November 28, 2010, 09:46:27 PM
Wonderful pictures of snow - beautiful as long as you're cosy at home!!

Here it has been down to just below 0 ºC and nearly clear skies over the last few days, so we have been having frosts, though they disappear as soon the day warms up (up to 10 ºC today). There is snow forecast for some parts of the country this week, but not for my area, to the great disappointment of my children ...
No central heating, so the temp in my flat is around 7 ºC  :D
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Paddy Tobin on November 28, 2010, 10:20:41 PM
Chloe,

You can always read Gerald Luckhurst's book on The Gardens of Madeira. It arrived in the post last week and is very good.

Paddy
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Magnar on November 28, 2010, 11:09:08 PM
Hi folks,, seems some of you beat North Norway by several inches, we have less than 10 cm of snow. I would not mind getting some more.

And while I am here: I have for several reasons not been much on line this last year. I got my copy of the seed list this last week, and at the back of the envelope someone had written : Missing you.. very nice! whoever wrote it; Thank you  :) It brought me back to the forum.
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Anthony Darby on November 28, 2010, 11:12:20 PM
Welcome back Magnar. We haven't had snow this deep in November for many years!
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: cohan on November 29, 2010, 12:59:59 AM
some nice shots, folks! i'm surprised to see so many of you looking like us this time of year  :o
nice of rogan to give us a counterweight :)
our weather turned (from above freezing days, though we'd had nights to -16 at least, and had had snow a couple of times long since) in the middle of the month, and we got as low as -38C a couple of nights, at least, and some days below -20C..
now we've been up to more normal temps-- this week, days from 0 to -9 (average is -3)and nights from -12 to -23..
the snow (somewhere in the range of 20cm over a number of days) likely is not going anywhere, but at least the ice is gone from the highways (it rained a day or so just before the temps dropped!)..
here are a few shots over some recent days, on the road and around the house...
1-5 on the road to work (1 is off the gravel road i live on)
6-9around the acreage
10 just a part of the driveway we have to shovel, and many paths besides..
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Rob Potterton on November 29, 2010, 09:56:58 AM
Snow report from Lincolnshire; only about 6 inches of snow here. Jackie has just ventured out with camera and kids in tow (school closed), sun shining now - its really glorious, although blooming cold.
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: ranunculus on November 29, 2010, 10:32:06 AM
Not many customers expected today then Rob?    :D
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Rob Potterton on November 29, 2010, 10:38:45 AM
Hello Cliff. Good to hear from you ..... true but nursery web site open 24/7 come rain or shine ... or snow!!!
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: HelenK on November 29, 2010, 10:53:50 AM
Snow shows off the bones of a garden so very well.  We seldom get a good show.  However, when we do, it is a great time for a garden study.  Thanks for sharing! :)
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Maggi Young on November 29, 2010, 11:29:55 AM
Quote
Fred said: To be honest it gets a little wearing after a while.

 Yes, it's pretty but it's hard work too.  But perhaps it is just folks of the age of Fred and I who are soon disllusioned by the snow? Little Ellie seems to be enjoying it well enough - as was the wee lassie being towed along by her dad on a sled, (with a little snowman on her tummy, which kept having to be rebuilt by her mum as bits were bounced off en route) that we met when out with the dogs last night. She was having a wonderful time and even offered to give the Westies a turn on the sled ! What a cutie!
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: TheOnionMan on November 29, 2010, 04:25:36 PM
It is surprising to see so many folks in the UK and Europe with snow already, we've had none so far.  We're getting cold nights, down to about 23 F (-5 C) but daytime temperatures warming up to low to mid 40s F (5-7 C), with this weeks forecast continuing the mild trend.
1  View from my deck, no snow yet.
2  forecast for my area
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: christian pfalz on November 29, 2010, 07:24:55 PM
hello all,
actually snowfal and -3°c....some pics from my yuccas and co.
y. rostrata
(http://i610.photobucket.com/albums/tt188/yuccajoe/garten%201/79002.jpg?t=1291058482)
y. reverchonii
(http://i610.photobucket.com/albums/tt188/yuccajoe/garten%201/79007.jpg?t=1291058546)
y. recurvifolia
(http://i610.photobucket.com/albums/tt188/yuccajoe/garten%201/79004.jpg?t=1291058570)
y. aloifolia
(http://i610.photobucket.com/albums/tt188/yuccajoe/garten%201/79005.jpg?t=1291058594)
cylindropuntia imbricata
(http://i610.photobucket.com/albums/tt188/yuccajoe/garten%201/79006.jpg?t=1291058616)
olea europea
(http://i610.photobucket.com/albums/tt188/yuccajoe/garten%201/79008.jpg?t=1291058655)
larix decidua bonsai....
(http://i610.photobucket.com/albums/tt188/yuccajoe/garten%201/79012.jpg?t=1291057950)
best regards
chris
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Graham Catlow on November 29, 2010, 07:30:14 PM
We moved to Edinburgh from Blackpool 21 years ago informing my then 5year old daughter that we would have lots of snow. 21 years later we finally get what we promised her only she isn't so keen now. There is 18cm in the garden and probably the deepest snow I have EVER seen.
For those of you that live with deep snow for many months you must wonder why we think this is so amazing.
Some photos from today; taken with my iPhone so apologies for the quality.

The Eucalyptus was flexible enough to cope with the weight of the snow but the Scots pine wasn't. There were several trees in the area that succumbed to the weight.
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Graham Catlow on November 29, 2010, 07:33:05 PM
A few more.
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Anthony Darby on November 29, 2010, 08:27:13 PM
Here's my Eucalyptus pauciflora niphophila today. Last winter its leaves actually touched the patio table with the weight of the snow! :o
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Stephenb on November 30, 2010, 08:27:31 AM
We thought it had been a cold month here and now it's confirmed to have been the coldest ever. The main headline in the paper today was that it had been the coldest ever November since records began here in Trondheim in 1788!!!

http://www.adressa.no/vaeret/article1557596.ece (http://www.adressa.no/vaeret/article1557596.ece) (try Google translate)

There's an interesting map showing the temperature deviation from normal on the right hand side for the whole Northern hemisphere. You can click on this map to come to another article explaining that this really is a very local phenomenon and that there are other areas in the arctic much warmer than normal (e.g., Arctic Canada). Here you can see that Mark OnionMan is an area with above average temperatures.

It's forecast to continue for at least another week, although temperature will rise to much more pleasant -10 deg C.
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Peter Maguire on November 30, 2010, 11:17:56 AM
After a week of daily snowfalls, with a cumulative total of 18inches/45cms (not bad for central Newcastle), I followed some of the links on the Norwegian news site that Stephen mentioned - I see that their temperature dropped to -28.8C last night.
As our weather is currently coming from them (thanks a lot!) I think an extra woolly jumper is called for - and that's just the plants.  :o
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Stephenb on November 30, 2010, 11:29:04 AM
As our weather is currently coming from them (thanks a lot!) I think an extra woolly jumper is called for - and that's just the plants.  :o


 :)
Not at all - we should thank you - if you weren't sharing the cold with us, it would be even colder here  ;)
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Peter Maguire on November 30, 2010, 11:35:26 AM
Ah well, looking on the bright side, all those seed pots will be getting frosted, so germination should be good when the weather improves
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: daveyp1970 on November 30, 2010, 12:10:10 PM
Ah well, looking on the bright side, all those seed pots will be getting frosted, so germination should be good when the weather improves
Peter my sister lives in Fenham in Newcastle and her kids aren't at school and she can't get into work.
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Peter Maguire on November 30, 2010, 12:36:31 PM
Quote
her kids aren't at school and she can't get into work.
She's not the only one - I'm sitting at work doing very little as the patients aren't turning up.
The main roads are fine, but it's the side roads that are 'interesting'  ;)
It's actually melting here now, the promised 3+ inches last night turned out to be less than 1 inch, and when I was clearing the snow from the drive last night it was actually raining, so not as cold as was forecast either.
Looking forward to the summer though!
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Anthony Darby on November 30, 2010, 01:39:25 PM
Still like winter here Peter. 8) 18" of snow.
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: jomowi on November 30, 2010, 02:34:58 PM
Below is an illustration of 3 strata of snow on my wheelie bin.  This is an illustration (on a small scale) of what makes snow subject to avalanches in the mountains when conditions are right.  Am I correct?  I am no climatologist.

[attachthumb=1]
[attachthumb=2]
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Lori S. on November 30, 2010, 02:52:22 PM
I'm no avalanche expert either, but from what I read and hear, it tends to be weak layers between harder slabs that cause avalanches, assuming a sufficient slope and snow load (as opposed to just layering of fresh snow).  

Edit - with slabs forming from wind crust, melting, rain, etc...  Weaker layers being, I think, coarse granular snow for example...
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: ranunculus on November 30, 2010, 02:55:07 PM
In the case of your example Maureen ... it might just lift the lid on it!
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Anthony Darby on November 30, 2010, 04:13:41 PM
In the case of your example Maureen ... it might just lift the lid on it!

Thawed as much!
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Anthony Darby on November 30, 2010, 04:58:40 PM
Digger driver having a break from clearing the snow. ;D
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Maggi Young on November 30, 2010, 05:02:03 PM
Cute digger driver.... he looks about the same age as a wee lad shown hard at work with a snow shovel on the news yesterday.... in a piece telling us how council workers were battling to clear the roads..... I can't help feeling that these cutbacks we keep hearing aboiut are  being enforced too rigorously.... thisi s surely a blatant attempt to circumvent the regulations for the paying of minimum wage for the under sixes........ ::) ;D ;)
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: angie on November 30, 2010, 05:07:43 PM
Digger driver having a break from clearing the snow. ;D

Isn't that cute. He looks exhausted.

Maggi we got our sand delivered by our council yesterday... One heap dumped at the top of our steep hill. I presume we have to take our shovels and scatter it ourselves  ::) :-X

Angie :)
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Anthony Darby on November 30, 2010, 05:44:15 PM
I suspect the young gentleman is over 6 as he is in P2! He is out at the crack of dawn and must be worn out by bed time!
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: cohan on November 30, 2010, 08:05:26 PM
We thought it had been a cold month here and now it's confirmed to have been the coldest ever. The main headline in the paper today was that it had been the coldest ever November since records began here in Trondheim in 1788!!!

http://www.adressa.no/vaeret/article1557596.ece (http://www.adressa.no/vaeret/article1557596.ece) (try Google translate)

There's an interesting map showing the temperature deviation from normal on the right hand side for the whole Northern hemisphere. You can click on this map to come to another article explaining that this really is a very local phenomenon and that there are other areas in the arctic much warmer than normal (e.g., Arctic Canada). Here you can see that Mark OnionMan is an area with above average temperatures.

It's forecast to continue for at least another week, although temperature will rise to much more pleasant -10 deg C.
our deep cold eased some days ago, fortunately, though not many on the forum would recognise our current temps as 'warmer'  ;D this week is ranging from just below 0 to -11 days, and nights from -12 to -20; normal is -3/-14 so we are right around normal now, to just a bit below... although we got to -38ish, i doubt we set any 200 year records...
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: scatigaz on November 30, 2010, 09:08:49 PM
     We have about 6 inches of snow here. It has been snowing for the last two hours and is forecast all night. Luckily i have the day off work tomorrow. Not seen any of my snowdrops for 3-4 days now but i am sure they will be snug under the snow.
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Paul T on November 30, 2010, 11:10:31 PM
Way down here at the other end of the world (snow?  Alien idea at present!!  ;D)  After last weeks gorgeous spring weather of mid to high 20s ('C) we've had lots of rain in the last few days.  Over 100mm at my place so far, which is a LOT of rain compared to our usual rainfalls.  Here at my place we've had nearly 1000mm of rain this year, which is more than double what we've had in the last few years.  Has been wonderful for our catchment dam levels thankfully, as they're almost full (whereas a year ago they were at 40%).  So very nice to have all this rain, but we've actually started to get sick of it now.  ::)  You just can't please some people, can you!!  :o

Commiserations to all of those who are snowed in or snowed under.  We see reports on our news about record minimum temps for November being broken, and how bad it is in places for this time of year.  I hope everyone comes through it OK.  8)
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: ArnoldT on November 30, 2010, 11:33:09 PM
I'd guess things must be  hovering around absolute zero in Manchester with Man U losing 4-0 to West ham.
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Paul T on November 30, 2010, 11:39:52 PM
 ;D ;D
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: ranunculus on December 01, 2010, 07:10:45 AM
Most Man' Utd. fans live in Surrey anyway!   It was just a shame it wasn't Bolton popping in those four goals!   :D :D :D
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Tony Willis on December 01, 2010, 09:20:37 AM
Most Man' Utd. fans live in Surrey anyway!   It was just a shame it wasn't Bolton popping in those four goals!   :D :D :D

Not all of them! Who are Bolton?

No snow in Chorley. Only another day and I bet most people will start blaming the Government for the weather.
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Anthony Darby on December 01, 2010, 10:08:10 AM

No snow in Chorley. Only another day and I bet most people will start blaming the Government for the weather.
Why not? They're making a hash of everything else! :(
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: ranunculus on December 01, 2010, 10:09:01 AM
Most Man' Utd. fans live in Surrey anyway!   It was just a shame it wasn't Bolton popping in those four goals!   :D :D :D
Not all of them! Who are Bolton?

1958 Wembley Stadium
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Anthony Darby on December 01, 2010, 11:07:50 AM
Isn't there a certain pet shop in Bolton, or was it a similar one in Notlob?
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Tony Willis on December 01, 2010, 11:33:03 AM

No snow in Chorley. Only another day and I bet most people will start blaming the Government for the weather.
Why not? They're making a hash of everything else! :(

Perhaps it might be better elsewhere in some far of never never land,some of us think things are okay here.

Blizzard here now,spoke to soon.
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Anthony Darby on December 01, 2010, 11:38:52 AM

No snow in Chorley. Only another day and I bet most people will start blaming the Government for the weather.
Why not? They're making a hash of everything else! :(

Perhaps it might be better elsewhere in some far of never never land.


I hope so. That's why we are going! :P
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: KentGardener on December 01, 2010, 01:36:10 PM
I wasn't sure where to shove these pics?  So here are a few snowy snaps from frozen Kent.

(All summer I have been thinking my neighbours new cat Bowie (one blue eye one brown eye) had a pure white coat - but now compared to the snow she looks like she needs a good wash!).  Also Brutus and Neptune with a light dusting.

Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: ranunculus on December 01, 2010, 02:32:51 PM
I always thought Brutus was a bit of an egghead!   :D
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: mark smyth on December 01, 2010, 05:15:12 PM
Just heard the coldest place last night was Altnaharra in Scotland with -21c / 5F

I've brought some Scillas inside
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Anthony Darby on December 01, 2010, 06:27:06 PM
Thawing here at the moment. :)
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: mark smyth on December 01, 2010, 06:33:28 PM
really? freezing here.
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Ragged Robin on December 01, 2010, 06:39:06 PM
Arctic wind today although only just beginning to refreeze tonight in South West UK. Birds are becoming frantic in seach for food.
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: angie on December 01, 2010, 07:26:28 PM
Arctic wind today although only just beginning to refreeze tonight in South West UK. Birds are becoming frantic in seach for food.

Robin the minute I open my front door the blackbirds are there before I give them there food. Bought more feeders yesterday. I feel so sorry for these tiny we things.

Angie :)
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Stephenb on December 01, 2010, 07:59:16 PM
They're playing on your emotions  ;) We have them up here all winter and they survive largely on wild food at this time of year and much lower temperatures. However, yours may well have lost the ability to find wild food....  Blackbirds are much less sociable birds up here in Scandinavia, very shy, only coming into gardens when they have to...
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: angie on December 01, 2010, 08:31:19 PM
Yep, I am a big softie when it comes to my wee friends.

Angie :)
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: mark smyth on December 01, 2010, 08:33:06 PM
Arctic wind today although only just beginning to refreeze tonight in South West UK. Birds are becoming frantic in seach for food.

I'm confused. Are you in the UK now? Are the mountains your summer home?
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Mick McLoughlin on December 01, 2010, 09:03:09 PM
No work today so a few pics from the garden tonight.
1/Thank goodness I put the cover over the mini gardens at the weekend.
2/The raised beds a little more raised than usual.
3/Doughnut on top of the chimenea.
4/Ice Lamp outside the back door (must get that leaking gutter fixed).
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: mark smyth on December 01, 2010, 09:06:38 PM
Is everyone feeding the birds? Mick and I are
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: angie on December 01, 2010, 09:16:00 PM
Mick your pictures show the same covering of snow as we have.

My garden bench
My snow spade, given up trying to keep paths clear.
Drive up to house
Car never been used it the last few days.
My troughs, Anthony your two are there.

I am so fed up with the snow now  :(
Angie :)
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Rob Potterton on December 01, 2010, 09:25:10 PM
The last 36 hours at our nursery in Lincolnshire have been utterly desperate. We had cleaned the poly tunnels yesterday morning and then from 10am till 3pm we had more than 10cm of snow, so the tunnels were again swept. From 5pm till 7pm another 10cm fell - for the next 3 hours the worst of the tunnels were again swept and during that process as i stood 10 metres away, our 40 metre netlon tunnel collapsed (see below) - only good news is that it was virtually empty.
Overnight we had another 20cm which resulted in another poly tunnel collapsing containing 6,000 plants (see two images), fortunately most look ok'ish. Today we have been thoroughly sweeping all of our tunnels and glasshouses. Suspect this won't be the end of the matter. And just for the record we now have 50cm of snow. :-[
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: angie on December 01, 2010, 09:44:11 PM
Sorry to see all that damage. I have been trying to clear the snow from mine. I couldn't believe how easy these tunnels can collapse. I had seen what happens to them if you don't clear the snow at a Edinburgh nursery, I would hate for anything to happen to mine as it is full of plants. Will be keeping a closer eye on it now.

Angie :(
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Ragged Robin on December 01, 2010, 10:17:34 PM
Quote
However, yours may well have lost the ability to find wild food

Stephen, we only feed birds in winter as a supplement, particularly in harsh weather. There is plenty of wild food available near by but they drop into gardens for a pick me up  ;D
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Ragged Robin on December 01, 2010, 10:21:51 PM
Angie, I love watching birds close up and enjoying the garden, they are great companions to gardeners  :)

Mark, each year things turn out differently for us and we are off to Switzerland for the winter - you're not the only one who is confused  ;D
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: mark smyth on December 01, 2010, 10:35:10 PM
I feel for every one who has way too much snow and for you Rob and your plants. I'm happy life goes on as normal here except for rock hard snow.

I've been foolish, again  ::), and bought some tender bulbs at the bulb sale that are in rock hard pots  :(
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: zephirine on December 02, 2010, 05:45:54 AM
Tuesday morning, after a few inches of snow during the previous week, the garden had returned nearly all-green (and brown)...and this is wednesday morning... 60 cm (2') in a row...I don't grow tenders, but my heart aches when I think of all the broken stems I'll probably find on many a shrub...Choisya, Hebe, and many others, this is too much weight for them! It's almost impossible to go and shake them: they are un-recognizable under such a cover!
Rob, I feel I shouldn't complain: your situation is worse, by far! I hope your plants in the polytunnels will make it: they are tougher than we think, sometimes...
Update: we had -11°C last night, still -9 at 8.00 a.m....brrr....

Santa Claus dining room (Hey, Santa, did you have a heavy hand when pouring sugar in your coffee?  ;D)
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: TheOnionMan on December 02, 2010, 06:05:30 AM
Still no snow here in Northeastern USA; it was 50 F (10 C) today, and raining, and I went for a 5-mile run; fantastic.  The forecast calls for continued mild weather and sun.  I can still get out there and cleanup more leaves, cut back perennials, etc.
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Paul T on December 02, 2010, 06:08:54 AM
The snow looks like someone has gone silly with cake icing, layering everything with it.  Amazing!

Here this afternoon we had 37mm of rain in about 45 minutes from a large thunderstorm.  Never seen rain like it here, or at least as far as I can recall.  Garage flooded etc.  Another thunderstorm heading for us at the moment.  Parts of Canberra have had no rain at all as it is so localised.
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Anthony Darby on December 02, 2010, 08:49:35 AM
-5oC on the car thermometer this morning, yet the icicles on the roof guttering are dripping! My school is closed for a 4th day! Dunblane High is open for senior pupils from 10 a.m. Lucy is off to her primary school, but that is only a 5 minute walk.
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: mark smyth on December 02, 2010, 09:35:09 AM
Here's something I have always thought about
How do you people in very cold areas keep the washer bottle, tubes and nozzles free of ice? Mine havent worked since the freeze began
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: KentGardener on December 02, 2010, 09:40:57 AM
Heavy snow still here - and BBC reports it will be heavy snow all day!   :o  About 12 inches on the garden so far.

Hope the fish are OK as the pond has turned into a giant 'slush puppy'.   :-\

Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Luc Gilgemyn on December 02, 2010, 09:58:20 AM
Oeps, that's quite a bit of snow John !
Your fish should be ok provided the freeze doesn't continue for weeks uninterrupted !  ;)
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Panu on December 02, 2010, 10:39:21 AM
Mark, are you serious?  ::) ;D
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Peter Maguire on December 02, 2010, 10:40:48 AM
I'm starting to take some of these BBC reports with a pinch of (rock) salt. We were meant to have atrocious weather with freezing temperatures yesterday, all through the evening. After a miniblizzard around lunchtime which added another 2-3 cms to the hardpacked stuff already there, then very little, and the temperatures last night were probably no more than -2ºC. I know it's worse out in rural areas, and we are fairly "lucky" to live in central Newcastle.
At least the weather reports keep some of the drivers off the roads - I travelled into the town centre for a concert last night. Nearly walked, but decided to take the car and I'm glad I did as the temperatures were still only 0ºC when I came back and the roads were virtually empty.  :D
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: angie on December 02, 2010, 10:43:35 AM
Hi John

Wow that's a lot of snow for down south. Will your palm be alright.

Some of my fish are over twenty years old and have gone through some tuff winters. I keep my filter running and this keeps the water from freezing over and also gives the birds somewhere to drink and have there bath, can you imagine bathing in that temperatures.

Hope all your plants will be ok.

Angie :)
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: mark smyth on December 02, 2010, 10:45:55 AM
I am Panu
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Panu on December 02, 2010, 10:54:02 AM
Mark, using strong enough washer fluid ;) And you don´t practically need washer, when it´s cold enough. Mild frosts are the worst, when the roads are salted. And to be honest, I have a solid block of ice in the other cars washer...
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Maggi Young on December 02, 2010, 11:19:19 AM
The last 36 hours at our nursery in Lincolnshire have been utterly desperate. We had cleaned the poly tunnels yesterday morning and then from 10am till 3pm we had more than 10cm of snow, so the tunnels were again swept. From 5pm till 7pm another 10cm fell - for the next 3 hours the worst of the tunnels were again swept and during that process as i stood 10 metres away, our 40 metre netlon tunnel collapsed (see below) - only good news is that it was virtually empty.
Overnight we had another 20cm which resulted in another poly tunnel collapsing containing 6,000 plants (see two images), fortunately most look ok'ish. Today we have been thoroughly sweeping all of our tunnels and glasshouses. Suspect this won't be the end of the matter. And just for the record we now have 50cm of snow. :-[


Oh Rob, that's tough for you. It just is hardly possible to keep up with the snow clearing when it is falling so fast.
I'm very sorry to  see this damage, which puts me in mind of the pictures I saw earlier in the year of Graham Nicholls' mangled glasshouses  fallen in the snow. 

Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Peter Maguire on December 02, 2010, 11:40:06 AM
That looks horrendous Rob, as if it wasn't hard enough running a nursery...
It's difficult to know when to clear the snow off the greenhouse, I was leaving a layer of snow as insulation until the other evening when I decided that 15cm of snow was putting the roof of the greenhouse at risk. Unfortunately brushing off left over a metre of snow on the pots standing on a sand band alongside; hopefully it will insulate those pots, as there are some arisaemas in there (somewhere) which won't enjoy being frozen.
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: angie on December 02, 2010, 11:48:18 AM
Maggi enjoyed seeing your snowy doggies on Ian's bulb log. Lily and Poppy seem to be happy in the snow.
It must be hard work for there wee legs in this deep snow.

Angie :)
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Rogan on December 02, 2010, 01:13:04 PM
 :o  ...all I can say is THANK GOODNESS I LIVE IN AFRICA !!
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: mark smyth on December 02, 2010, 01:19:22 PM
:o  ...all I can say is THANK GOODNESS I LIVE IN AFRICA !!

You're not the only one!
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: mark smyth on December 02, 2010, 01:21:05 PM
I've just been out looking for salt. DIY store has none, Tesco and Asda have none, builders yard has none and the road side bin is full of tiny black stone chippings
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: angie on December 02, 2010, 02:18:46 PM
I've just been out looking for salt. DIY store has none, Tesco and Asda have none, builders yard has none and the road side bin is full of tiny black stone chippings

Our pile of sand that the council delivered is nearly done. I haven't been out but my husband said he has seen people filling up bags and taking the sand away in there cars  :-X

Angie :)
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: KentGardener on December 02, 2010, 02:59:31 PM
Rob - what a mess.  Very sorry to see that happen.  I've now been sweeping the snow off my lean-to (I didn't realise how heavy it could be!   :o)

Angie - that palm should be fine as it is tough as old boots - the more tender ones have been put under cover or indoors.

It has continued to snow here constantly (and doesn't look like stopping any time soon!).

Brutus is more cone head than egg head now!  The garden is slowly disappearing from sight!!!
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Luc Gilgemyn on December 02, 2010, 04:13:20 PM
Let us know if you need us to send planes to drop food supplies John !!  ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: KentGardener on December 02, 2010, 04:29:48 PM
Let us know if you need us to send planes to drop food supplies John !!  ;D ;D ;D

Hi Luc

No need.... I've very much enjoyed dressing in super warm clothing and walking to the shops in the snow.   8) (over six times today already  ;D)
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: mark smyth on December 02, 2010, 05:01:49 PM
A bit of red and or green and Brutus could be Father Christmas or an elf
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Rob Potterton on December 02, 2010, 05:23:22 PM
Situation just detiorated further; running out of Stella. Luc can you arrange an air drop here too??
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Martinr on December 02, 2010, 05:35:03 PM
Situation just detiorated further; running out of Stella. Luc can you arrange an air drop here too??

Now things really are getting serious :o Seriously Rob, my sympathy. I hope the contents of the tunnels have faired better than their shelter. Still, it made me go out in the dark tonight after work to reduce the snow load on the greenhouse roofs and the glass cold frames.

I assume the kids are having a ball but it must be some distance the nearest good sledging hill :P
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: art600 on December 02, 2010, 05:35:36 PM
Having read the Bulb Log and seen what can happen when you do not clear the snow, think I need thigh high waders to get to the bottom of the garden!

Still snowing - no TV as signal is totally absent  :(  and have seen no cars on the road where I live.  This is not surprising as I live at the junction of a slope and a hill.

Just a few shots to give an idea of how much snow - first two show an empty greenhouse that has two frames containing my snowdrops that are completey buried.
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Martin Baxendale on December 02, 2010, 05:57:26 PM
Wish I had some snow cover. Only a scattering of snow here and, despite layers and layers of bubble wrap, my snowdrop seedling frames and raised beds keep freezing hard as iron, so I have to keep thawing them out with a fan heater one after another. Sooooo cold!!! Mature bulbs might not mind so much, but I'm worried about all the young seedlings. They freeze again almost as soon as I thaw their pots and beds.
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Maggi Young on December 02, 2010, 06:08:08 PM
Situation just detiorated further; running out of Stella. Luc can you arrange an air drop here too??
Good grief, Rob, you're British... pull yourself together.... no need for any panic until the chocolate runs out...... :-X
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Rob Potterton on December 02, 2010, 06:42:18 PM
Jackie is already eating our emergency stocks of chocolate sweets off the Christmas tree and there is even talk of starting the Christmas pudding tomorrow.
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: angie on December 02, 2010, 07:14:53 PM
If anybody is passing here can I have some chocolate the biggest bars that you can find please, joking apart Rob it's nice to see you are still cheery. Hope you get everything sorted.

Angie  :)
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: mark smyth on December 02, 2010, 07:43:45 PM
Just heard on the news that snow will hit the west of Ireland and N Ireland during the night and tomorrow
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: cohan on December 02, 2010, 07:58:01 PM
boy, you folks are really getting it! hope not too many replaced the tender plants lost last year!  :o
we're running just a little below normal-- -8 to -11 days, next few nights -20ish, but we have a -1 tuesday!
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Peter Maguire on December 02, 2010, 09:05:21 PM
Quote
no need for any panic until the chocolate runs out......

Maggi,
You've started me thinking......... chocolate....Belgium..... Belgian Chocolate!!!

Luc... Help  ;)
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Luc Gilgemyn on December 02, 2010, 09:26:01 PM
Situation just detiorated further; running out of Stella. Luc can you arrange an air drop here too??

Count on me Rob !
We're on our way....  only... I don't think we'll get there until the Early bulb show in Harlow...  :-\ :-\
That maybe a bit long for you to go on without Stella..
On second thought, maybe I can convince our air force to make a drop anyway + some extra chocolate for Newcastle's Peter M.

 ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: annew on December 02, 2010, 09:40:55 PM
The snow's nearly up to the top of my wellies, and -13C forecast for tonight. At least everywhere looks tidy!
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: cohan on December 02, 2010, 10:32:46 PM
The snow's nearly up to the top of my wellies, and -13C forecast for tonight. At least everywhere looks tidy!

you may have a point--no telling the dandelions or overgrown or undeveloped patches from anything else (talking about my place not yours...lol)....
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: johnw on December 02, 2010, 11:00:01 PM
Wish I had some snow cover. Only a scattering of snow here and, despite layers and layers of bubble wrap, my snowdrop seedling frames and raised beds keep freezing hard as iron, so I have to keep thawing them out with a fan heater one after another. Sooooo cold!!! Mature bulbs might not mind so much, but I'm worried about all the young seedlings. They freeze again almost as soon as I thaw their pots and beds.

Martin!   :o   We actually grow snowdrops outdoors here. Even store pots outdoors in open frames. Some years they are frozen hard for 3 and a half months, even seedlings.   I fear you may be doing them more harm with that fan heater.

Here +8c, dense fog and rain for the next week.   Shortly I'm sure we'll get clobbered.

johnw
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Stephenb on December 03, 2010, 08:15:02 AM
Amazing to see a white England. You have more snow than we have now. No precipitation for about 3 weeks. People were going round with a smile yesterday - the temperature finally rose above -10C after many days.....
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Anthony Darby on December 03, 2010, 09:35:10 AM
Parts of England generally get more snow than us!
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: ChrisB on December 03, 2010, 10:32:32 AM
Winter in Northumberland yuk!  Its been snowing here since a week ago Wednesday and an accumulation of over 2ft, with drifting etc.  No buses, no postman nothing.  But its quiet, and provisions are stocked up nicely.
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Martin Baxendale on December 03, 2010, 10:54:30 AM
Wish I had some snow cover. Only a scattering of snow here and, despite layers and layers of bubble wrap, my snowdrop seedling frames and raised beds keep freezing hard as iron, so I have to keep thawing them out with a fan heater one after another. Sooooo cold!!! Mature bulbs might not mind so much, but I'm worried about all the young seedlings. They freeze again almost as soon as I thaw their pots and beds.

Martin!   :o   We actually grow snowdrops outdoors here. Even store pots outdoors in open frames. Some years they are frozen hard for 3 and a half months, even seedlings.   I fear you may be doing them more harm with that fan heater.

johnw

I'm only giving the beds and frames a quick burst of low heat from the fan heater, just enough to keep the smallest seedlings from being frozen solid in rock-hard ice. They're still getting plenty of cold, with the tops of the beds and pots freezing in between de-frosts. The ones that worry me most are those with reginae-olgae and ikariae blood in them, which will be less hardy.
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Maggi Young on December 03, 2010, 11:13:11 AM
Martin, I worry too that you are doing more harm than good.  Your actions will induce temperature changes that can only be confusing for the plants' systems and the chances of making more ice seem much greater. I would get a rock wool covering over them, in the way Janis does and then get them covered with a tarpaulin or somesuch to insulate them that way. More natural than the heat freeze thaw method.
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Martin Baxendale on December 03, 2010, 11:42:30 AM
Martin, I worry too that you are doing more harm than good.  Your actions will induce temperature changes that can only be confusing for the plants' systems and the chances of making more ice seem much greater. I would get a rock wool covering over them, in the way Janis does and then get them covered with a tarpaulin or somesuch to insulate them that way. More natural than the heat freeze thaw method.

Constant freeze thaw, freeze thaw is just what we get down here in a normal winter, especially on my south-facing hillside. But don't worry, all I'm aiming for is fairly constant light freeze rather than never-ending deep freeze, for the sake of the tenderest seedlings. Reassuring to hear that John finds his snowdrop seedlings so hardy in his much colder part of the world. Trouble is, we've had such a long run of very mild winters here during the years that I've been raising snowdrops from seed that I've had almost no experience of how the tenderer ones will cope as small seedlngs - and unfortunately this year I planted out lots from pots in my sheltered lean-to, into raised seedling beds in the garden and into larger pots in my frames. However, I'll take care not to thaw the beds and pots out completely - we'll be getting some warmer weather at the weekend anyway (by which I mean 2 to 4 c) which'll probably do the same thing naturally.
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: mark smyth on December 03, 2010, 11:46:27 AM
The heavy snow fall didnt happen over Antrim over night. This is part of my garden - long raised bed, rockery behind it, Betula Jacquemontii with various seeds for the birds, Jacqueline Postill at the gate. She dumped most of her leaves a couple of days before the snow
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Paddy Tobin on December 03, 2010, 11:57:10 AM
We have had the heaviest snows and the coldest weather on record for November here in the south of Ireland. Today was forecast to bring the beginnings of a thaw but it is not evident so far though there is a  hint of sleet and even rain rather than snow so we may be released shortly. We are unable to drive out our road, so a two mile walk in to town for essentials.

Two photographs from this morning.

Paddy
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: ranunculus on December 03, 2010, 12:01:52 PM
Very pretty images, Paddy.
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: daveyp1970 on December 03, 2010, 12:04:33 PM
Paddy the robin photo is lovely one for a christmas card
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: johnw on December 03, 2010, 12:09:03 PM
Whoops Martin! I forgot you might be growing tender ones outside.  Hope they all survive this. BTW freeze/thaw is the usual order of the day here for most of the winter.

Now we are worrying about it being too mild. About 5 years ago this weather went on into late January and they the mercury plunged.  Wiped out many hellebore seedlings in the frames as they had started ibnto growth unlike those in the ground.

johnw - +8c at 8:15 am
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Paul T on December 03, 2010, 12:20:34 PM
Paddy,

That Robin pic is just gorgeous.  Any chance of you posting a larger version?  That is just SO perfect.  :o  Definitely desktop material, even if slightly out of season for us here in "sunny" early summer Canberra (we've already had more than twice the December average for rain, and we're only at day 3 ::)).

Thanks for all the lovely snow pictures.  I'm enjoying them, even if you're not enjoying the snow.  8)
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Anthony Darby on December 03, 2010, 12:49:48 PM
I could live with that robin on my study wall! 8) I wonder what percentage of robins migrate?
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: mark smyth on December 03, 2010, 12:54:07 PM
I would have many do, Anthony. I think I read that the tame birds residents and the ones that fly away are European
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Stephenb on December 03, 2010, 01:35:32 PM
I would have many do, Anthony. I think I read that the tame birds residents and the ones that fly away are European

...and you also get some Scandinavian birds overwintering too I think. Leapfrog migration I think they call it...
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Martin Baxendale on December 03, 2010, 01:43:40 PM
Whoops Martin! I forgot you might be growing tender ones outside.  Hope they all survive this. BTW freeze/thaw is the usual order of the day here for most of the winter.

Now we are worrying about it being too mild. About 5 years ago this weather went on into late January and they the mercury plunged.  Wiped out many hellebore seedlings in the frames as they had started ibnto growth unlike those in the ground.

johnw - +8c at 8:15 am

With hindsight I should have kept the more tender snowdrop seedlings in the comparatively frost-free lean-too but I was running out of space and had to find room for a record number of snowdrop chips in pots this year. What were the chances of two severe-weather-event-type winters in a row, I thought? Now I know.
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Ragged Robin on December 03, 2010, 02:11:49 PM
Good luck to everyone trying to over winter precious plants - it is amazing what does survive under the insulated cover of a snow blanket - freeze/thaw is the real killer for me in the Alps.  We always hanker after White Christmasses and it looks like it might be on the cards!

Paddy I absolutely love both your garden photos but your Robin photo is so perfect in character and detail and it certainly would make a fabulous card.  :)
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Luc Gilgemyn on December 03, 2010, 02:33:45 PM
Paddy,
I can only echo what other people wrote : glorious pix and the Robin is out of this world !!!
It could come straight from a David Attenborough documentary !!  :D
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: johnw on December 03, 2010, 02:45:46 PM
What were the chances of two severe-weather-event-type winters in a row, I thought?

It is truly bizarre. A good blanket of snow would help immeasurably.

What exactly is causing the cold snap in Europe?

I see a large high pressure system over Greenland that has stalled a low pressure system over us. They predict a daily 15mm of rain here for the next few days. And they had frost last night in northern Florida!

johnw
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Casalima on December 03, 2010, 03:06:48 PM
-2 and fog when I woke up this morning - don't remember having seen that combination here before. But now it's up to nearly 10ºC. Forecast for Sunday is thunderstorms, strong winds from the SE (!!!!) and up to 16ºC!

The robin is absolutely lovely and already on my desktop. Perfect positioning even, with empty space on the left for where my (not that many) icons are. My desktop images tend to be a rolling celebration of SRGC photos - my "homage" to all the wonderful photographers on this site!
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Martin Baxendale on December 03, 2010, 03:29:20 PM
What exactly is causing the cold snap in Europe?
johnw
[/quote]

A very cold and persistent airflow from Russia driven, apparently by a large, stalled low-pressure system in France. The extremely cold air is picking up moisture as it passes over the North Sea and then dumping it as deep snow over the UK and parts of Germany, Poland etc.

At least we only have the snow to worry about. Latest news from my wife's home village in Slovakia is that local people are worried about going up into the local hills for firewood because a bear has taken up residence there - it used to be a very small young bear but has quickly grown to over 150 kilos, has attracted a mate and now has cubs to protect, so much more dangerous if surprised.
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Roma on December 03, 2010, 03:41:36 PM
-13 here last night and down to -7 in the greenhouse.  We can't get the gas heater to light.  I usually try to keep the temperature just above freezing.  When the heater is on all the snow usually slides off the roof but I hope there is enough remaining now to insulate it a bit without being too heavy.  I covered everything with newspapers a couple of days ago so hope most things survive.

2 pics of the garden followed by 2 of the greenhouse.
a rhododendron whose name I can't remember just now
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Luc Gilgemyn on December 03, 2010, 04:34:06 PM
Very impressive Roma !
Here's hoping the best for your plants !
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: mark smyth on December 03, 2010, 04:38:22 PM
a 24 feet green house  :o twice the size of mine.
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: art600 on December 03, 2010, 04:45:45 PM
Must be getting better as DHL just delivered a parcel - not sure how.

TV off and probably until an engineer can make it through the snow.  Wanted to see the test match - not the same on radio.

Icicles seem longer this winter.  The longest measured 115cm.
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Stephenb on December 03, 2010, 04:56:04 PM
What were the chances of two severe-weather-event-type winters in a row, I thought?

What exactly is causing the cold snap in Europe?

I see a large high pressure system over Greenland that has stalled a low pressure system over us. They predict a daily 15mm of rain here for the next few days. And they had frost last night in northern Florida!

johnw

Bizarrely it could well be caused by global warming. The disappearing arctic sea ice is changing the atmospheric circulation patterns leading to the present anomaly. Changes have been so fast in the Arctic that there isn't a long enough statistic to prove or disprove this. This was in the papers here a week or so ago. I found this link which explains more: http://www.reportingclimatescience.com/news-stories/article/global-warming-shares-blame-for-europes-cold-weather-says-climate-scientist.html (http://www.reportingclimatescience.com/news-stories/article/global-warming-shares-blame-for-europes-cold-weather-says-climate-scientist.html)
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Peter Maguire on December 03, 2010, 05:12:12 PM
That's an fascinating website Stephen, is that where you get your interesting meteorological facts for the forum?

Incidentally thanks for the low temperatures you exported to us, I was thinking the other day that the temperatures hadn't been as bad here as was forecast, then last night came along...   :(
It only rose to -2ºC today by midday  :-\
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Martin Baxendale on December 03, 2010, 05:37:32 PM
Bizarrely it could well be caused by global warming.

Doesn't surprise me. Globally this year is set to have been the hottest on record, and an increase in extreme weather events around the world is an inevitable consequence. 
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Paddy Tobin on December 03, 2010, 05:55:30 PM
Well, it is lovely to come in after an afternoon clearing snow and ice, have a nice dinner, sit for coffee and scones and find such lovely compliments on the two photographs I posted earlier in the day. Many thanks for all the flattering remarks. I think it was wise to have gone and taken a few shots as a good thaw set in this afternoon and there is far less snow here now. It is forecast to return over the weekend.

Now, here is a larger file of the robin shot for Paul T.

Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Paddy Tobin on December 03, 2010, 06:04:20 PM
Paul,
It took me several efforts to upload the image above as I tried it at sizes which were bigger than the system would allow. I have it now at 1000 X 717 which gets it in just under the allowed limit.

Paddy
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Paddy Tobin on December 03, 2010, 06:07:44 PM
And, Cliff, before you ask: that little glint in its eye is absolutely genuine, well, absolutely genuine after I added it in Photoshop. A bird just has to have a spot of light in its eye.

It was a very easy shot as the birds are so hungry they follow me around the garden for food. This one was only two to three feet from me.

Paddy
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Stephenb on December 03, 2010, 06:23:28 PM
That's an fascinating website Stephen, is that where you get your interesting meteorological facts for the forum?


No, I don't know that particular web site and haven't studied what else is there, just there that a Norwegian site pointed me there (it was reported here as I said). I work with weather and climate, so it interests me (BUT I'M NOT A METEOROLOGIST so don't started blaming me  ;))
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: ranunculus on December 03, 2010, 06:52:44 PM
And, Cliff, before you ask: that little glint in its eye is absolutely genuine, well, absolutely genuine after I added it in Photoshop. A bird just has to have a spot of light in its eye.
Paddy

I would never have mentioned a thing, Paddy ... I always like a bird with a glint in her eye!   :D
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Paddy Tobin on December 03, 2010, 07:01:16 PM
And that's why I added it.
Paddy
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Peter Maguire on December 03, 2010, 07:27:31 PM
Quote
I work with weather and climate, so it interests me (BUT I'M NOT A METEOROLOGIST so don't started blaming me  Wink

The thought never crossed my mind  ::)
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Rob Potterton on December 03, 2010, 07:45:59 PM
Yes the Robin is beautifull ...... but this is even better. After a 4 mile walk to the Co-op we have fresh supplies of milk, chocolate and STELLA.  :D :D :D
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: ranunculus on December 03, 2010, 08:10:14 PM
I can see the glint in YOUR eye, Rob!!!   :D
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Rob Potterton on December 03, 2010, 08:27:04 PM
Excellent Cliff  ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: WimB on December 03, 2010, 08:38:47 PM
Yes the Robin is beautifull ...... but this is even better. After a 4 mile walk to the Co-op we have fresh supplies of milk, chocolate and STELLA.  :D :D :D


 ;D ;D ;D Belgian beer is the BEST :P :P :P As is our chocolate.... (sorry, a bit of chauvinism...it's over now)
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: mark smyth on December 03, 2010, 09:55:05 PM
mmmmm Guylian chocolate
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Paul T on December 03, 2010, 10:14:01 PM
What exactly is causing the cold snap in Europe?
johnw

A very cold and persistent airflow from Russia driven, apparently by a large, stalled low-pressure system in France. The extremely cold air is picking up moisture as it passes over the North Sea and then dumping it as deep snow over the UK and parts of Germany, Poland etc.
[/quote]

Martin,

I'm not sure it is terribly PC to be blaming the french for everything, even if traditionally that happened a lot.  ;D (apologies to any french readers who see this.... I'm not serious!  ;)  I mean, how can you resist poking fun at someone who is on a gardening group and has a SNAIL at an avatar!  :o)

 ;D ;D

Paddy,

Thank you so much.  If you are trying to send larger pics you can always send them to my email. 8)  That is just such a cracker of a picture.  I wonder if the Robin knows it was so perfectly matching the stem colours.  ;D
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: cohan on December 04, 2010, 07:09:11 AM
nice shots, paddy--love the colours in the robin pic!

johnw-i saw on tv last night the environment canada forecast for the next 3 months, which calls for colder than average for all of canada except the easternmost part of the country-the maritime provinces and eastern arctic....

then i was amused to hear this morning of a UN report which mentioned that canada will have had the warmest year on record..you'd be hard pressed to find anyone in my region who can believe that--unless, unknown to us, alberta is no longer part of canada??? just like all summer when we heard endlessly on the news about the heat wave 'across north america' so we aren't part of north america either?? there was barely any warmth here this summer, let alone a heat wave! we have had some weeks or months (not during the summer) that were a little above average, but just as many below, so if the overall average came up to 'normal' it would be surprising, record warm seems impossible for 2010 here...
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Paul T on December 04, 2010, 07:11:28 AM
Thank you Paddy.  The pic arrived safely in my email.  Brilliant!! 8)
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Luc Gilgemyn on December 04, 2010, 09:45:17 AM
Yes the Robin is beautifull ...... but this is even better. After a 4 mile walk to the Co-op we have fresh supplies of milk, chocolate and STELLA.  :D :D :D

OK Rob, thanks for letting me know, we can now send our air force (2 planes !) on other humanitarian missions again !   ;D ;D ;)

Santé !
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Roma on December 04, 2010, 12:44:29 PM
My neighbours' Kilmarnock willow is falling over under the weight of snow.  No great loss in my opinion. 
They are due home today from a holiday in the Carribean.  It will be a bit of a shock for them.  The weather I mean, not the tree.
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Rob Potterton on December 04, 2010, 01:07:55 PM
Slight thaw here and no snow for last 12 hours, managed to gain access to the road after 4 hours of digging and also started to clear piles of snow from between tunnels. Might make talk at Wirral AGS next Friday afterall. Thank you for all positive comments and support during last few difficult days.
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: TheOnionMan on December 04, 2010, 01:11:50 PM
just like all summer when we heard endlessly on the news about the heat wave 'across north america' so we aren't part of north america either?? there was barely any warmth here this summer, let alone a heat wave! we have had some weeks or months (not during the summer) that were a little above average, but just as many below, so if the overall average came up to 'normal' it would be surprising, record warm seems impossible for 2010 here...

Cohan, I would have gladly shared some of our endless heat in the 90s F (35 C) this summer, in return for a few degrees of cooler temperatures.
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: johnw on December 04, 2010, 04:16:31 PM
Cohan -  I see we are to get some below freezing temperatures at night in the latter part of next week.  The weather is absolutely vile here, +9c but feels like -3c and raining very heavily, feels more like late March.  

A few more snowdrops ready to flower in the greenhouse, one I believe may be Three Ships.  I see some bulbs emerging in the garden which may be Muscari muscarimi. The witchhazels are starting to expand already.

johnw
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: cohan on December 04, 2010, 06:16:11 PM
no doubt mark! it seems there was little happy medium, though-- it was so cool here, on average, that there was a real problem ripening crops, even typical cool climate things like canola (rape seed) and when they were finally ripening, very late, there was very frequent rain, so it was near impossible for farmers to get them off the fields :( not quite disaster level in my immediate area, but not a good growing season at all :( ....though not always unpleasant for humans, and native plants (and those from similarly unreasonable climates  ;D did fine....
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: johnw on December 05, 2010, 02:01:15 PM
+7c here and another 30mm of rain today.

The newspaper today says a snowman was stolen in Kent. 

johnw
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Maggi Young on December 05, 2010, 03:13:32 PM
+7c here and another 30mm of rain today.

The newspaper today says a snowman was stolen in Kent. 

johnw
I suspect th is was the story that hit the radio news too.... about a woman who dialled 999 ( that's 911 - the emergency services, outside the UK) to ask for police to investigate the theft of her snowman from her garden..... sthe tape of her phone call was played on air.... she was irritated that while her area might not be the best, she thought it was beyond the pale that some one should pinch her snowman.... she was particularly annoyed because it had had two one pound (£1) coins for eyes and two teaspoons for arms........ ::)   You really couldn't make it up, could you?
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Gerdk on December 05, 2010, 04:08:18 PM
+7c here and another 30mm of rain today.
The newspaper today says a snowman was stolen in Kent. 
johnw

Around zero and 30 cm snowcover here - quite unusual for the beginning of December.

Gerd
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: johnw on December 05, 2010, 04:22:24 PM
+7c here and another 30mm of rain today.

The newspaper today says a snowman was stolen in Kent. 

johnw
I suspect th is was the story that hit the radio news too.... about a woman who dialled 999 ( that's 911 - the emergency services, outside the UK) to ask for police to investigate the theft of her snowman from her garden..... sthe tape of her phone call was played on air.... she was irritated that while her area might not be the best, she thought it was beyond the pale that some one should pinch her snowman.... she was particularly annoyed because it had had two one pound (£1) coins for eyes and two teaspoons for arms........ ::)   You really couldn't make it up, could you?

If it had been a snowdrop we'd have a suspect in mind but maybe he collects silverware too.

johnw
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: johnw on December 05, 2010, 04:24:11 PM
This is how we have to protect potted plants for the winter in Nova Scotia.  A white plastic film or a sheet of styro will be placed over top once the cold comes. The chips prevent root kill from cold and pots smashing.  One cold frame of many.

johnw
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: ranunculus on December 05, 2010, 07:49:17 PM
Lovely walk (trudge) over our local moors today ... a small selection of images captured ...

My local area
Through the mist
Frozen web on a dry stone wall
Local moorland pond
Through the snow
Moorhen prints
Winter colour
Local bridge
Above the snow
Wool on wire
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: ranunculus on December 05, 2010, 07:54:01 PM
Second and final batch ...


Red
Mist rising
Frozen pond
My local moor
Frosted grass
Frosted grass close-up
Bracken arch
Bracken arch close-up
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Graham Catlow on December 05, 2010, 08:30:51 PM
A great set of images Cliff.
I particularly like 'Local bridge' and 'Mist rising'
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Miriam on December 05, 2010, 08:35:37 PM
Wonderful photos!
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: angie on December 05, 2010, 09:03:00 PM
Really lovely pictures. I like the seventh one. Love the rust colour of the leaves against the snow.

Angie :)
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: ChrisB on December 05, 2010, 09:48:15 PM
Very artistic photos Cliff.  You have quite an eye for beauty.  Love the frozen spider web...
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Luc Gilgemyn on December 05, 2010, 09:53:30 PM
One could hardly capture the winterfeeling any better in images than this Cliff !
Bravo !
 ;)
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Paddy Tobin on December 05, 2010, 10:19:37 PM
Lovely set of shots, Cliff.

Paddy
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Casalima on December 05, 2010, 11:52:13 PM
Lovely photos, Cliff!!

The weather here has changed amazingly! Wet and (southern) windy and the temperatures around the country rose so fast this morning that the national meteo site was overwhelmed and had to go into simple mode. Temperature at 22.00 this evening: 16 ºC!!! 18.7 ºC down in Faro in the Algarve. Much colder indoors than outdoors!
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: cohan on December 06, 2010, 12:45:12 AM
lovely area and shots, cliff!

stolen snowman? she's sure it didn't melt? you'd think they'd just take the silver (foolish)
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Roma on December 06, 2010, 12:38:15 PM
What a surprise!  A council lorry with a snow scraper just drove past.  Up till now all we've seen on this road have been local farmers with diggers.  They must be catching up with the snow clearing.
My grandson is off school again today.  He normally goes on a school bus but if it is not running his mother is not allowed to take him to school.  She phoned today and was told she can take him tomorrow but must be able to pick him up within 15 minutes if the pupils are sent home.
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: ChrisB on December 06, 2010, 02:47:07 PM
Casa, you got a spare room?  I'm on my way....
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Anthony Darby on December 06, 2010, 07:44:04 PM
I spent two hours this morning stuck on the M9 just outside Stirling trying to get to work in Falkirk! Managed to get off the motorway and back home, but one of my wife's colleagues left home from Glasgow at 7 a.m. and, nearly 13 hours later, is still stuck on the motorway at Stirling, not having even reached Dunblane!
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Casalima on December 06, 2010, 09:47:19 PM
Casa, you got a spare room?  I'm on my way....

:)
With the warm weather outside, the temperature in my study/bedroom has gone up from 7 ºC to a stunning 8 ºC! Not sure whether most northern Europeans would find the 14-16 ºC outdoors enough to compensate for the lack of central heating!
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: mark smyth on December 06, 2010, 09:51:44 PM
Today N Ireland came to a standstill. We had a massive of snow fall this afternoon 6 inches plus fell in a couple of hours.

Food I put out for the birds got covered in no time. Speaking to Anne tonight she had a great idea. Maybe she''ll post a photo
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Martin Baxendale on December 06, 2010, 11:36:49 PM
I hope all those of you with continuing snow problems are coping okay. Starting to feel quite guilty about my almost total lack of snow (except for a short-lived cm or two of the stuff on Saturday night) here in comparatively balmy (-7c tonight) Gloucestershire. Stay warm and safe.
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: johnw on December 07, 2010, 02:28:57 AM
Today is the 93rd anniversary of the Halifax Explosion.

"The Halifax Explosion occurred on Thursday, December 6, 1917, when the city of Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, was devastated by the huge detonation of the SS Mont-Blanc, a French cargo ship, fully loaded with wartime explosives, which accidentally collided with the Norwegian SS Imo in "The Narrows" section of the Halifax Harbour. About 2,000 people were killed by debris, fires, or collapsed buildings and it is estimated that over 9,000 people were injured.[2] This is still the world's largest man-made accidental explosion.[3]
At 8:40 in the morning, the SS Mont-Blanc, chartered by the French government to carry munitions to Europe, collided with the unloaded Norwegian ship Imo, chartered by the Commission for Relief in Belgium to carry relief supplies. Mont-Blanc caught fire ten minutes after the collision and exploded about twenty-five minutes later (at 9:04:35 AM).[4] All buildings and structures covering nearly 2 square kilometres (500 acres) along the adjacent shore were obliterated, including those in the neighbouring communities of Richmond and Dartmouth.[2] The explosion caused a tsunami in the harbour and a pressure wave of air that snapped trees, bent iron rails, demolished buildings, grounded vessels, and carried fragments of the Mont-Blanc for kilometres."

View of the mushroom cloud roughly 15-20 seconds after the blast, taken 21 km (13 miles) away from the Northwest Arm of Halifax Harbour.  Within hours the City of Boston sent a trainload of relief supplies, medical teams and pharmaceuticals and rebuilt a northern section of the city.  The next day the temperature plummeted and a severe blizzard struck.

The weather last night and today suited the ocassion, gusts to 150k/h and a huge amount of rain.  We wondered why the house was rocking throughout the night.

johnw
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: cohan on December 07, 2010, 07:21:25 AM
Casa, you got a spare room?  I'm on my way....

:)
With the warm weather outside, the temperature in my study/bedroom has gone up from 7 ºC to a stunning 8 ºC! Not sure whether most northern Europeans would find the 14-16 ºC outdoors enough to compensate for the lack of central heating!

i think northern europeans might be tougher re:indoor temps than canadians, there are personal and probably regional variations of course, but we tend to like it warm indoors, and i certainly couldn't imagine living with 8C indoors (maybe overnight, though i'd prefer not)! (i have done it, and much worse, but only in very undesirable temporary situations...lol-an unheated apartment in montreal, a store/salon  in edmonton with very inadequate heating-i had to put a small heater in front of clients so the heat would go under the hairdressing cape!)..right now, my house is heated by a woodburning heater, heat spread with a ceiling fan and floor fans as needed, and the computer is quite near it, so its a very toasty, probably high 20's C sitting here (of course much cooler as you go farther away from the heater..)
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: cohan on December 07, 2010, 07:25:04 AM
john your weather--heavy winds and rain- has been on our news, as well as heavy snows in parts of ontario-some areas expecting 100cm by the time its done--thank goodness that amount of snow is unheard of here! (knock on wood)
when i lived in toronto, i was in the lucky zone near the lake where snowfall is much much less than other areas not far away...
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: johnw on December 07, 2010, 12:36:48 PM

i think northern europeans might be tougher re:indoor temps than canadians

I'll say. My friend in Numansdorf, Holland record +4c in her kitchen last week and had icicles hanging from the showerhead.  ::)

johnw
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Tony Willis on December 07, 2010, 02:49:09 PM
I know this weather has brought much misery and we have recorded our lowest ever temperature in 17 years of living here -9c but there are some moments of pure joy. This is the first time we have ever had bramblings in the garden,we have a small flock of a dozen and this morning two (I know others have dozens) waxwings.
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Paddy Tobin on December 07, 2010, 03:09:36 PM
Tony,

We are enjoying nothing so exotic as the Waxwings - they have come about half-way down the country but have not reached the south coast.

However, I do enjoy the large flocks (50 - 100) of Corn Buntings which move along in front of us as we walk, just a little bit at a time and some allow you to approach quite closely before flying.

Paddy
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Armin on December 07, 2010, 03:46:26 PM
Today is the 93rd anniversary of the Halifax Explosion.
johnw

John,
your anniversary induced me to investigate and to figure out the unbelieveable dimension of the ship tragedy.
'The powerful blast has shattered most of the windows within an 80-kilometre radius. The aftershock of the explosion is felt as far away as Sydney, Cape Breton; a distance of about 435 kilometres. An estimated 25,000 people from a population of less than 50,000 suddenly find themselves homeless.'

More details here: http://archives.cbc.ca/war_conflict/first_world_war/topics/971/ (http://archives.cbc.ca/war_conflict/first_world_war/topics/971/)
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: johnw on December 07, 2010, 05:19:10 PM
Armin - I've never seen the great link you posted.

My grandfather at the time had horses and was in the barn that morning when he heard the blast. One of the barn doors jumped off the hinges at the same time. He was in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island!

The short film gives the impression that the blast happened immediately after the collision. Unfortunately there was a time lag and many rushed to their windows to see the fire, many went to the waterfront to witness it including fire brigades. Many people were injured by flying glass and this led to a School for The Blind being founded here.  BTW there was a second explosion here during the second world war when the ammunitions storage dump caught fire and exploded, it caused a tremendous amount of panic as the first was still in memory. 

johnw - +7c cloudy and calm.
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: cohan on December 07, 2010, 07:54:28 PM

i think northern europeans might be tougher re:indoor temps than canadians

I'll say. My friend in Numansdorf, Holland record +4c in her kitchen last week and had icicles hanging from the showerhead.  ::)

johnw

brrr! i can deal with our cold outside--rare -40, and -20 isn't even worthy of comment, but please, i need to be warm indoors!`....lol
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: ChrisB on December 07, 2010, 08:02:48 PM
I guess being warm indoors does compensate, but I'd sure like to get rid of the white stuff here, and when it melts I'll be finding out the magnitude of repairs that need doing as a result of it too.   Already there are drips in the garage roof that will need attention, but I'm sure there will be more to deal with than that!

The compensation is that I'm hoping my garden benefits from the snow melt, which I remember reading earlier this year the last time we went through all this, is beneficial to many plants.  Lots of my general perennials did very well after the snow last spring.  I shall try to keep those positive thoughts as we endure more snow tomorrow....
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: cohan on December 07, 2010, 08:06:55 PM
good luck with the snow, chris, and all dealing with unusual conditions! still cold here (with ups and downs, but not too far up) but luckily no significant snow since the original 20cm or so after mid november..that is still hanging around, of course, and wont likely go anywhere til late feb at least, though you never know...
upside for the plants  is that we had the snow before temps got below -20, which isn't always the case...
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Stephenb on December 07, 2010, 08:23:51 PM
Armin - I've never seen the great link you posted.

My grandfather at the time had horses and was in the barn that morning when he heard the blast. One of the barn doors jumped off the hinges at the same time. He was in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island!

The short film gives the impression that the blast happened immediately after the collision. Unfortunately there was a time lag and many rushed to their windows to see the fire, many went to the waterfront to witness it including fire brigades. Many people were injured by flying glass and this led to a School for The Blind being founded here.  BTW there was a second explosion here during the second world war when the ammunitions storage dump caught fire and exploded, it caused a tremendous amount of panic as the first was still in memory. 

johnw - +7c cloudy and calm.

I was interested to read this for two reasons. First, I remember visiting Halifax many years ago. It was the first conference I attended in my new job in Norway (still in the same job). I remember reading about the explosion about which I knew nothing and had forgotten until today! However, I didn't know about the Norwegian ship's involvement! I wondered if there was anything about this in Norwegian web sites and right enough there was an article on the 90th anniversary in one of the national papers: 

http://www.aftenposten.no/nyheter/uriks/article2135776.ece (http://www.aftenposten.no/nyheter/uriks/article2135776.ece)

You can probably use Google translate, but the "punchline" is how the ship's dog Ralph had saved the life of a Norwegian seaman - the main story's there too!!!
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Stephenb on December 07, 2010, 08:30:14 PM
...and today the air temperature momentarily rose above zero for the first time in 3-4 weeks and it's snowed for the first time in the same period (very dry). However, the temperature's now due to plummet again....
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: David Nicholson on December 07, 2010, 08:37:04 PM
We have had little snow here (about a couple of centimeters last Thursday which had gone by Saturday morning after a slight "warm-up") but frosts have been heavy and this is not normal in our part of England. On quite a few days frosts have persisted all day when, normally, by 10.00am they have cleared. For the past three days the greenhouse has been covered in white frost which has never cleared.

Today we drove up to Bristol to do some "big city" Christmas shopping and, although the motorway was perfectly clear of snow and frost the surrounding fields were white (frost, not snow) and the trees were covered in white cloaks. I have rarely seen this before apart from on visits to Scotland. From the Somerset levels to the outskirts of Bristol freezing fog was the issue with the car temperature gauge showing -5C in some parts and this persisted all day.

If this kind of winter is going to be the norm for the next few years I'm really going to have to re-consider my greenhouse growing conditions which, at present,  are quite simple,-close up the roof vents and throw a bit of fleece over the dormant pots of summer growers!
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Anthony Darby on December 07, 2010, 09:37:09 PM
I took my mum to the panto in Edinburgh on Sunday - oh yes I did - and the temperature on the road from Dunblane to Doune dropped to -12oC when I took her home. It has been -9oC all day today. Colder now.
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: alpines on December 07, 2010, 09:45:02 PM
Puss In (Snow) Boots? Anthony?
Oh to be in England for the pantomime season.
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Anthony Darby on December 07, 2010, 10:55:06 PM
Actually you have to be in Scotland to see the best pantomimes. Many English pantomimes are really quite amateurish with so-called celebrities "dragged" in to swell audiences. Alas, Stanley Baxter is no longer treading the boards and Gerard Kelly is no longer with us (he was always fantastic, especially with Elaine C. Smith as a foil), but I've not laughed so much as I did at The King's on Sunday night.  Alan Stewart (who co-wrote the script) as Dame May McTrott; Andy Gray as King Crumble and Grant Stott as Fleshcreep were brilliant.
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: mark smyth on December 07, 2010, 11:15:41 PM
The UK is going to get +6 on Thursday. I hope it stays
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: angie on December 07, 2010, 11:33:54 PM
The UK is going to get +6 on Thursday. I hope it stays



Is that Scotland or England, I hope it's us as I am so fed up with this cold.

Angle  :)
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: TheOnionMan on December 08, 2010, 12:17:43 AM
Puss In (Snow) Boots? Anthony?
Oh to be in England for the pantomime season.

Alan, can you summarize for this American, what is "the pantomime season"?
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Martin Baxendale on December 08, 2010, 12:29:53 AM
Puss In (Snow) Boots? Anthony?
Oh to be in England for the pantomime season.

Alan, can you summarize for this American, what is "the pantomime season"?

You don't have pantomime in the U.S.? Oh dear God, where to start, where to start?

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YKquDOSt15E[/youtube]
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: alpines on December 08, 2010, 01:38:41 AM
Quote from: TheOnionMan link=topic=6294.msg175346#msg175346 date=1291767463[/quote
Alan, can you summarize for this American, what is "the pantomime season"?

In simple terms....and I'm sure you will see other references.....a pantomime is a musical, theatrical performance, usually presented over the Christmas and New Year period, based on children's stories/fairytales. Comedic in nature, and played out primarily for a young audience, accompanied by their parents, grandparents, great grandparents....who generally have more fun than the children. Very slapstick, extremely funny and potentially side-splitting. You really do have to be there to appreciate them. Corny jokes, ugly sisters, fabulous costumery and sets, wonderful audience participation etc. and so on.
Sherba and I, together with Cliff (Mr. Buttercup) and Sue have had great fun together at these performances. In fact we spent our wedding anniversaries in England going to see them together.(We were married Dec. 28th)
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: TheOnionMan on December 08, 2010, 02:25:38 AM
Thanks Alan and Martin, there's so much to lean about you folks on the other side of the pond. Never heard of "Panto" but it seems like a fun, festive, and spirited tradition.  In keeping with that spirit, here's a panto :D

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4pk0mXbfReE&feature=player_embedded#![/youtube]
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: cohan on December 08, 2010, 04:19:29 AM
panto is new to me as well.. thought it was a kind of japanese breadcrumbs...  ::) ;)
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: ranunculus on December 08, 2010, 07:25:52 AM
panto is new to me as well.. thought it was a kind of japanese breadcrumbs...  ::) ;)

No, Cohan ... silly ... that's scrunchdo!  :D
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: ranunculus on December 08, 2010, 07:31:14 AM
It's like the Japanese art of growing small trees in containers in pubs - 'Pinepot' ... and the Japanese art of leaf folding; 'Oregano'.
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: cohan on December 08, 2010, 08:32:03 AM
er, thanks for clearing up all that, cliff--answers to questions i didn't yet know i had :o
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: mark smyth on December 08, 2010, 11:04:02 AM
Extremely cold here this morning. -6 yesterday. I had to be at the doctor for 9 and within seconds of putting water on the car windows they were frozen again grrrr
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Armin on December 08, 2010, 11:42:59 AM
Armin - I've never seen the great link you posted.

My grandfather at the time had horses and was in the barn that morning when he heard the blast. One of the barn doors jumped off the hinges at the same time. He was in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island!

The short film gives the impression that the blast happened immediately after the collision. Unfortunately there was a time lag and many rushed to their windows to see the fire, many went to the waterfront to witness it including fire brigades. Many people were injured by flying glass and this led to a School for The Blind being founded here.  BTW there was a second explosion here during the second world war when the ammunitions storage dump caught fire and exploded, it caused a tremendous amount of panic as the first was still in memory. 

johnw - +7c cloudy and calm.

John, that's awful!
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Anthony Darby on December 08, 2010, 08:47:48 PM
panto is new to me as well.. thought it was a kind of japanese breadcrumbs...  ::) ;)
The pantomime I went to see (sorry, forgot to mention it ::)) was 'Jack and the Beanstalk'.
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Paul T on December 08, 2010, 09:24:38 PM
While you guys are freezing over there in the UK, we're starting to grow webbed feet here..... areas near here had 100mm over rain overnight.  Worst flooding in 30 years forecast for today within 50km of here, plus major flooding throughout areas in the south of New South Wales.  Wagga Wagga had major floods on Monday, now they've had close to 100mm on top of that as well so I am guessing that the floods from earlier this week are going to be topped because they still haven't receded and now large amounts of water added to them.  NOT good. ::)
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Armin on December 09, 2010, 10:56:50 AM
Paul,
thats quite an impressive flood of rain considering an annual amount of ~630 mm in your region.
Weather extremes everywhere... :o
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Anthony Darby on December 09, 2010, 04:23:00 PM
Didn't somebody famous come from Wagga Wagga (so good they named it twice)?
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: TheOnionMan on December 09, 2010, 04:52:52 PM
Didn't somebody famous come from Wagga Wagga (so good they named it twice)?

I believe it was someone who emigrated from Walla Walla, Washington ;D
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Walla_Walla,_Washington
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: mark smyth on December 09, 2010, 04:53:25 PM
I saw the rain on I'm a Celebrity ....."

We had a good thaw today, +8, but it could be weeks before the snow and ice melts
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: TheOnionMan on December 09, 2010, 04:55:12 PM
I saw the rain on I'm a Celebrity ....."

We had a good thaw today, +8, but it could be weeks before the snow and ice melts

Mark, it is -10C today, but still the sun shines and no snow yet, although snow is predicted for the weekend.
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: TC on December 09, 2010, 05:37:39 PM
Didn't somebody famous come from Wagga Wagga (so good they named it twice)?
It was Bill Kerr who used to appear with Tony Hancock and Sid James on "Hancock's Half Hour" on the steam Radio
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Paddy Tobin on December 09, 2010, 05:59:57 PM
Weather here at 17:40   -   available on the internet from a National Roads Authority weather station about 100 - 150metres from our house.

No Recent Rainfall   
Ground temperature 2.9°C   
Air Temperature 3.5°C   
Wind speed: 2 Km/h Westerly   
Humidity82%
Precipitation Amount: Zero
Road State Temp
Surface temperature: 3°C       5cm Depth2°C             30cm Depth 1°C
Other Temps:    Freezing Point-3°C                 Dew Point1°C
Wind & Visibility: VisibilityN/A          Max Wind Gust3km/h
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Graham Catlow on December 09, 2010, 06:11:35 PM
Didn't somebody famous come from Wagga Wagga (so good they named it twice)?
It was Bill Kerr who used to appear with Tony Hancock and Sid James on "Hancock's Half Hour" on the steam Radio

I'm sure Anthony was really thinking of Dame Edna Everidge ;D
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: cohan on December 09, 2010, 07:03:56 PM
Didn't somebody famous come from Wagga Wagga (so good they named it twice)?

I believe it was someone who emigrated from Walla Walla, Washington ;D
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Walla_Walla,_Washington

funny that they mentioned the cartoons, as that's my memory of walla walla--bugs bunny or others...lol
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: angie on December 09, 2010, 07:10:32 PM
Just seen on the news what Paul T was saying about the amount of rain that Australia was getting. There is major flooding and some people have died. I hope our friends are alright.
The snow does damage but nothing compared to floods. Thinking of you all on the other side of the world.

Angle  :)
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: cohan on December 09, 2010, 07:18:31 PM
Weather here at 17:40   -   available on the internet from a National Roads Authority weather station about 100 - 150metres from our house.

No Recent Rainfall   
Ground temperature 2.9°C   
Air Temperature 3.5°C   
Wind speed: 2 Km/h Westerly   
Humidity82%
Precipitation Amount: Zero
Road State Temp
Surface temperature: 3°C       5cm Depth2°C             30cm Depth 1°C
Other Temps:    Freezing Point-3°C                 Dew Point1°C
Wind & Visibility: VisibilityN/A          Max Wind Gust3km/h


sounds very balmy to me  ;D nothing so warm here, though lori got something like +8 in calgary yesterday, i imagine that made the roads very messy, and presumably refroze today (our high will be -15C after -5 yesterday)..periods of snow starting this aft, 5cm forecast...
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Anthony Darby on December 09, 2010, 08:08:34 PM
Didn't somebody famous come from Wagga Wagga (so good they named it twice)?
It was Bill Kerr who used to appear with Tony Hancock and Sid James on "Hancock's Half Hour" on the steam Radio

I'm sure Anthony was really thinking of Dame Edna Everidge ;D

Spot on Graham. ;D
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Paul T on December 10, 2010, 12:05:13 AM
Paul,
thats quite an impressive flood of rain considering an annual amount of ~630 mm in your region.
Weather extremes everywhere... :o

Armin,
And it has been quite a few years since we've actually REACHED out long term average of 630mm.  If you took the average for the last 20 years I think it would be much less.  The city of Queanbeyan (it adjoins Canberra, just across the border in New South Wales) yesterday was declared a natural disaster area..... the 30th location to be declared one in the current round of torrential rains.  It has a river rise height of 8.4m go through it yesterday, cutting the city in half.  It all flows through into the main lake in the middle of Canberra.  They had 5 spillways open on the lake for the first time since 1976 (when I was there taking photos they opened the 4th one).  All this water will head downstream, and end up on Wagga Wagga again in the next couple of days.  This will be the third major hammering of Wagga Wagga since October.  There are places all over south eastern Aus that are flooded or in danger of flooding at the moment.  Not good. 

Thanks for everyones best wishes.  Thankfully for me to be "properly" flooded here we'd need something of truly biblical proportions (literally).  I can live with water running through the garage quite comfortably, even if all the junk inside is now a bit damp.  ::)
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: mark smyth on December 10, 2010, 12:19:57 PM
we had an excellent thaw over night with most of the snow around here gone. All that's left is some compacted ice. Hopefully that will go during the day
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: ChrisB on December 10, 2010, 12:29:53 PM
Our snow is finally starting to melt and I saw my first patch of green grass this morning near the greenhouse.  But there are mountains of it yet to go, and I doubt this milder weather is going to shift it quickly.  Already I can see I'm going to have to do a lot of shrub pruning, some shrubs may pick up a little, but some have completely snapped under the weight of the snow.  Lot of work come spring....
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: angie on December 10, 2010, 12:42:34 PM
Same here in Aberdeen. Snow going really fast. Our hedge has dropped by two feet in places.
The sad thing is my baby fish that spawned this year are frozen in the ice. I suppose they didn't have enough body fat. Just thinking to myself does that mean that I need to eat more chocolate cake and bars of chocolate to keep me alive. ;D ;D  no I think I have enough body fat :-X

Angie :)
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: mark smyth on December 10, 2010, 03:12:39 PM
using birds! Not one bird is at my feeders today despite yummy food put out for them
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Casalima on December 10, 2010, 06:31:40 PM
Up to an even more unseasonal nearly 23 ºC today. And Ponte de Lima was the warmest place in the country, as far as I can see, which is even odder. Not that I am complaining ... Temps due to fall to 10-ish again next week.
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: cohan on December 10, 2010, 07:01:42 PM
Paul,
thats quite an impressive flood of rain considering an annual amount of ~630 mm in your region.
Weather extremes everywhere... :o

Armin,
And it has been quite a few years since we've actually REACHED out long term average of 630mm.  If you took the average for the last 20 years I think it would be much less.  The city of Queanbeyan (it adjoins Canberra, just across the border in New South Wales) yesterday was declared a natural disaster area..... the 30th location to be declared one in the current round of torrential rains.  It has a river rise height of 8.4m go through it yesterday, cutting the city in half.  It all flows through into the main lake in the middle of Canberra.  They had 5 spillways open on the lake for the first time since 1976 (when I was there taking photos they opened the 4th one).  All this water will head downstream, and end up on Wagga Wagga again in the next couple of days.  This will be the third major hammering of Wagga Wagga since October.  There are places all over south eastern Aus that are flooded or in danger of flooding at the moment.  Not good. 

Thanks for everyones best wishes.  Thankfully for me to be "properly" flooded here we'd need something of truly biblical proportions (literally).  I can live with water running through the garage quite comfortably, even if all the junk inside is now a bit damp.  ::)

one extreme to another! we go back and forth between below normal and milder days, but nothing problematic, so overall i count us lucky with so many having real weather troubles!
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Armin on December 10, 2010, 10:26:35 PM
Paul,
I hope you will stay save.

I learned there is another 100 mm rainfall predicted the next days for western NSW...
http://www.smh.com.au/environment/weather (http://www.smh.com.au/environment/weather)
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Anthony Darby on December 14, 2010, 01:01:44 PM
I hope your rains don't have the same effect as this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3RLmErp43k
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Hoy on December 14, 2010, 01:18:00 PM
Talking about weather - I know other people experience worse weathers than I am - but I have lived through the driest and coldest autumn here for 30 years. The November mean temperature was 5C colder than normal and with no snow cover. I am expecting dead plants when they thaw - sometimes. I would welcome milder weather and rain!
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Paul T on December 15, 2010, 12:51:51 AM
Is 29oC mild enough for you?  ;D  That's what we're having here today, with chance of a shower or thunderstorm late this afternoon.  I'm starting to think they've moved Canberra to the tropics.  ::)
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: johnw on December 15, 2010, 03:23:15 AM
Yet another wind storm last night.   Some spots in SW New Brunswick received 175mm of rain and 100 more on the way.  As for Nova Scotia while it was not so bad here in Halifax the Annapolis Valley was hard hit.
 
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QTbwiedllas[/youtube]  

The once large gutter-connected greenhouse at a garden centre - at Youtube 6:10  - was erected by our company several years ago, an expensive piece of work it was.  The Valley damage is extensive and astounding given the winds didn't seem as bad as they were here in Halifax last Monday.

Today was glorious on this coast, +13c  and dense fog as I drove down the southern coast and then the sun came out by 10:30 am making for a perfect December day. By 8pm it was pouring a sea again  - yet another low pressure system rolling in from the south Atlantic.  With the rain the fog rolled into the city again. (I always find evening fog magical which is a good thing as it is a very frequent occurence on this coast.)  The mild weather continues here until Sunday at least whilst the rest of North America down to Miami is having terrible snow storms and/or blasts of cold, Ontario is being buried in snow and 300 people had to be rescued by helicopter from their trapped cars in SW Ontario, meanwhile the Florida citrus crop is threatened again tonight and the low in Miami is expected to be +1c!

johnw           -  +11c at 23:45, dense fog
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Hoy on December 15, 2010, 07:08:14 AM
Is 29oC mild enough for you?  ;D  That's what we're having here today, with chance of a shower or thunderstorm late this afternoon.  I'm starting to think they've moved Canberra to the tropics.  ::)

29o had been perfect . . . in summer! The warmest day last summer was about 24o and that's a bit cool too!

It's johnw and and the eastern parts of Canada that has gotten "our" weather. A high pressure system above Norway stops all low pressure systems normaly traveling this way in winter. It is the second year in row with a negative NAO which is very rare. Even Island has milder weather than us these days.
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Paul T on December 15, 2010, 08:10:43 AM
Trond,

When we get to summer proper, there are nights that are around 24oC here.  :o  Thankfully not many.  At the height of summer, a day of 29oC is a welcome relief from the heat.  ;D  
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Hoy on December 15, 2010, 08:58:19 AM
Paul T, I would love to experience nights in the 20+ degrees. Normally we have a few each summer, and as the nights are pretty light I would enjoy a glass of white wine while reading a book outside (no artificial light needed!) under the canopy of the oaks.
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: angie on December 15, 2010, 09:10:38 AM
Paul T, I would love to experience nights in the 20+ degrees. Normally we have a few each summer, and as the nights are pretty light I would enjoy a glass of white wine while reading a book outside (no artificial light needed!) under the canopy of the oaks.


If I got that temperatures like that I would never go to my bed I could garden all night. 20+ at night sounds fantastic I can imagine myself lying in a hammock with a cool drink admiring all my happy plants. Okay I need to stop dreaming. :'( :'(

Angle  :)
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: johnw on December 15, 2010, 08:46:38 PM
It's johnw and and the eastern parts of Canada that has gotten "our" weather.

And we plan to keep it Hoy! We may return the wind though. ;)  Only 8,000 still without power in the Valley.

Another glorious day here and to slide just below freezing the next few night but mild daytime temperatures.

johnw  - +8c and sun
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Hoy on December 15, 2010, 08:55:09 PM
Well Johnw, we have got back some rain today but the cold ground transform the rain to glaze and the roads are pretty slippery. I even had trouble climbing up my own front door steps. Tomorrow the cold returns and maybe we get some snow.
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Paul T on December 15, 2010, 09:25:58 PM
Trond and Angie,

Nice as it may sound, it is awful to try to sleep on nights that warm.  And if I was outside in a hammock somewhere I would probably be carried off by mosquitoes anyway. :o
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Hoy on December 15, 2010, 09:36:13 PM
Trond and Angie,

Nice as it may sound, it is awful to try to sleep on nights that warm.  And if I was outside in a hammock somewhere I would probably be carried off by mosquitoes anyway. :o
Can't you sleep in the fridge ;D ?
Mosquitoes are no fun, fortunately the mosquito population has decreased where I spend my summer holidays. I should probably be anxious but I don't miss'em.
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Paul T on December 15, 2010, 09:38:26 PM
Wow!  Nice view!!  Somewhat better than from my place. ;D
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: angie on December 15, 2010, 09:46:02 PM
Paul a hammock with a mosquito net still sounds good to me.

Angle  :)
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Hoy on December 15, 2010, 09:48:17 PM
Wow!  Nice view!!  Somewhat better than from my place. ;D
Thanks! It is nice when the weather is good but the view is due north and when the storms come you can't sit there! In the summer the sun sets 10.30PM.
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: cohan on December 16, 2010, 02:08:06 AM
a couple of warmer days here, up to around freezing, now dropping again, another arctic system--but we have missed forecast possible freezing rain at least 3 times (thank goodness) and the snow and wind making traffic bad farther north in alberta missed us as well, so no complaints! no significnt precip still since 20cm or so in mid november (its all still there )
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Stephenb on December 16, 2010, 09:53:18 AM
In the summer the sun sets 10.30PM.

Wow, that's early!! ;)
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Panu on December 16, 2010, 10:17:39 AM
Length of the day 3 h 39 m, at least we don´t have polar night.
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Stephenb on December 16, 2010, 11:58:51 AM
2 hrs 16 mins here!
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: mark smyth on December 16, 2010, 12:08:00 PM
very short days for you two. How do birds cope with that? Do they all move away?
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: mark smyth on December 16, 2010, 12:10:41 PM
Do you need black out blinds to be able to sleep in the summer
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Panu on December 16, 2010, 12:21:16 PM
Mark, not necessarily, but I sleep better (and longer) in dark. Last night I slept 12 h, day before that 13 h. Usually it´s between 10-12 h in darkest time of the year ;)

Stephenb, are you sure of the time? I think Malvik is SWW from here  ::)
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Anthony Darby on December 16, 2010, 12:31:09 PM
I know wives in the far north don't let their husband out for a drink in winter: "the last time you went out with your friends you stayed out all night. Didn't come back 'til February! ::)" ;D
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: mark smyth on December 16, 2010, 12:32:51 PM
sleeping a long time in the winter is understandable. I can sleep a long time also. Maybe we have the instinct to hibernate
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: mark smyth on December 16, 2010, 12:37:09 PM
and the old joke from my school days
did you hear about the eskimo who spent the night with her boyfriend? The next day she was six months pregnant
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Stephenb on December 16, 2010, 02:14:09 PM
Mark, not necessarily, but I sleep better (and longer) in dark. Last night I slept 12 h, day before that 13 h. Usually it´s between 10-12 h in darkest time of the year ;)

Stephenb, are you sure of the time? I think Malvik is SWW from here  ::)

Yes, you're right - I misread what it said in the paper - should have been 4hr 29min! I have no clue as to when the sunrise is at this time of year as I don't see it for a couple of months as the hills block the view towards south. However, I can sometimes see the reflection of the sun from houses on the other side of the fjord! My effective length of day (defined by sun visibility) is then zero! The sunrise was apparently at 9:59 today and the elevation of the sun reached 3.3 degs. There's an online calculator here: http://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/sunrise.html  (http://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/sunrise.html)
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: mark smyth on December 16, 2010, 02:21:09 PM
I use that web site during the summer to work out when I should go out to do a bat survey

our sun is 12.2 degrees today. In the summer it will be 58.8 degrees
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Stephenb on December 16, 2010, 02:32:15 PM
This should maybe be a puzzle. I've once experienced sunrise two times in the same day and I was not in a intercontinental jet and not in a high building taking the lift down. I was in the same position. Anyone know how and where I might be?
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Hoy on December 16, 2010, 04:37:42 PM
In the summer the sun sets 10.30PM.

Wow, that's early!! ;)
Stephen, you still have some miles to the north pole! And I think I (usually) have milder winters than you 8)
Today I have neither seen the sun nor the other side of the fjord. Strong wind and snow make everything disappear, I am glad I found the road when I drove to and from work.

The riddle: You looked in the mirror, Stephen!
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Stephenb on December 16, 2010, 05:02:04 PM
 :) Good guess, but, no I didn't use any tricks...
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Hoy on December 16, 2010, 05:13:28 PM
:) Good guess, but, no I didn't use any tricks...
I thought so! I think I have an idea, but must think a little more...
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: mark smyth on December 16, 2010, 06:35:29 PM
The snow was late arriving but it's now coming down thick!
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Martinr on December 16, 2010, 06:38:39 PM
This should maybe be a puzzle. I've once experienced sunrise two times in the same day and I was not in a intercontinental jet and not in a high building taking the lift down. I was in the same position. Anyone know how and where I might be?

How about North of the Arctic circle looking North with a mountain in the way so that the sun rises, disappears behind the peak and re-emerges on the other side?
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Stephenb on December 16, 2010, 06:43:17 PM
Nice try - you're in the right area but there's a normal time gap between the sun rising...
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Graham Catlow on December 16, 2010, 06:48:03 PM
I think this is quite amazing. It looks like something from a fairy tale or something you might find on an iced cake.

It's been lighting the way for ships on Lake Erie for decades. But now, one lighthouse has become a tourist attraction of its own thanks to Mother Nature. Breathtaking views over the mouth of the Cuyahoga River show amazing pictures of the "Cleveland harbor west" lighthouse encased in ice.
The lighthouse has been a beacon for ships entering the Cuyahoga River since 1911.
In 1965 the light became automated and for the first time no longer required a lighthouse keeper.
Today in a very twenty-first century fashion -- a solar powered light sits in its place.
The historic original can still be found on display at the great lakes science center.

And I was thinking we had had it bad!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hCAdxwe-08A&feature=player_embedded
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: mark smyth on December 16, 2010, 07:07:26 PM
now that is bad.
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: cohan on December 16, 2010, 07:15:32 PM
I think this is quite amazing. It looks like something from a fairy tale or something you might find on an iced cake.

It's been lighting the way for ships on Lake Erie for decades. But now, one lighthouse has become a tourist attraction of its own thanks to Mother Nature. Breathtaking views over the mouth of the Cuyahoga River show amazing pictures of the "Cleveland harbor west" lighthouse encased in ice.
The lighthouse has been a beacon for ships entering the Cuyahoga River since 1911.
In 1965 the light became automated and for the first time no longer required a lighthouse keeper.
Today in a very twenty-first century fashion -- a solar powered light sits in its place.
The historic original can still be found on display at the great lakes science center.

And I was thinking we had had it bad!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hCAdxwe-08A&feature=player_embedded

saw this on the news last night, quite amazing!
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: cohan on December 16, 2010, 07:28:03 PM
Length of the day 3 h 39 m, at least we don´t have polar night.

wow! always surprises me how far north some of you folks are, since we are generally colder with no ocean to keep us  warm i forget that there are sizable populations living up there!
our days is still a whopping 7 hours 43 minutes!
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Casalima on December 16, 2010, 07:38:49 PM
That website is fascinating! Not much variation where I live - we go from a minimum of 9h 09m length of day to a maximum of 15h 11m.
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Hoy on December 16, 2010, 08:16:26 PM
Stephen, I'll write in Norwegian in case others want to guess: Hva med en linje i Stillehavet som heter datolinjen - der kan du se soloppgang to ganger ved å krysse linjen!

Here the day was 6 hours 7 minutes today - and 15 cm snow! But that's nothing compared to the Lake Erie lighthouse!
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: mark smyth on December 16, 2010, 08:28:06 PM
Good one Hoy!
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Martinr on December 16, 2010, 08:52:54 PM
Stephen, I'll write in Norwegian in case others want to guess: Hva med en linje i Stillehavet som heter datolinjen - der kan du se soloppgang to ganger ved å krysse linjen!

Here the day was 6 hours 7 minutes today - and 15 cm snow! But that's nothing compared to the Lake Erie lighthouse!

Ah yes, but he stayed in the same place, your cunning suggestion would mean he had to move. It would also have to be on Arctic sea ice as there are very few bits of solid ground on the IDL ???
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Stephenb on December 16, 2010, 09:24:36 PM
Martin: I'm impressed by your Internet lingusitic skills!

Hoy: Totally and utterly wrong part of the planet - on second thoughts, it might actually be possible on the dateline, but the answer is IDL-independent. But, I congratulate you on a nice bit of "lateral" thinking...

The mention of the IDL reminds me of a story. In the 90s, I was sent from Trondheim to Fiji to work, actually usually at this time of year (yes, it was difficult). I visited one of the islands, Kadavu, through which the IDL passed at some stage in the past (there was a big sign up announcing that we were passing the IDL). The story goes that an enterprising Indian shopkeeper avoided Sunday closing by building his shop across the date line and having two doors one on each side of the line....
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Martinr on December 16, 2010, 09:34:17 PM
I am well known for my dislike of Christmas so some years ago I hatched a plan. Go on holiday to NZ (and take in a wedding) and fly out of London westbound on Christmas Eve, cross the IDL and go straight from the 24th to the 26th...bingo! No Christmas :) :) :)

Sadly the practicalities of arriving in Auckland at 5am on boxing day to be greeted by a city entirely on holiday dissuaded me, so instead we flew on Christmas day. Mind you the M1 to London was nice and quiet at 8am on Christmas Day ;D
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Diane Clement on December 17, 2010, 09:04:46 AM
This should maybe be a puzzle. I've once experienced sunrise two times in the same day and I was not in a intercontinental jet and not in a high building taking the lift down. I was in the same position. Anyone know how and where I might be?

My husband is intrigued by this sort of puzzle and has come up with this suggestion.
Sometime where the day length is less than an hour - so summertime in the Arctic circle, and at a place where the local time is maybe almost an hour different from suntime so "sun midnight" comes at 1am.  I wonder if East Spitzbergen might be possible?
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Stephenb on December 17, 2010, 10:15:58 AM
Congratulations, Diane's husband!!!  :) I think you are close enough! Didn't think anyone would get this...

To explain: I actually experienced this in Tromsø. On one day each year, depending on whether the local sun midnight is before or after midnight, the sun can rise (or set) at say 00:01 hrs  and then later the same day rises (or sets) again at say 23:59 hrs (as the day length is changing rapidly); i.e., on the same day. Couldn't find anything on the net about this...
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Diane Clement on December 17, 2010, 02:05:01 PM
Congratulations, Diane's husband!!!  :) I think you are close enough! Didn't think anyone would get this...
He says thanks   8)

Quote
To explain: I actually experienced this in Tromsø. On one day each year, depending on whether the local sun midnight is before or after midnight, the sun can rise (or set) at say 00:01 hrs  and then later the same day rises (or sets) again at say 23:59 hrs (as the day length is changing rapidly); i.e., on the same day. Couldn't find anything on the net about this...

He also says that the day length doesn't change rapidly at the solstices, it's at its slowest rate of change.  I think it's connected to your clocks being significantly different from actual suntime, (so significantly west or east of the time zone change) and in addition you are far enough north to experience nearly 24 hours sun.
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Stephenb on December 17, 2010, 02:15:33 PM
He also says that the day length doesn't change rapidly at the solstices, it's at its slowest rate of change.  I think it's connected to your clocks being significantly different from actual suntime, (so significantly west or east of the time zone change) and in addition you are far enough north to experience nearly 24 hours sun.

Yes, that's correct, it may well have been a month away from the solstice - give that man a gold star...
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: ArnoldT on December 17, 2010, 02:29:26 PM
At the solstices the length of day/night are equal.  This seems to me to be an amazing feat considering the wide difference in day/night length in some of the northern and southern locations.  The daily change must be huge in order to wind up with 12 hours daylight and 12 hours of night by Dec. 21 and June 21.
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Diane Clement on December 17, 2010, 03:34:04 PM
At the solstices the length of day/night are equal.  This seems to me to be an amazing feat considering the wide difference in day/night length in some of the northern and southern locations.  The daily change must be huge in order to wind up with 12 hours daylight and 12 hours of night by Dec. 21 and June 21.

Arnold, it's at the equinox when the length of day and night are equal (Mar 21 and Sept 21).  The daily change is not on a linear scale, it's sinusoidal.  At the solstice the day and night differences are as great as they get, the exact difference depends on your latitude.  The daily change varies greatest at the equinox and least near to the solstice.  So from about a month before and a month after the solstice there is only a little change.  
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Hoy on December 17, 2010, 04:13:57 PM
Here the days lengthen about 5min/day around equinox in spring and shorten in the autumn :(

My congratulations to Mr Clement too! I was thinking in that direction but hadn't finished yet.

Here are a picture from today - "the blue hour" when the sun has just set. Pic taken from my bedroom veranda.
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: ArnoldT on December 17, 2010, 04:15:07 PM
Diane:

Thanks for setting me straight.  It seems to me that the fact that on Sept 21 and March 21 the day length is equal around the globe is amazing.

 
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Hoy on December 17, 2010, 04:27:18 PM
He also says that the day length doesn't change rapidly at the solstices, it's at its slowest rate of change.  I think it's connected to your clocks being significantly different from actual suntime, (so significantly west or east of the time zone change) and in addition you are far enough north to experience nearly 24 hours sun.
You know it is about 1 2/3 hour  (24o) difference in suntime between the easternmost and westernmost part of mainland Norway. The easternmost part is as far east as Kiev, Ukraine; and the westernmost is as far west as Amsterdam, the Netherlands.

From north to south it is only 12odifference (still on the mainland)!
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: mark smyth on December 17, 2010, 06:01:39 PM
On our local news they are telling us we are having the worst snow fall since 1985. My brother has 10 inches 25cm. I have about half of that. All our airports are closed and the motorway that runs west out of Belfast.
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Stephenb on December 17, 2010, 06:56:05 PM
I've always thought that one of the wonders of the world is actually living for a couple of months from february to april in Longyearbyen (Svalbard), where the doomsday seedvault is located. It is also the world's northernmost settlement. Here you can experience a change from "the dark time" or "midday dark" (is there an English word for the period of the year with no sun?) to the period with midnight sun (meaning the sun over the horizon the whole day, not just at midnight) in only two months, from 15th February to 20th April. However, be aware that midnight sun on 20th April means an average temperature of -11C!
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Hoy on December 17, 2010, 07:11:56 PM
On our local news they are telling us we are having the worst snow fall since 1985. My brother has 10 inches 25cm. I have about half of that. All our airports are closed and the motorway that runs west out of Belfast.
Welcome to the snow club!
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: ranunculus on December 17, 2010, 07:13:29 PM
(is there an English word for the period of the year with no sun?)

Summer?   :D
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Hoy on December 17, 2010, 07:19:55 PM
I've always thought that one of the wonders of the world is actually living for a couple of months from february to april in Longyearbyen (Svalbard), where the doomsday seedvault is located. It is also the world's northernmost settlement. Here you can experience a change from "the dark time" or "midday dark" (is there an English word for the period of the year with no sun?) to the period with midnight sun (meaning the sun over the horizon the whole day, not just at midnight) in only two months, from 15th February to 20th April. However, be aware that midnight sun on 20th April means an average temperature of -11C!
I once spent a week in Svalbard (on Spitzbergen Island) from 10th to 17th of May. We had midnight sun but cold weather. However the snow rapidly disappeared by sublimation. I used the snowmobile all day but suddenly I couldn't - almost no snow left from a day to the next!
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Hoy on December 17, 2010, 07:22:22 PM
(is there an English word for the period of the year with no sun?)

Summer?   :D

 ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Stephenb on December 17, 2010, 07:39:35 PM
 ;) Thank you, I'm losing it....
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Panu on December 17, 2010, 08:41:41 PM
:D

Stephen
at least we don´t have polar night.

and on Sunday, I´ll hopefully be at Tenerife
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Maggi Young on December 17, 2010, 09:37:27 PM
:D

Stephen
at least we don´t have polar night.

and on Sunday, I´ll hopefully be at Tenerife

 Happy holidays, Panu!
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: mark smyth on December 18, 2010, 12:01:28 AM
I just checked the depth of snow. It's 8 inches 20cm. This is very deep for my area considering when it does snow it is gone in no time
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: cohan on December 18, 2010, 04:17:52 AM
thank goodness we don't have polar night either! though it can seem like it to those who work in sunless buildings from 8-4 or 9-5 or something--thank goodness i never have!
there is a time in mid-winter, though, where it never seems like the sun is really fully up, and if days are a bit cloudy or hazy the southern sky looks a bit like sunset/sunrise all day...
its been snowing all day here, but although it looks like something is coming down, its actually so light that there is no more than a cm at most on the ground..
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Paul T on December 18, 2010, 09:18:09 AM
(is there an English word for the period of the year with no sun?)

Summer?   :D

Cliff,

My immediate thought was actually "Night", but I prefer your response.  ;D
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: mark smyth on December 18, 2010, 09:41:35 AM
and you can guarantee the warm days will come when school reopens in September
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Panu on December 18, 2010, 10:26:56 AM
Or should it be polar twilight... We have had temps below zero for month and a half, with the minimum of -23 °C. It doesn´t sound that bad, but the NAO seems to be constant...  killer winter?

And thank you Maggi
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Stephenb on December 18, 2010, 12:02:01 PM
Or should it be polar twilight... We have had temps below zero for month and a half, with the minimum of -23 °C. It doesn´t sound that bad, but the NAO seems to be constant...  killer winter?

And thank you Maggi

Thank you, Panu - polar twilight!! Same here except one day above zero and minimum of about -20C; It's now forecast to drop to below -20C for Xmas and we are all relieved to here that the long term forecast is for warmer weather in the New Year (Summer?)...
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Hoy on December 18, 2010, 01:28:14 PM
You don't believe the weather forecast do you Stephen? I am not sure the summer gets warmer either.
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: art600 on December 18, 2010, 04:01:47 PM
For all those Forumists snowed in lik me   :( :(  something to tax the little grey cells.

Can you see what these words have in common.
>
>
>
> 1 Banana
>
>  2 Dresser
>
>  3 Grammar
>
>  4 Potato
>
>  5 Revive
>
>  6 Uneven
>
>  7 Assess
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Stephenb on December 18, 2010, 04:09:53 PM
Yes
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Stephenb on December 18, 2010, 04:16:08 PM
You don't believe the weather forecast do you Stephen? I am not sure the summer gets warmer either.

Probably more than a 50% chance of getting this one right! Let's hope the Gulf Stream isn't  slowing...
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Hoy on December 18, 2010, 04:28:08 PM
For all those Forumists snowed in lik me   :( :(  something to tax the little grey cells.

Can you see what these words have in common.
>
>
>
> 1 Banana
>
>  2 Dresser
>
>  3 Grammar
>
>  4 Potato
>
>  5 Revive
>
>  6 Uneven
>
>  7 Assess


Yes, me to 2 x 2.
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Paddy Tobin on December 18, 2010, 04:30:23 PM
For all those Forumists snowed in lik me   :( :(  something to tax the little grey cells.

Can you see what these words have in common.
>
>
>
> 1 Banana
>
>  2 Dresser
>
>  3 Grammar
>
>  4 Potato
>
>  5 Revive
>
>  6 Uneven
>
>  7 Assess


Art, If the first letter is placed at the end, the word can be read right to left, a palindrome of sorts. Paddy
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: ranunculus on December 18, 2010, 04:36:41 PM
They were all underlined on my school report aged 13!!!  ... And no, I don't want anybody to attempt the appropriate sentence!    ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Stephenb on December 18, 2010, 04:41:41 PM
Brilliant :D  (I had it wrong then!)
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: angie on December 18, 2010, 04:45:56 PM
Paddy who's a clever boy then  8)

Angie :)
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Hoy on December 18, 2010, 04:52:03 PM
For all those Forumists snowed in lik me   :( :(  something to tax the little grey cells.

Can you see what these words have in common.
>
>
>
> 1 Banana
>
>  2 Dresser
>
>  3 Grammar
>
>  4 Potato
>
>  5 Revive
>
>  6 Uneven
>
>  7 Assess


Art, If the first letter is placed at the end, the word can be read right to left, a palindrome of sorts. Paddy

My solution was they have 2 x 2 identical letters (that's  what make them behave like a sort of palindrome.
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: mark smyth on December 18, 2010, 06:47:47 PM
some snow photos
I dont remember the snow in '85, or the '60s and '70s when snow lay like this every winter, so this is the most snow I have seen
Easter Island head
exotic bird so hungry it didnt fly away
snow in the garden
snow in the garden
snow on troughs
snow on troughs
crevice bed not that anyone would know
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Hoy on December 18, 2010, 07:20:43 PM
Have you skis, mark?
I have skis but not enough snow!
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: mark smyth on December 18, 2010, 07:33:30 PM
Hoy I need snow shoes or two tennis  rackets
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: cohan on December 18, 2010, 08:01:17 PM
You don't believe the weather forecast do you Stephen? I am not sure the summer gets warmer either.

thats what i think at this time of year--it will just stay white and cold forever! we already had lower than -35C in mid november, but we have not been past mid -20's since then, and a few days near or above freezing, but no melting in the trees here..
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Diane Clement on December 18, 2010, 08:35:35 PM
We had quite a bit of snow today.  The snow in the last two days seems to have fallen on a different part of the UK than the snow 2 or 3 weeks ago, current conditions coming from the north, whereas the previous weather came from the east. 
http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/weather/uk/observations/snow/map.html (http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/weather/uk/observations/snow/map.html)
Very cold predictions for the week ahead, some maximum daytime temperatures of -5C
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Panu on December 18, 2010, 08:42:16 PM
Mark, that bird reminds production of Oiva Toikka.
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Hoy on December 18, 2010, 08:43:22 PM
I think it looks fine, Diane. What about your plants do they cope with this weather?

I can't boast of much snow here (they have more snow in the rest of Norway), so here's one pic from another year and in the mountains: What the snow is for:
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Panu on December 18, 2010, 08:50:27 PM
Oh boy, I haven´t ski since military service 1995 ;D
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Stephenb on December 18, 2010, 08:54:31 PM
....so here's one pic from another year and in the mountains: What the snow is for:

That'll be where I am tomorrow....in case you are wondering...
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: ranunculus on December 19, 2010, 06:49:09 AM
Minus 19 degrees at Pershore (Alpine Garden Society Headquarters) overnight!!!   :o
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Martinr on December 19, 2010, 09:48:38 AM
Cool 8)
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: art600 on December 19, 2010, 10:19:26 AM
For all those Forumists snowed in lik me   :( :(  something to tax the little grey cells.

Can you see what these words have in common.
>
>
>
> 1 Banana
>
>  2 Dresser
>
>  3 Grammar
>
>  4 Potato
>
>  5 Revive
>
>  6 Uneven
>
>  7 Assess


Art, If the first letter is placed at the end, the word can be read right to left, a palindrome of sorts. Paddy



Spot on  :)












Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Maggi Young on December 19, 2010, 10:38:58 AM
Minus 19 degrees at Pershore (Alpine Garden Society Headquarters) overnight!!!   :o

 Crikey, that's cold..... they wouldn't normally get such low temps. would they?
The electricity and internet will give up again in those conditions, I expect.  How strong is the roof, if the cold came with heavy snow????
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: mark smyth on December 19, 2010, 10:57:21 AM
Mark, that bird reminds production of Oiva Toikka.

Yes it is
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: David Nicholson on December 19, 2010, 11:19:57 AM
Minus 19 degrees at Pershore (Alpine Garden Society Headquarters) overnight!!!   :o

I have this vision (and not a pretty one!) of The Bookeroo, clad in his PJ's, staggering around Pershore in the dark thermometer in hand. I must lay off the hard stuff ;D
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Martinr on December 19, 2010, 11:34:37 AM
Minus 19 degrees at Pershore (Alpine Garden Society Headquarters) overnight!!!   :o

I have this vision (and not a pretty one!) of The Bookeroo, clad in his PJ's, staggering around Pershore in the dark thermometer in hand. I must lay off the hard stuff ;D

David, I'm sure help is available. Suggest you contact a specialist soon. Visions of Cliff in PJ's suggests a serious, and decidedly scary, condition. ???
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: David Nicholson on December 19, 2010, 11:57:02 AM
 ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: ashley on December 19, 2010, 12:22:30 PM
Mark, that bird reminds production of Oiva Toikka.

Yes it is

It's a beauty Mark, and you're very brave to keep it in the garden :o
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: ranunculus on December 19, 2010, 12:27:04 PM
My solicitors; 'Smarmgrin, Doggitt and Clutch' have been instructed to take action against anyone who suggests (in words or images) that the R't Hon'. Clifford Marmaduke Alfonso J. Booker III of Beholden Abbey and Takeaway, Whitworth, Bucks would EVER wear pyjamas!!!
It's nightshirts or nothing ... !!!
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Panu on December 19, 2010, 12:37:35 PM
Quite expensive garden decorative, that Curlew.  ;D
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Martinr on December 19, 2010, 12:38:46 PM
Oh dear, after that vision I need a very stiff drink, or perhaps one of those drugs that are supposed to prevent hallucinations :o
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: mark smyth on December 19, 2010, 12:39:01 PM
Ashley I carefully put the bird out and carefully brought it in again. I did get a fright earlier this year when a friends child lifted it by the tail.
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: mark smyth on December 19, 2010, 12:40:39 PM
Yes Panu. I only have two of his birds. The curlew and bluebird. A friend, richer than me, has about 10.
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: David Nicholson on December 19, 2010, 01:51:10 PM
My solicitors; 'Smarmgrin, Doggitt and Clutch' have been instructed to take action against anyone who suggests (in words or images) that the R't Hon'. Clifford Marmaduke Alfonso J. Booker III of Beholden Abbey and Takeaway, Whitworth, Bucks would EVER wear pyjamas!!!
It's nightshirts or nothing ... !!!

Must have been drafty round the nethers :P
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: ranunculus on December 19, 2010, 02:16:32 PM
My solicitors; 'Smarmgrin, Doggitt and Clutch' have been instructed to take action against anyone who suggests (in words or images) that the R't Hon'. Clifford Marmaduke Alfonso J. Booker III of Beholden Abbey and Takeaway, Whitworth, Bucks would EVER wear pyjamas!!!
It's nightshirts or nothing ... !!!

Must have been drafty round the nethers :P

Nether the less!!!   :D
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Anthony Darby on December 20, 2010, 10:00:52 AM
-9oC when I left for work this morning. We had a couple of inches of snow yesterday. It's the undulating hard packed ice on some of the roads, car parks and pavements, that is a smooth as glass, that is treacherous! Tyso's (outdoor shop) sell metal studded plastic contraptions that you can stretch over your shoes to grip on this type of surface.
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: mark smyth on December 20, 2010, 10:02:02 AM
walking to the shop just now my hands and face were tingling with the cold. It's -10c / 14F just now.

In the west of N Ireland it was -11c / 12F all day yesterday making it the coldest December day in N Ireland since record keeping began
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: arillady on December 20, 2010, 10:17:19 AM
And I sure hope that my daughter's flight out of Heathrow takes off on the 20th and arrives on Wed. She arrived at the airport the other day to be told that all flights were cancelled. Otherwise she may not make it home for Christmas with the backlog of passengers. This may/will be the first year that all the children are together for Christmas with their respective families for about 10 years. I am certainly keeping my fingers crossed.
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Giles on December 20, 2010, 11:45:59 AM
This all fell on Saturday morning.
Temp -15 under the snow blanket, -20 above.
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: mark smyth on December 20, 2010, 12:01:20 PM
Northern Ireland had another record breaking low last night. -18c / .5F was recorded in the same town as the record breaker on Saturday night.
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: mark smyth on December 20, 2010, 12:02:55 PM
The condensation on the inside of the north facing bathroom window was frozen this morning.
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Maggi Young on December 20, 2010, 12:03:34 PM
Giles, you have those glasshouse with the domed type roofline.... are you finding they shed the snow quite well or are you still having to clear off the snow like those of us with ordinary pent roof types?
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: David Nicholson on December 20, 2010, 12:29:38 PM
Another 4" of snow this morning. Devon and Cornwall appear to be closed :P
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Giles on December 20, 2010, 05:18:51 PM
Maggi,
Both greenhouses are heated, so settling snow isn't a problem (it all melts).
Extravagant, perhaps, but no winter losses.
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: David Nicholson on December 20, 2010, 07:33:20 PM
Went to sweep the snow from my greenhouse roof this afternoon. Slipped off the low wall I was standing on to reach the roof and broke two panes of glass. Wish I hadn't bothered.
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Martinr on December 20, 2010, 07:54:30 PM
Never mind David. It will improve the ventilation
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: David Nicholson on December 20, 2010, 07:58:43 PM
If I hadn't been wearing a heavy coat with very long sleeves (which may have helped me slip from the wall) my chest could well have been ventilated too. Mrs N had got the policies out! :P
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: ranunculus on December 20, 2010, 08:17:53 PM
If I hadn't been wearing a heavy coat with very long sleeves (which may have helped me slip from the wall) my chest could well have been ventilated too. Mrs N had got the policies out! :P

Bet that sent a sliver down your spine, Mr N.  ...  What a pane (or two)!!!

We are all very glad you survived ... cards are quite expensive these days!
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: David Nicholson on December 20, 2010, 08:21:05 PM
I was waiting for that!  ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Hoy on December 20, 2010, 08:36:53 PM
What about your plants, David, do they survive? Have you covered the whole hole?
I never bother removing snow from my greenhouse roof. The snow insulate. Moreover it often slides away by itself.
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Paddy Tobin on December 20, 2010, 09:03:39 PM
David's story of his fall has reminded me of a man who lived here in Waterford. He was well known to always have a naggin of whiskey in his back pocket. My mother-in-law was walking behind him in icy conditions. He fell and cut his hip, let us say, on rough ground, put his hand back and felt the wet, looked at the red stain on his hand and said, "Oh, thanks be to god, it's only blood."

Paddy
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Juan Fornes on December 20, 2010, 10:11:45 PM
    Reading all your posts I almost remorse for having this week´s weather forecast from +3 to +8 minimum temperatures...  Even on dec 16th., our coldest day due to an extremly cold polar front, we hardly arrived to -1 in Sagunto (although it was really an exception), and Valencia did not even get below 0 degrees.
    I hope you will soon get rid of all this problems and see summer flowers and hear swifts again...
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Martin Baxendale on December 20, 2010, 10:59:41 PM
Stroud, where I live and garden, is built on the slopes of five deep converging valleys. So loads and loads and loads of steep hills. It's not a good place to have lots of snow and ice. Plenty of sliding going on the last few days - people, cars, lorries, even four wheel drives seen slowly slithering sideways down slippery slopes. Where are the gritters?!
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: johnw on December 20, 2010, 10:59:59 PM
A report from a Canadian flying home for Christmas this morning.  Her flight from Edinburgh took off on Saturday knowing full well Heathrow was to shut down.  In London they spent 6 hours on the tarmack and were then ushered into Terminal 3.  While they tried to turn the heat on (!) they were given blankets.  At 3 a.m. they were awoken and ordered out of the building.  The next morning they were called to return to T3 for the the flight home. They went through security and then were told to collect their luggage and return only when and if the flight was re-scheduled! This evening she was interviewed again and can't for the life of her figure out why the planes are not moving - no winter weather that is apparent.

Surprisingly she didn't seem half as irate as 100,000 Nova Scotian lobsters awaiting flights in Halifax for a brief European sojourn.

johnw
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Bev Olson on December 21, 2010, 06:24:06 AM
Thanks Cliff.
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Hoy on December 21, 2010, 07:45:06 AM
Stroud, where I live and garden, is built on the slopes of five deep converging valleys. So loads and loads and loads of steep hills. It's not a good place to have lots of snow and ice. Plenty of sliding going on the last few days - people, cars, lorries, even four wheel drives seen slowly slithering sideways down slippery slopes. Where are the gritters?!
I can recommend these:
(http://www.biltema.no/ProductImages/37/small/37-131_s.jpg)   (http://www.biltema.no/ProductImages/37/small/37-120_s.jpg)

I always have a pair in my car! Then driving on ice, snow whatever - no problem!
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: ranunculus on December 21, 2010, 09:02:00 AM
Thanks Cliff.

For what, may I ask, Bev?  Though your thanks are much appreciated!
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: David Nicholson on December 21, 2010, 09:32:34 AM

........Surprisingly she didn't seem half as irate as 100,000 Nova Scotian lobsters awaiting flights in Halifax for a brief European sojourn.

johnw

I'll get this one in before The Bookeroo. Is that what is known as a pincer mnovement John?
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Bev Olson on December 21, 2010, 09:48:39 AM
Surprisingly she didn't seem half as irate as 100,000 Nova Scotian lobsters awaiting flights in Halifax for a brief European sojourn.
johnw
I'd love to hear more of this part of the story.
I know a crayfish courier in Martinborough near Wellington (New Zealand).
He says they keep them cold and asleep on their way to Japan froom NZ so I suppose if they were parked some where they might have woken up???

For what, may I ask, Bev?  Though your thanks are much appreciated!
- a slip of the mouse Cliff, I meant to acknowedge John's story.
But thanks anyway, I enjoy your posts too  :D
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Hoy on December 21, 2010, 10:12:12 AM
All this crayfishy talk reminds me of what happened at some friend's house.
Their son, a keen freshwater crayfish fisher (or what do you call them?) had got 300 of the kind and while trying to sell them (they are very expensive here and often bought by the best restaurants) stored all in a small dish in his mother's bathroom. Later that day when she came home she found crayfish everywhere, even in the sleepingroom (fortunately, they hadn't managed to get into the bed). Many days later they still found living crayfish down in the basement in a cool corner! Though he earned a lot of money and continued the business.
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Maren on December 21, 2010, 10:56:58 AM
Hi Trond,

I understand the snow chain on the right tyre. But what's with the left one? is that just a covering you take off before you reveal the snow chain? ??? ??? ???
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Hoy on December 21, 2010, 11:15:01 AM
Hi Trond,

I understand the snow chain on the right tyre. But what's with the left one? is that just a covering you take off before you reveal the snow chain? ??? ??? ???
Hello Maren!

On the left one is snow socks, yes, that's right! They are very easy to fasten and you can drive safely in heavy snow and on slippery snow/ice but not on tarmac for a long time. And they don't occupy much space when not in use.
http://www.dinside.no/97067/kom-deg-frem-med-snosokker
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Anthony Darby on December 21, 2010, 11:46:43 AM
Not really practical for us as it is only the roads close to home that are packed ice. The main roads are black.
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Maggi Young on December 21, 2010, 12:45:37 PM
Quote
All this crayfishy talk........

All this crayfishy talk makes me HUNGRY!
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Hoy on December 21, 2010, 01:04:39 PM
Not really practical for us as it is only the roads close to home that are packed ice. The main roads are black.
Oh yes! It takes 5 minutes to fasten and 5 min to remove and you avoid an off-road trip!
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: jomowi on December 21, 2010, 02:14:27 PM
Snow on the greenhouse roof:  I have an excellent tool for getting snow off the greenhouse roof.  It is a lightweight plastic rake intended for raking up  autumn leaves.  It is about 60cm wide, arc shaped, and the tines are about 1cm wide with a slightly wider gap between them. I also discovered it is good for reducing the depth of virgin snow from paths by raking the snow to the side. It then makes it much easier to finish off with a snow board or shover rather than trying to push the whole weight of snow in front of you.  The rake is also excellent when used for the purpose it was designed for.
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: mark smyth on December 21, 2010, 02:51:21 PM
-13 here in my garden last night and right now it's -8.5. The river in the town is frozen over the top.
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: art600 on December 21, 2010, 03:58:11 PM
With the snow last night, and even more threatened, I am glad I do not live in Germany where I believe it is a legal requirement that the pavement outside your house must be cleared of snow by 6.00am.

Come to think of it - I do not have a pavement - phew.
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: mark smyth on December 21, 2010, 04:11:30 PM
I was in my town this afternoon - brrrr. If every shop owner, especially those that are north facing side of the street, cleared their own section of snow/ice the paths would be great
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: mark smyth on December 21, 2010, 04:44:23 PM
sunset tonight  :o :o
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Hoy on December 21, 2010, 04:52:00 PM
Mark I haven't had lower than -10C this winter in my garden!
Watch this! How to remove snow, and much more . . . The weather in Norway 2010.
http://www.yr.no/nyheter/1.7434780
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Hoy on December 21, 2010, 04:53:04 PM
sunset tonight  :o :o
With 2 suns you should be warmer?
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: mark smyth on December 21, 2010, 05:00:22 PM
I wish.

I did not edit the photo with photo shop
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Hoy on December 21, 2010, 06:04:05 PM
I wish.

I did not edit the photo with photo shop
I believe you, Mark!

Rgarding the weather: The Norwegian airports have no difficulties with the snowy weather, but no airplanes arrive. They are all stuck in other European airports!
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Martinr on December 21, 2010, 06:59:52 PM
Hoy, thanks for the link. Didn't understand a word of it but beautiful scenery and a few reminders that even in Norway snow and cold cause problems. Now what was I supposed to be doing for the last half hour ???
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Lvandelft on December 21, 2010, 07:07:44 PM
Went to sweep the snow from my greenhouse roof this afternoon. Slipped off the low wall I was standing on to reach the roof and broke two panes of glass. Wish I hadn't bothered.
David, I might have some spare panes left  ;D :-X
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Lvandelft on December 21, 2010, 07:10:22 PM
Oh, and standing on slippery narrow walls is not very smart ..... at your age ::) ::)

(But I am glad the glass did not perforate you!)
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: David Nicholson on December 21, 2010, 07:12:58 PM
Done, I'll take the lot.

Wish I lived nearer to you Luit I'd never be off your doorstep-all that space. Ohhhhhhhhh!

.... and, I'm just a slip of a lad really :P
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: TheOnionMan on December 21, 2010, 07:13:04 PM
We had our first snow fall of the season last night, all of 1 cm.  Sunny today, just above freezing, so this "dusting" will melt away.
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Lvandelft on December 21, 2010, 07:17:17 PM
Wish I lived nearer to you Luit I'd never be off your doorstep-all that space. Ohhhhhhhhh!

This is only 15% of the whole (empty) greenhouse David ;)
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: David Nicholson on December 21, 2010, 07:22:05 PM
Well, I wouldn't want to be greedy ;D
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: johnw on December 21, 2010, 08:29:55 PM
The latest news report: "Air Canada has cancelled its flights between Halifax and London - with no word on when the flights might resume. "

I heard the authority that runs Heathrow made a profit of over one billion £s last year and spent but one million £s on snow & ice removal equipment.

johnw
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: mark smyth on December 21, 2010, 08:40:11 PM
John they are saying on the news programmes that money could be spent on airports and roads but we dont normally get weather like this. Our average December temperature is 7C.

N Ireland right now is colder than easter Europe. Over here we usually say it's Baltic outside even for a slight freeze. It's colder than the Baltic countries also

The forecast is for -27 in parts of N Ireland tonight
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Hoy on December 21, 2010, 08:42:11 PM
Hoy, thanks for the link. Didn't understand a word of it but beautiful scenery and a few reminders that even in Norway snow and cold cause problems. Now what was I supposed to be doing for the last half hour ???

You are welcome! Don't you have Google Instant Translation ;)
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: TheOnionMan on December 21, 2010, 08:48:51 PM
Hoy, thanks for the link. Didn't understand a word of it but beautiful scenery and a few reminders that even in Norway snow and cold cause problems. Now what was I supposed to be doing for the last half hour ???

You are welcome! Don't you have Google Instant Translation ;)

Trond, I use Google Translate on Internet Explorer, where it works well enough, although the translations for some languages are pretty funny.  However, I primarily use Mozilla Firefox (better, faster, doesn't freeze like I.E 8.x does all the time, has "tabs" that actually work), but Google Translate doesn't always automatically come up with Firefox, not sure why.
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Hoy on December 21, 2010, 08:50:21 PM
John they are saying on the news programmes that money could be spent on airports and roads but we dont normally get weather like this. Our average December temperature is 7C.

N Ireland right now is colder than easter Europe. Over here we usually say it's Baltic outside even for a slight freeze. It's colder than the Baltic countries also

The forecast is for -27 in parts of N Ireland tonight
I have never experienced -27C here (at the coast) in the 25 years I have lived here! But the inland and further north -27 is not uncommon. The coldest last night was -35C in southern Norway.
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Hoy on December 21, 2010, 09:00:31 PM
Hoy, thanks for the link. Didn't understand a word of it but beautiful scenery and a few reminders that even in Norway snow and cold cause problems. Now what was I supposed to be doing for the last half hour ???

You are welcome! Don't you have Google Instant Translation ;)

Trond, I use Google Translate on Internet Explorer, where it works well enough, although the translations for some languages are pretty funny.  However, I primarily use Mozilla Firefox (better, faster, doesn't freeze like I.E 8.x does all the time, has "tabs" that actually work), but Google Translate doesn't always automatically come up with Firefox, not sure why.
Hello Mark, does any of them cope with speech? ;D
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: ashley on December 21, 2010, 09:02:27 PM
The forecast is for -27 in parts of N Ireland tonight

Amazing Mark, that must be a record for Ireland.
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Paddy Tobin on December 21, 2010, 09:04:25 PM
Surely, -17?

Paddy
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: ashley on December 21, 2010, 09:11:12 PM
According to this summary (http://www.met.ie/climate/temperature.asp) on the Met Éireann site the current record is -19.1oC, for the Republic at least. 
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: mark smyth on December 21, 2010, 09:15:58 PM
at least -20c has been suggested
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Martinr on December 21, 2010, 09:22:52 PM

You are welcome! Don't you have Google Instant Translation ;)

Didn't know it existed!
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Ulla Hansson on December 21, 2010, 09:26:08 PM
It's cold, last night we were -23.5 degrees below zero.
 It is predicted cold over Christmas, hoping for some milder weather thereafter.
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Michael J Campbell on December 21, 2010, 09:40:14 PM
-8C here with not a snowflake in sight, but we had freezing fog this morning.
Here are a few pics I got when walking the dog.
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Martinr on December 21, 2010, 09:43:03 PM
Now it really has been cold for here for quite some time. Even the stream has started to freeze!

Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Hoy on December 21, 2010, 09:53:45 PM
-8C here with not a snowflake in sight, but we had freezing fog this morning.
Here are a few pics I got when walking the dog.

is this what you call hoarfrost?  if it hadn't been for the low temperature could you enjoy it! ;)

Now it really has been cold for here for quite some time. Even the stream has started to freeze!

Looks familiar!
Her it is -5C at the moment and expecting -7 during the night.
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: ashley on December 21, 2010, 09:56:07 PM
Here are a few pics I got when walking the dog.

Fine pictures Michael. 

No fog here, but snow sparkling in the moonlight.  At about 7:45 this morning the moon was already a striking red even though the eclipse was not yet total.  Unfortunately it sank behind a bank of cloud on the NW horizon so the spectacle was cut short.
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Bev Olson on December 21, 2010, 10:30:50 PM
sunset tonight  :o :o
How did you and your camera do that
Stunning photo
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: mark smyth on December 21, 2010, 10:36:24 PM
I didnt hear about the eclipse until the news tonight
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Maren on December 21, 2010, 11:45:38 PM
I watched it on BBC1. ;D
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Bev Olson on December 22, 2010, 02:19:12 AM
John they are saying on the news programmes that money could be spent on airports and roads but we dont normally get weather like this. Our average December temperature is 7C.

N Ireland right now is colder than easter Europe. Over here we usually say it's Baltic outside even for a slight freeze. It's colder than the Baltic countries also

The forecast is for -27 in parts of N Ireland tonight
There might be something in the climate change stuff. I have never known -27
Ireland when we were there was just like here mild and wet.
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: johnw on December 22, 2010, 02:38:18 AM
Mark - On the news tonight they said Pearson International in Toronto can clear all of its runways in 1 hour and 15 minutes and a main runway in less than 15 minutes , annual budget is $15,000,000. Of course that does not include the original outlay for the equipment.  Frankfurt had the runways cleared today  in 90 minutes after a blizzard.  Even Gatwick did better than Heathrow though the report said runways were being cleared by 150 men which had us all envisioning an army of shovellers!  Heathrow had better get out its fat wallet.  Here we have no winter choices other than Heathrow and Reykjavik direct. 

Hope your night is not as cold as predicted, sounds horrendous especially when I think of all the wonderful tender plants we saw over there.

johnw
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: cohan on December 22, 2010, 04:47:18 AM
John they are saying on the news programmes that money could be spent on airports and roads but we dont normally get weather like this. Our average December temperature is 7C.

N Ireland right now is colder than easter Europe. Over here we usually say it's Baltic outside even for a slight freeze. It's colder than the Baltic countries also

The forecast is for -27 in parts of N Ireland tonight

i'd say they may well need to broaden their idea of what weather they 'normally' get....

our 'normals' for this time are high of -6C low of -18-but today's high was more like -16 and tonight's low is forecast to be -26..however, it isn't really cold enough to be much of a topic for conversation here, beyond usual winter grumbling...supposed to be +1/-6 saturday though..we'll see...

a couple not very good shots of the moon last night...didn't get it more advanced, i was too lazy to go out in the cold...lol
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: chasw on December 22, 2010, 07:09:19 AM
Well we are having our first major fall of snow this year,it started about an hour ago
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Stephenb on December 22, 2010, 09:12:17 AM
No fog here, but snow sparkling in the moonlight.  At about 7:45 this morning the moon was already a striking red even though the eclipse was not yet total.  Unfortunately it sank behind a bank of cloud on the NW horizon so the spectacle was cut short.

The same thing happened here - the moon sank into the sea smoke over the fjord as it approach the full eclipse...
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: David Nicholson on December 22, 2010, 09:21:59 AM
Well we are having our first major fall of snow this year,it started about an hour ago

Welcome to the club ;D
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Anthony Darby on December 22, 2010, 09:50:52 AM
No fog here, but snow sparkling in the moonlight.  At about 7:45 this morning the moon was already a striking red even though the eclipse was not yet total.  Unfortunately it sank behind a bank of cloud on the NW horizon so the spectacle was cut short.

The same thing happened here - the moon sank into the sea smoke over the fjord as it approach the full eclipse...
I had a perfect view from my living room window.
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: mark smyth on December 22, 2010, 06:09:36 PM
My brother who lives 5 miles away had -15c last night
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: mark smyth on December 22, 2010, 06:11:05 PM
just heard on the news N Ireland had the coldest day in 200 years yesterday
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: mark smyth on December 22, 2010, 06:54:11 PM
At 3pm today the lowest temperature was -11 in County Down
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: mark smyth on December 22, 2010, 07:03:30 PM
A sad photo of a cygnet that died stuck in ice
http://www.birdguides.com/iris/pictures.asp?rty=0&r=1&off=281192&loff=281202&v=0 (http://www.birdguides.com/iris/pictures.asp?rty=0&r=1&off=281192&loff=281202&v=0)
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Hoy on December 22, 2010, 07:41:43 PM
I have just crossed S. Norway and the mountains from west to east, 400km - 7 hours to drive. Some snow but less than usually at this time. Lowest temp -19C. The worst problem was the darkness coming before I arrived Oslo!
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Graham Catlow on December 22, 2010, 08:17:31 PM
Just a reminder that the sun is heading north again and our days are lengthening by about 8 seconds a day.

[attach=1]
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Paddy Tobin on December 22, 2010, 08:49:36 PM
Re birds and weather: one of the effects of the cold snap here is that jack snipe come into the garden where they have access to a wet area which is not frozen. They can startle you as they only fly when you are almost upon them.

Also, of late I have seen water rail here, a bird not commonly seen in this area.

Graham, it is the time of year for that Irish comment - "There's a great stretch coming in the evenings."

Paddy
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: ashley on December 22, 2010, 09:16:33 PM
"There's a great stretch coming in the evenings."

My father-in-law rarely waits more than a week or 10 days before announcing that ;D

Great to see a water rail Paddy.  Here lapwings and curlews are roosting on the frozen river.  It will be interesting to see whether foxes begin to venture out.
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Paddy Tobin on December 22, 2010, 10:10:20 PM
Ashley,

Mary won the race to be first to say it this year - around 5p.m. today.

Foxes seem to move so much slower in this weather. I meet one on the road most evenings and it simply ambles along before the car before leaving the road at is ease. Another regularly stands outside looking in at us in our living room.

It's -5.5C here at the moment, another cold night but, at least, we haven't had any snow all this week.

Paddy
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Maggi Young on December 22, 2010, 10:35:08 PM
Every year on the shortest day,the late, great, Kath Dryden said to us  "it'll all be better from now"  and on the longest  day she'd say "it's all downhill from here"   
 How we miss her.  :'(
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Bev Olson on December 23, 2010, 04:57:12 AM
Ashley,

Mary won the race to be first to say it this year - around 5p.m. today.

Foxes seem to move so much slower in this weather. I meet one on the road most evenings and it simply ambles along before the car before leaving the road at is ease. Another regularly stands outside looking in at us in our living room.

It's -5.5C here at the moment, another cold night but, at least, we haven't had any snow all this week.

Paddy
Paddy is it correct that the Foxes like everything else will be very hungry,needing more fuel to keep their metabolism going.
Is it begging?
When we lived in Lewisham London in a big house where we had a bedsit, there was a huge Woodland garden attached and nobody used it. Except me.
I would wake up after falling asleep from reading in the long grass to find a couple of foxes sitting watching me -they were young ones.
Their scruffy looking mother would watch us cooking sausages on the BBQ at a close but safe distance.
Not like dogs. Didn't want to relate to us at all.

We have no native mammals in NZ except for bats.

I was thinking about Mark's otter sighting. The otter would be finding food scarce too perhaps.

Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: alan jones on December 23, 2010, 09:01:24 AM
It is 3pm in the alpine house: the temperature is -6F, up from -12 at 8.30 am.  The sun has gone down, and I am closing the vents, until sunrise, before spreading fleece over  plants in the raised bed.  The clay pots are held in the frozen, stone hard plunge like      rivets.  The Drabas look a sorry sight, with the recently handsome cushions of mollisima  and ossetica, to name just two, fading to brown, their rosettes curled tight.   Androsace cyclindrica x hirtella and A. pyrenaica still look in their pristine prime, as does Raoulia x petrimia ‘Margaret Pringle’, a five inch cushion of silvery white.  This is the second, prolonged period of freezing weather in the last eight weeks, and I wonder how long these plants, even those looking in good health, can take it. Extreme dehydration, I believe, will prove the most likely cause of death…if the temperature does not rise soon.   They came through last winter, surviving temperatures as low as minus 12F; but this period is exceptional by historical standards. I have no worries about the cushions in the screes and troughs outside---they are by their nature tough, and protected by snow. 


Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Paddy Tobin on December 23, 2010, 09:06:16 AM
Good Morning Alan,

I see this is your first posting to the forum. Good to have you with us. A warm welcome in these cold days. Hope you enjoy your visits here and I'm sure other members will look forward to your posts.

Best wishes, Paddy
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: annew on December 23, 2010, 10:33:18 AM
Hi Alan, and welcome. I liked your poetic description of your alpine house, I could just picture it. Actually, I don't need to - I could go and peer through the glass at mine, since the door is frozen shut, but it's nice to know others are in the same boat. I hope and suspect your cushions will fare better than my bulbs, they are well adapted to dessication at this time of year.
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Maggi Young on December 23, 2010, 10:38:42 AM
Hello Alan! Good to hear from you  8)

 Your eloquent description of the suspended life in your alpine house will, I know,  strike a chord with many of us.  
I think your fear about dehydration being the main danger to the plants is well founded  and this is not something that is easily remedied in this weather.
This winter may be one where an awful lot of us are left resorting to that ancient gardening method...... crossed fingers!
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: mark smyth on December 23, 2010, 04:30:54 PM
It was so hot today I went doin the toin (N Irish accent - say like coin) in polo shirt and jeans.

-4 all day. Warmest day since ...?
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: mark smyth on December 23, 2010, 06:59:53 PM
Of course I was joking about going out in polo shirt and jeans ..... but sounding boring ....

The record for coldest night in N Ireland since records began has been broken again. It was -18.7 over night in County Tyrone and -15 all day
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Hoy on December 23, 2010, 08:02:47 PM
Here December 2010 seems to be the coldest in 110 years in South Norway! -5C lower than normal.
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: cohan on December 23, 2010, 08:09:06 PM
we are supposed to warm up, but they change the forecast every time i look--they can't decide when and how much it will get warmer--now friday will still be cold- high -14C (but that's just normal to us now, no big deal...) saturday just below freezing (-3C sounds very warm!) and sunday +1C then slowly down again...
we'll see what we actually get....
still, no -30 or -40 for december (-35 or colder in nov though) so we count ourselves lucky  ;D
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: ichristie on December 23, 2010, 08:40:30 PM
Hi all our computer has been out of action for a few days problems with snow on the power lines. We have recorded minus 12c two nights and minus 14c very bright sun daytime but so cold the snow will last till May anyway a few pictures,  cheers Ian the Christie kind.
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: mark smyth on December 26, 2010, 12:16:23 PM
+5 in the garden and we have a good thaw but it could be a while before compacted snow melts.

Got in to the green house today. Primula leaves are blacked, some Cyclamen are in a bad way, as expected all C. persicum from the garden centre are dead and all autumn Scillas are limp and blackened  :'( >:(

More snow due today and late next week

The green house yesterday - on the louvres was solid ice
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Olga Bondareva on December 26, 2010, 12:39:13 PM
We have got icy rain today. Rain fallen at -3 C. Everything is frozen in a thick layer of ice. We cleaned our car from ice for a 40 minutes in the morning.  :o

(http://cs9332.vkontakte.ru/u6450879/62605997/x_8cba3cad.jpg)

(http://cs9332.vkontakte.ru/u6450879/62605997/x_450384c6.jpg)

(http://cs9332.vkontakte.ru/u6450879/62605997/x_bdbdfbd0.jpg)

(http://cs9332.vkontakte.ru/u6450879/62605997/x_23e5e753.jpg)
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: mark smyth on December 26, 2010, 05:50:25 PM
we get that sometimes and it leaves the paths and roads like a bottle
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: ArnoldT on December 26, 2010, 06:09:38 PM
Looks like our turn is coming.  Predicted 18 to 24 inches of snow this evening.
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Paddy Tobin on December 26, 2010, 06:41:48 PM
Arnold,

Our news programme reported, this evening, on blizzards in the north east USA - as it effected flights from Ireland to the USA.

It certainly looked like you were having a rough time of it.

Paddyh
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Maggi Young on December 26, 2010, 06:55:33 PM
Looks like our turn is coming.  Predicted 18 to 24 inches of snow this evening.
Dear me, that's a LOT of snow..... good luck, Arnold.


Haven't heard whether John W has been washed away yet.... and the New Zealanders in Christchurch have been hit by another earthquake..... not much of a fun festive season weather wise, is it?
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: ArnoldT on December 26, 2010, 09:30:01 PM
John W. will get it later today.  Storm coming up from the south.
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Paul T on December 26, 2010, 09:42:12 PM
A tropical Cyclone impacted (thankfully only category 1) on Christmas morning on the north coast of Queensland, Aus, having rain effects all the way down the QLD coast and into NSW.  Up to 600mm in a day in places.  Not a fun Christmas there either. :'(
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: johnw on December 26, 2010, 09:53:27 PM
John W. will get it later today.  Storm coming up from the south.

ArnoldT & Maggi   - I should have posted this here rather than on the Hyacinthoides thread.

"Maggi -  Hope your forecast is wrong, this must be somewhat of a record for Aberdeen eh? Mist on & off all evening and this morning here, +4c and expecting a very strong Nor'easter with 30+ mm of rain. Temp. here to go to +8c.  Much of the east coast of North America has received snow in quantity, even south to N. Carolina.  Central New Brunswick may get snow, hopefully Helen will not have to dig out.   The worst of these storms has been the terrible beach erosion around the Gulf of St. Lawrence."

johnw - Drizzling now so we may miss the snow entirely.  +4c
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: cohan on December 26, 2010, 10:39:43 PM
we've had a couple of our warmest days in ages---they actually had weather forecasts with these funny symbols in front of the numbers: '+' where the '-' normally goes....
something like +4 yesterday and above again today, then it will go down again a bit...
no real impact on the snowpack on the ground here in the trees...
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: cohan on December 26, 2010, 10:41:06 PM
We have got icy rain today. Rain fallen at -3 C. Everything is frozen in a thick layer of ice. We cleaned our car from ice for a 40 minutes in the morning.  :o



freezing rain is only good for pictures! we had a few forecasts for it in the last few weeks, and luckily got none!
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Hoy on December 27, 2010, 07:28:35 AM
Olga has freezing rain, some have torrential rain, some have blizzards - here we have nice but cold weather, the coldest December for 110 years! However the sun shines and it is almost no wind and later today we are driving home after Xmas!
This is the weather forecast for today:
(http://symbol.yr.no/grafikk/sym/b38/01d.png)-19°C
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Tony Willis on December 27, 2010, 08:33:54 AM
Good job the thaw has set in and it is now +1c during daylight hours as the heating system has just broken down. We can get an engineer on Thursday afternoon so we will just have to huddle together. Thank goodness it did not happen when it was cold!
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Maren on December 27, 2010, 08:57:39 AM
Oh Tony, I'm so sorry to hear this. And it's a disgrace that you have to wait that long for an engineer to come, sorry, should have posted this under Rants & Raves.

I hope you keep warm enough in the meantime and that your area isn't prone to power cuts. :o :o :o
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: David Nicholson on December 27, 2010, 09:39:57 AM
Good job the thaw has set in and it is now +1c during daylight hours as the heating system has just broken down. We can get an engineer on Thursday afternoon so we will just have to huddle together.

Hope Mrs W isn't too shocked :P
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Tony Willis on December 27, 2010, 10:14:17 AM
Good job the thaw has set in and it is now +1c during daylight hours as the heating system has just broken down. We can get an engineer on Thursday afternoon so we will just have to huddle together.

Hope Mrs W isn't too shocked :P

Mrs W was queuing in the snow at the sales at 7.30am when I discovered it. We are hardy souls from a generation which used to have a candle in the outside toilet when we were young to keep the cistern thawed but not us. I mentioned the huddle idea and was told where I could put my cold feet!

Maren they have to look after the old and ill first which is right,looking on the bright side it will save a bit on the gas bill.
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Martin Baxendale on December 27, 2010, 12:05:40 PM
Good job the thaw has set in and it is now +1c during daylight hours as the heating system has just broken down. We can get an engineer on Thursday afternoon so we will just have to huddle together. Thank goodness it did not happen when it was cold!

Tony, if it's a condensing boiler, did you check the (usually plastic) outlet pipe through the wall to the drain outside that carries away the water from the flue condenser? If the water that normally drips out of the pipe has frozen then water from the condenser backs up into the boiler flue and the boiler will make a gurgling noise from the flue area at the top, flame out and refuse to light (usually a red fault light). Pouring hot water from a kettle over the pipe outside will thaw the ice. drain the backed-up water and allow the boiler to reset - just turn to the heat control to off then back on again. Of course, it may be something more complicated.

I'll post this here in case anyone else has a similar problem and also put it into a message to you.
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: mark smyth on December 27, 2010, 12:28:04 PM
Good tip Martin I never thought about our pipe.

Our local news told us to keep the heating on all day but at a low temperature, 18-20, to keep the water in pipes moving.
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Maggi Young on December 27, 2010, 12:33:38 PM
Quote
low temperature, 18-20
Low? 18 to 20? good grief.... I must show this to Ian.... if  this room gets above 16  he tells me I'm lucky to be basking in such luxurious temperatures!  It's 15 degress C at the minute!
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: ranunculus on December 27, 2010, 12:36:24 PM
This happens to our daughter's system at least once a year ... the heating repairmen pay for their summer holidays from unsuspecting clients with condensing boilers!   :D
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Maggi Young on December 27, 2010, 12:37:48 PM
Good job the thaw has set in and it is now +1c during daylight hours as the heating system has just broken down. We can get an engineer on Thursday afternoon so we will just have to huddle together. Thank goodness it did not happen when it was cold!

Tony, if it's a condensing boiler, did you check the (usually plastic) outlet pipe through the wall to the drain outside that carries away the water from the flue condenser? If the water that normally drips out of the pipe has frozen then water from the condenser backs up into the boiler flue and the boiler will make a gurgling noise from the flue area at the top, flame out and refuse to light (usually a red fault light). Pouring hot water from a kettle over the pipe outside will thaw the ice. drain the backed-up water and allow the boiler to reset - just turn to the heat control to off then back on again. Of course, it may be something more complicated.

I'll post this here in case anyone else has a similar problem and also put it into a message to you.

We had a problem a couple of weeks ago - tried Martin's tricks but it turned out it was the fan inside.... Ian got it going again. I'll ask him how, if it might help... this was for a condensing combination boiler.....
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: mark smyth on December 27, 2010, 12:47:58 PM
Maggi 15c outside in the summer we are in shorts and the beaches are packed. I'm with Ian. The radiator is always off in my room.

There is always an argument with me and my brother - on one side - trying to tell my mother to turn off radiators in unused rooms.

And what about this for something crazy. This morning the heat in on but she has the bathroom window and her bedroom window open for fresh air!
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Martin Baxendale on December 27, 2010, 01:04:30 PM
Yes, a sticking fan in the flue is another common problem, and if you can free it up, lubricate it etc then that can save a costly call-out charge (if the boiler's sensor can't detect a draught in the flue from the fan then it won't fire up - this may also be a fauty sensor, which may be fixable by removing a little vaccum tube and blowing into it, this can be found by googling boiler faults and looking through various forums, website s etc). In very cold weather, the mostly likely problem though is a frozen outlet pipe from the flue condenser. A lot of engineers do indeed make a lot of easy money going around pouring kettles of hot water onto pipes and charging a call-out fee.
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Martin Baxendale on December 27, 2010, 01:09:10 PM
You may also find that the ice in the outlet pipe doesn't melt straight away, and you may have to keep repeating the kettle trick until it does.
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Maggi Young on December 27, 2010, 01:30:56 PM
You may also find that the ice in the outlet pipe doesn't melt straight away, and you may have to keep repeating the kettle trick until it does.

 My chum uses a hairdryer........ less messy than the kettle of hot water.....
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: ArnoldT on December 27, 2010, 01:47:08 PM
Here's what we were blessed with last night.
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Maggi Young on December 27, 2010, 01:49:55 PM
I've seen on the news the 18 inches of snow that has fallen on the east of USA ..... looks horrible, Arnold. Keep safe!
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: ArnoldT on December 27, 2010, 01:54:10 PM
So far staying put.  Roads are not cleared as in past years.  Our budget woes have caused all Public Work crews to forgo overtime and play catch up today.
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: johnw on December 27, 2010, 01:59:56 PM
Pouring hot water from a kettle over the pipe outside will thaw the ice.

This is an absolute no-no in Canada. Some make the mistake of pouring hot water on frozen car locks and windscreen wipes only to find same frozen worse than ever.  My mother once tried it on her car door lock then resorted to lock de-icer. She couldn't understand why everyone was honking at her on the way to work. Seems she left the electric kettle on the roof of her car.

The way to thaw a frozen pipe is with a hair-dryer. However be careful the pipe is not ruptured otherwise you will have a frozen pipe and an eletrocuted partner. Note - Maggi did not mention that caveat - hmmmm  :o.

We got a skid of wet snow last night but followed by plenty of rain.

johnw
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Maggi Young on December 27, 2010, 02:08:24 PM
Quote
However be careful the pipe is not ruptured otherwise you will have a frozen pipe and an eletrocuted partner. Note - Maggi did not mention that caveat - hmmmm  Shocked.


 Hmmmmmmm indeed, John...... when we tried that trick the other week I was the one out there with the hairdryer....... :o ::) :-X
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Casalima on December 27, 2010, 02:15:59 PM
It's drizzly and cold here - 10 ºC daytime yesterday, down to -1 over night and now back up to 11. But with the damp, the temperature in my room has gone down to 5º C - brrrrrr
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: johnw on December 27, 2010, 02:25:23 PM
Quote
However be careful the pipe is not ruptured otherwise you will have a frozen pipe and an eletrocuted partner. Note - Maggi did not mention that caveat - hmmmm  Shocked.


 Hmmmmmmm indeed, John...... when we tried that trick the other week I was the one out there with the hairdryer....... :o ::) :-X

Since he's already tried 15c too, he may next try passing you the hair-dryer whilst in the bath.  :o  And he seems so very innocent on the bulb log.

johnw
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Maggi Young on December 27, 2010, 02:33:24 PM
Chloe, I sympathise with your plight... worse than mine.... though at least no-one seems to be trying to do away with you, I hope.

 John, I will be especially vigilant.... I am fairly sure he has no insurance on me so in the absence of a financial benefit  he must just be really fed up with me........... the bounder! Can't imagine what in
our many decades together could possibly have cheesed him off........... :-X
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Arykana on December 27, 2010, 03:11:02 PM
(http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i76/arykana/lepke-4.jpg)

(http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i76/arykana/lepe-1.jpg)

today, inside my bedroom
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Tony Willis on December 27, 2010, 03:22:17 PM
Thanks for the helpful advice which I do appreciate.

It is not a frozen outlet pipe because I had this problem last year before I was aware of such things (newish boiler) and sorted it out in the spring by re-routing the pipe so it is inside the house. The service engineer told me I am a clever boy.

British Gas has a video on its website to show how to thaw the pipe and when you telephone for an engineer it is the first message on its multi option system referring you to it.

The problem is the fan has failed.

Although I am a diy fanatic this is beyond me and we will wait for the professional to come.

Woolly socks,fingerless gloves and emptying the dishwasher whilst the pots are still hot are all helping.

Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Ian Y on December 27, 2010, 03:34:02 PM
Tony four screws and a squirt with WD 40 may be all that is between you and heat.

That is certainly what the professional help will do first and if it works charge you a hundred quids or so for his trouble.
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Paddy Tobin on December 27, 2010, 03:35:46 PM
I have a friend who is a plumber and he just loves this time of year - great money to be made from simple repairs, frozen pipes, burst pipes, troublesome boilers and the likes.

Fortunately, I can 'phone him, tell him my problem and he will suggest a few things I can try before I call him in. This generally works and saves money.

Paddy
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Tony Willis on December 27, 2010, 03:38:24 PM
Ian thank you I will have a look and see if I can sort it.

I have a service contract with BG and have found them excellent and it has been worth the money over the years.

I realise this will raise scornful comments but we each live our lives our own way
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: SusanS on December 27, 2010, 04:45:20 PM
I'm with you on this one Tony, firm believer in BG service contract.

just before Christmas we had a problem with a frozen / blocked pipe.  The condensate pipe is linked into the washing machine waste pipe, this runs round the inside of the utility room for about 14 feet before going through an external wall into a drain.  The constant trickle of water from the boiler froze and gradually blocked the end of the pipe.  Darren discovered the problem when he decided to do some washing.  The plug of ice caused the washing machine to overflow onto the floor.  Easily sorted with a hot water bottle on the pipe and a couple of kettles of hot water.

On the plus side, it did mean the floor got washed.

Who said men can't multitask!  ::)
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Martin Baxendale on December 27, 2010, 05:25:47 PM
I put foam pipe insulation on our boiler condensate pipe outside the house as soon as the really cold weather was forecast because I had problems with it freezing during the cold spell back in January/February, but it still froze up a few days ago when we were getting about minus 10c at night. When our new condensing boiler was put in about four years ago he installers never warned us about this an d never even mentioned the possibility of plumbing it into an existing indoor waste pipe - good idea that, Tony. It's quite easy to locate the fan once the front cover is off and try lubricating and freeing up. As I mentioned earlier, though, if it's  not just a stuck fan then it could be the fan motor burned out or a faulty air flow sensor. 
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Hoy on December 27, 2010, 06:02:02 PM
I am glad I have no such problems. Here we use electricity for heating and we also have the possibility to use wood as  we do now, just home from a long journey in cold weather. All roads open but much more snow in the garden than when we went. They say it's the coldest December her for 198 years!
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: astragalus on December 27, 2010, 10:07:49 PM
We have just had a blizzard.  No one knows what the snow accumulation actually is - somewhere over 15" but less than the 24" predicted.  Howling wind, frequent "white-out" conditions and wind gusts over 50 m.p.h. made for interesting garden scenes.  In some places the roof is bare thanks to the wind - in other places there are deep drifts.
There are few signs in the following pictures of over 10 stone walls.  The good thing is that there are no deer prints.  The bad thing is that our snow plower was very inaccurate and plowed up yards of phloxes near the driveway.  In the first picture the right hand lower corner shows some uprooted phlox.
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: astragalus on December 27, 2010, 10:09:51 PM
Sorry, the picture with the plowed up phlox didn't come through.  Here it is.
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: ranunculus on December 27, 2010, 10:32:52 PM
Oh, all those BEAUTIFUL phlox ... I have seen just how glorious they are in bloom ... you must be devastated, Anne?
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: astragalus on December 27, 2010, 10:42:17 PM
Cliff, he plowed up many YARDS of phloxes.  But Phlox seem to like it here and they will recover the area in time.  I'll just let them seed themselves and go thru the process again of roguing out the colors that are not as interesting.  You never know what colors you will get thru seeds.  I will take the time to take cuttings of the best colors.
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: cohan on December 28, 2010, 06:58:44 AM
in spite of all the work (and its a lot of work!) sawing and chopping firewood, i have to say i am very happy overall with my wood heater --i can keep it as toasty as i want--assuming i can spread the heat out from the stove, so bedroom is considerably cooler, and it can take a while to warm the bathroom in the morning, but here at the computer, near the stovew, its positively tropical! maggi's 15C would be cold for me(though i'm sure at times watching tv in the bedroom its no more than that, but i can put a fan in the doorway to warm it...)

but the 5C indoors!! in portugal is just shocking to me...lol..(sorry, i'm forgetting your name, casalima, though of course i've read it before :-[
as for windows, wouldn't think of opening one at any less than 10C outside...(though the front door lets in plenty of fresh air when opened, no porch!

anne--sorry about the phloxes--our neighbour has occasionally come over with the small snow plow(not this year yet)--usually after we have already done everything with shovels  ;D but i have had to put markers in a couple of spots to make sure they don't plow up flower beds.. a patch of wild shrubs at the top of the driveway, and a nice big rotting log have taken hits--these are not things locals here would recognise as being desirable...lol
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: mark smyth on December 28, 2010, 10:19:43 AM
+9 here and only small patches of snow remain
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Hoy on December 28, 2010, 12:21:55 PM
+9 here and only small patches of snow remain
The forecast says milder weather from Thursday here - with rain! I don't want rain now. With the very cold ground and much snow all will turn to ice.
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: astragalus on December 28, 2010, 04:00:53 PM
I learned years ago to plant the driveway beds with plants that were either tough as nails or very easily propagated.  I sometimes think that plowers aim for them but I know that isn't true.  In other years I've put reflective markers and that seemed to get worse results, almost as if the markers gave the plower a target.  Over the years there have been numerous plowers, but all seem to share the same unfortunate characteristics.  It's a very long driveway, impossible to do ourselves.  Also, because of the windy conditions here, it takes a big truck to handle the high drifts which come with anything over seven inches of snow.  This last storm gave us about 20" as near as we can figure.
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: ChrisB on December 28, 2010, 07:47:43 PM
Susan,  We've had exactly the same problem with a boiler only two years old.  We too have a BG service contract and it has been worth every penny we've paid in the past, and living in the sticks means we can't get trades people easily so it has given us peace of mind.  This time though, it took me almost an hour on the phone to them before I got to speak to anyone, and they said I'd have to wait a week for an appointment.  At the time I didn't know what the problem was, only that we had water leaking through one of the ceiling lights in the kitchen, which had come from water dripping from the boiler.  I said some rather choice words and they made the appointment for two days hence which brought us up to Christmas Eve.  When our boiler man came, all he did was saw the outside pipe off and let the water drip down and said they would come back once the weather improved to sort it out.  We are unable to drain it through the house as the boiler is upstairs and not near an outlet, so we are going to get a sensor installed in the new pipe that heats when it senses the temp dropping.  Why they didn't offer this when we got the boiler I'll never know, its this British thing where they deny there is cold weather here I reckon.  But its a happy ending, we had a warm Christmas when I thought we were in for a very cool one.  Whew!
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Tony Willis on December 28, 2010, 10:55:56 PM
Chris I see they are advertising the sensor and heater on their website. It seems to me it should be part of a standard installation given the marginal extra cost on the whole system.

We managed 9.5c in some of the rooms today as we now have a mini heatwave outside although our daughters bedroom was 6c last night. This is a sure way to get them quickly back of to their own place. No thoughts of coming back to live with mummy and daddy!

Very difficult to get the wine to a reasonable temperature for drinking  this evening.
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: ChrisB on December 28, 2010, 11:00:19 PM
 ;D Yes, Tony, I couldn't agree more.  Given the huge cost of putting in this new boiler, it should have been part and parcel of what we were offered.  Sorry about the cool wine.  Hope you get it all sorted out soon....
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Martin Baxendale on December 28, 2010, 11:50:31 PM
In my opinion it's quite obviously a design fault and therefore the responsibility of the manufacturers and installers. If a car manufacturer sold cars with exhaust systems that clogged up in freezing weather so their cars wouldn't start, they'd all be recalled and the problem sorted. As you say, the cost of fitting a simple heater element to the condensate pipe with a sensor to turn it on in freezing conditions would be minimal compared to the cost of a boiler. What if someone went away for a few days and left the heating set to come on to keep the pipes in the house from freezing, but the boiler failed because of a frozen condenser pipe, the water pipes froze and burst, then thawed and caused a flood? The industry (manufacturers and installers) just don't seem to see it as their problem.
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Hoy on December 29, 2010, 09:01:00 AM
At last! Today it seems the thermometer will break the zero point and move into the non-freezing regime!
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Martinr on December 29, 2010, 12:45:28 PM
And clearly the industry still haven't learned this simple preventative measure should be standard. BG fitted our new boiler a week before Christmas and never even mentioned the possiblility of freezing in the condensate pipe (I knew about it from last Winter's discussion here). Luckily it didn't freeze in the recent cold spell. Our condensate is pumped so will tend to pass through the outside portion of the pipe in job lots instead of being drip fed - this may help. Absolutely agree it should be part of the standard installation.
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: mark smyth on December 29, 2010, 01:51:54 PM
have you seen on the news that 10s of 1000s of homes in N Ireland have no mains water and it could take until next week before underground pipes thaw. There was mention of a reservoir running dry but I missed what they said

+11 here today
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Hoy on December 29, 2010, 03:08:32 PM
have you seen on the news that 10s of 1000s of homes in N Ireland have no mains water and it could take until next week before underground pipes thaw. There was mention of a reservoir running dry but I missed what they said

+11 here today
Here's the forecast: http://www.yr.no/sted/Storbritannia/Nord-Irland/Antrim/langtidsvarsel.html
Hope the water pipes will thaw! They cant be dug deep down?
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: johnw on December 29, 2010, 04:51:23 PM
[They cant be dug deep down?

Minimum here is 4 feet down for water lines. Owners 6.

johnw
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: ashley on December 29, 2010, 05:03:43 PM
Owners 6.

;D
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Hoy on December 29, 2010, 06:15:21 PM
[They cant be dug deep down?

Minimum here is 4 feet down for water lines. Owners 6.

johnw
Owners don't freeze but the waterpipes do!
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: johnw on December 29, 2010, 06:44:19 PM
Owners don't freeze but the waterpipes do!

Cremation or formaldehyde?

johnw
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: mark smyth on December 29, 2010, 08:29:18 PM
I was at the lough shore today to feed the ducks grain. They practically mugged me.

Around the shores of Lough Neagh is still frozen
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Paul T on December 30, 2010, 06:02:00 AM
Mark,

Not good that the birds are trying to roll you for food now.  ;D  You know things are bad at that stage, or you've stumbled into a VERY bad neighbourhood. ;)  They've been showing the lines for water in Northern Ireland on our news too.  Not good in our supposedly "superior" current age.  :o

Here, the first proper heat for the season has hit.  Forecasting 37'C here on New Years Day, after 35'C tomorrow.  Has been so cool and moist for so long this spring that nothing is used to it.  The poor plants are struggling as there hasn't been a gradual increase, just BAM!  Spare a thought for Pat (Arillady) in Adelaide, where apparently they're forecasting 43'C for New Years Day.  :o :o  Yikes!
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Hoy on December 30, 2010, 08:45:06 AM
Although I would like warmer summers than we usually have here (last summer the max was 25C here) I think 43C is a bit too much! I once experienced 42C in Nicosia, Cyprus, and coped with it but I prefere 25-30C! The all time high in Norway is 35.6C (and the all time low is -51.4C).
The forecast here says 2-4C and that is normal temp here at this time of the year.
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Paul T on December 30, 2010, 11:28:07 AM
Trond,

The thought of -51'C is almost unbelievable to me.  :o :o :o  Here, it's darn cold if it gets to -8'C.  At your temps your frostbite would have frostbite!!  :-X :-\
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Hoy on December 30, 2010, 02:07:24 PM
Trond,

The thought of -51'C is almost unbelievable to me.  :o :o :o  Here, it's darn cold if it gets to -8'C.  At your temps your frostbite would have frostbite!!  :-X :-\
Paul, I haven't experienced that cold myself, the coldest I have been through is -38C. That is cold enough for me! However, the weather was calm and it feels much colder here with -10C, humid air and strong wind!
Today we have +3C and the roads get extremely slippery till all the ice thaws.
Here's a view from my garden today:
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Tony Willis on December 30, 2010, 07:03:01 PM
What a day-no British Gas engineer-no telephone call -just silence. Yes I have asked where he might be but the  call centre dealing with the public cannot get through to the call centre dealing with the engineers so they have no idea. They said they would call me back in thirty minutes an hour ago.

Still cold but at least my plants have thawed and look okay.
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: cohan on December 30, 2010, 08:02:11 PM
Trond,

The thought of -51'C is almost unbelievable to me.  :o :o :o  Here, it's darn cold if it gets to -8'C.  At your temps your frostbite would have frostbite!!  :-X :-\
Paul, I haven't experienced that cold myself, the coldest I have been through is -38C. That is cold enough for me! However, the weather was calm and it feels much colder here with -10C, humid air and strong wind!
Today we have +3C and the roads get extremely slippery till all the ice thaws.
Here's a view from my garden today:

i have experienced at least -40C, maybe -42 or 3, plus windchill..its ok if you dress well and don't have to be out long! it kind of feels like you are on the moon--so heavily dressed its like a spacesuit, and the snow makes a very loud crunching under boots and car tires--very odd! (i know the moon is silent, its just an 'unearthly' experience  ;D i have also experienced +35C at least, with 'humidex' into the mid 40's (in toronto)--also ok if you don't have to  be out too long  ;D i used to like to run on those days when it was above 30C and humid! only bad thing was that that weather often brought  air pollution from the u.s.!

tony, hope they get you fixed up soon!
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Arykana on December 31, 2010, 04:25:43 PM
(http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i76/arykana/deres.jpg)

(http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i76/arykana/g-1.jpg)

-8
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: mark smyth on December 31, 2010, 04:57:08 PM
I just heard in the news that Adelaide has just had its hottest day in 100 years, elsewhere there are floods, we had the coldest December since records began ..... ???
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Stephenb on December 31, 2010, 05:10:56 PM
For the first time since October it's raining here having snowed off and on for two days, but still only +1C, and a big storm is brewing off the coast due to hit at New Year.

The main article in the newspaper this morning was a report about the latest research on the abnormally cold weather  (coldest November since records began here in the 1700s followed by the coldest December for 95 years). The blame is put on global warming and the abnormal warmth in the Arctic. Also, Greenland has experienced temperatures 20 (twenty) degrees above normal in parts of December. The researchers think that we will experience even colder winters over the next 10-20 years..... Sorry to be the bringer of bad New Year tidings (for some of you)....  Why not join your local cross-country skiing club - they're springing up all over the place in the UK - for example, http://www.ydccsc.org.uk/index.html (http://www.ydccsc.org.uk/index.html)
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: mark smyth on December 31, 2010, 05:20:16 PM
The researchers think that we will experience even colder winters over the next 10-20 years[/url]

Lets hope they are wrong
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: cohan on December 31, 2010, 07:38:21 PM
For the first time since October it's raining here having snowed off and on for two days, but still only +1C, and a big storm is brewing off the coast due to hit at New Year.

The main article in the newspaper this morning was a report about the latest research on the abnormally cold weather  (coldest November since records began here in the 1700s followed by the coldest December for 95 years). The blame is put on global warming and the abnormal warmth in the Arctic. Also, Greenland has experienced temperatures 20 (twenty) degrees above normal in parts of December. The researchers think that we will experience even colder winters over the next 10-20 years..... Sorry to be the bringer of bad New Year tidings (for some of you)....  Why not join your local cross-country skiing club - they're springing up all over the place in the UK - for example, http://www.ydccsc.org.uk/index.html (http://www.ydccsc.org.uk/index.html)

the good news is there may soon be thousands of gardeners across europe and britain testing species that could be hardy enough for me! ;) maybe now when they say 'hardy' in britain it will mean something ;)
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Panu on December 31, 2010, 07:56:49 PM
Well put, Cohan :D
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Hoy on December 31, 2010, 08:16:22 PM
Stephen's forecasted storm is approaching +5C and rain, strong wind from NW. My daughters are out and I don't expect them home for some hours! Roads are ice-covered and wet at the same time. No weather for driving.
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Hoy on January 01, 2011, 12:41:13 PM
Here's the summary of winter weather:
http://www.yr.no/nyheter/1.7438384
http://ut.no/artikkel/1.7432911
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: mark smyth on January 03, 2011, 07:04:29 PM
The white stuff is back again  :'(
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: ranunculus on January 03, 2011, 07:16:37 PM
I know ... damn snowdrops!!!   ;D


The white stuff is back again  :'(
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: mark smyth on January 03, 2011, 07:44:18 PM
if only
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: cohan on January 03, 2011, 07:45:37 PM
we had a few more inches of snow, yesterday, added to what is mostly from november..
i thought i'd take some shots showing some of the area that we shovel after each snowfall of at least a couple of inches; i missed my mom's dog walking area, and  there are a few more shovelled paths....
starting with the spot where our drive meets the road, and our mailbox out on the road, which we also keep clear, going up our drive, parking spot, various paths: to our main firewood sawing area, compost, into the bush where we go for firewood, etc..

full album:
http://picasaweb.google.com/cactuscactus/2011January02ANewYear#
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Hoy on January 03, 2011, 08:13:37 PM
How many km (or miles if you prefere ;)) do you shovel cohan? Just by hand or do you have a noisy machine? I have 10 m to shovel! 1 cm snow today but the next week will bring rain and more rain.
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Maggi Young on January 03, 2011, 09:04:15 PM
That's a lot of work, cohan.... on the other hand, it must keep you ripped and fit and without having to pay a fortune in gym membership! :D
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: FrazerHenderson on January 03, 2011, 09:47:26 PM
There's no gardening like snow gardening...a view at home

At least there's not a weed in sight.. and yes, it's still lying some 5 weeks since it started though the roads are clear with ever reducing piles of smudged snow along the footpaths.
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: cohan on January 04, 2011, 07:26:51 AM
That's a lot of work, cohan.... on the other hand, it must keep you ripped and fit and without having to pay a fortune in gym membership! :D

maggi--ripped and fit, i have to say, is maybe wishful thinking  :-[  lol but i'm sure it helps... i also must confess this is the first time this year i have done any amount of shovelling--most of our previous snow was way back in november, and my friend snuck out early each time and did most/all of the shovelling before i could get to it...
of course i still have the work of felling (mostly dead, and not too too big) trees with the chainsaw, and hauling them manually out of the bush-in pieces- to cut up for firewood, so there is always something physical to be done!

trond, i have not measured the distance, but i know its many times 10 m  ;D no machines, just shovels.... i have one side of my bottom sore today from the particular motion i was using yesterday to stoop, scoop and pitch--moving quickly down the lane without straightening up too often; between the two of us, i think we were no more than about an hour of high speed shovelling for all that you saw plus several more paths....remember it was all light powder snow...

we had rain forecast for wednesday, but they have taken it away again (the forecast has changed every time i have looked) hopefully it will stay away, since it could only mean ice ice ice.. we really dont expect any serious rain for months yet....
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Tony Willis on January 04, 2011, 09:01:38 AM
Yes snow on the ground. Eight days and counting and still no heating.Did I say my contract with BG was a good idea? Picture of the temperature in the kitchen which as you will see is rising. Only 5.6c when I got up for my weetabix.It seemed warmer in the fridge when I put my hand in to get the milk out.
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Maggi Young on January 04, 2011, 10:25:51 AM
Tony, I suggest you and Mrs W pack a bag and head to Aberdeen.... even I get a warmer house than that. I can even let you have short spells of warm westies to cuddle to heat you up further!
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Olga Bondareva on January 04, 2011, 10:46:52 AM
Welcome here!  :) -10, sunny, snowy.

(http://cs10288.vkontakte.ru/u6450879/62605997/x_f7da98a3.jpg)

It's very warm at home. I am dressed in sports shirt and valenki.  :)

If seriously...  I really feel for you. Such weather is a catastrophe.
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Tony Willis on January 04, 2011, 11:12:21 AM
Tony, I suggest you and Mrs W pack a bag and head to Aberdeen.... even I get a warmer house than that. I can even let you have short spells of warm westies to cuddle to heat you up further!

Thanks Maggi  we are restored.The engineer who was excellent as opposed to those complete incompetents in the call centre has sorted us out.

11.55
My missile has been despatched to the Customer Relations Director. I do wonder what sort of relationship she thinks she has with her customers?

I look forward to her reply.
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: ChrisB on January 04, 2011, 03:43:13 PM
Tony, its my experience that they phone you to solicit opinion shortly after your ordeal, so you may get a chance to vent your anger and frustration.  I'd have been demanding hotel accommodation myself.  Its dreadful to be left without heat for that length of time, especially when its been so very cold.  My commiserations....
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Hoy on January 04, 2011, 05:02:35 PM
If you have trouble with snowy roads: Even a Jaguar needs autosocks!


(http://www.vg.no/uploaded/image/bilderigg/2011/01/04/1294136769605_522.jpg)
From:http://www.vg.no/bil-og-motor/artikkel.php?artid=10028781
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: mark smyth on January 04, 2011, 06:59:30 PM
Your car?

snow that fell here last night was gone when I got up
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: cohan on January 04, 2011, 07:18:03 PM
If you have trouble with snowy roads: Even a Jaguar needs autosocks!

From:http://www.vg.no/bil-og-motor/artikkel.php?artid=10028781

interesting--this is instead of using winter tires?
we have winter tires on, and have excellent traction, even on ice at very low temperatures.. some people here try to get away without proper winter tires, and of course suffer for it--many winter accidents are because of poor tires (besides idiot drivers)
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Hoy on January 04, 2011, 08:43:36 PM
If you have trouble with snowy roads: Even a Jaguar needs autosocks!

From:http://www.vg.no/bil-og-motor/artikkel.php?artid=10028781

interesting--this is instead of using winter tires?
we have winter tires on, and have excellent traction, even on ice at very low temperatures.. some people here try to get away without proper winter tires, and of course suffer for it--many winter accidents are because of poor tires (besides idiot drivers)
Yes, it is an alternative to winter tyres. We have two kinds of tyres for winter: hard rubber with studs and soft rubber without studs. If you only have summer tyres you can use auto/snowsocks or chains or some other gear. The socks are the easiest and quickest to fasten and very reliable. I have soft winter tyres on my car and always snowsocks at hand but haven't used them this winter.
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: cohan on January 05, 2011, 05:29:21 AM
neat... i have not seen those here; soft winter tires are most common here, you can have studs put in also, or put chains on, though that's not usually necessary for most vehicles around here, more likely for work vehicles that need to  go on bad roads, or to go on mountain roads  (far from here) .
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Paddy Tobin on January 05, 2011, 09:31:56 AM
http://www.boston.com/bigpicture/2011/01/australian_flooding.html

Photographs of flooding in Australia.

Paddy
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Paul T on January 05, 2011, 09:55:43 AM
They're also saying that coal prices worldwide will rise by around 30% due to the flooding.  They showed pics today of one of those massive machines that open mine coal, rising from the middle of a massive lake.  it will take months to dry the area out, millions to replace the equipment etc.  Apparently the mining industry is currently losing a million $ a day.  And Australian food prices will be rising as so much of our "food bowl" area is underwater and crops ruined.  There and also in New South Wales where there has been flooding in the last few months.  NOT good, on all counts.
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Hoy on January 05, 2011, 11:10:13 AM
How to keep the airport open in winter:

(http://www.vg.no/uploaded/image/bilderigg/2011/01/05/1294214430590_376.jpg)

This is the world's largest (in capacity) snow plow! (Gardermoen, Oslo airport- never closed due to snow))

http://www.vg.no/reise/artikkel.php?artid=10028886
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: mark smyth on January 05, 2011, 11:28:09 AM
wow.
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: mark smyth on January 05, 2011, 12:30:33 PM
here are photos of places in N Ireland during the freeze. It includes some lakes and loughs
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/northern_ireland/8451679.stm (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/northern_ireland/8451679.stm)
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Hoy on January 05, 2011, 01:35:57 PM
here are photos of places in N Ireland during the freeze. It includes some lakes and loughs
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/northern_ireland/8451679.stm (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/northern_ireland/8451679.stm)
N Ireland? Looks more like Arctic! (or some places in North Norway!)
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Luc Gilgemyn on January 05, 2011, 05:14:14 PM
here are photos of places in N Ireland during the freeze. It includes some lakes and loughs
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/northern_ireland/8451679.stm (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/northern_ireland/8451679.stm)

Mark,
when I was at school, Ireland was always referred to as the green isle ....  :-\ ::) ;)
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Paul T on January 06, 2011, 08:48:14 AM
They're also saying that coal prices worldwide will rise by around 30% due to the flooding.  They showed pics today of one of those massive machines that open mine coal, rising from the middle of a massive lake.  it will take months to dry the area out, millions to replace the equipment etc.  Apparently the mining industry is currently losing a million $ a day.  And Australian food prices will be rising as so much of our "food bowl" area is underwater and crops ruined.  There and also in New South Wales where there has been flooding in the last few months.  NOT good, on all counts.

A "slight" correction to me information above....... the mining industry is losing $100 million a day in lost coal exports, not the million that I had stated.  That is truly scary!!

Another interesting bit of information I just saw on the news..... the flood that is slowly moving through Queensland at present and that is shortly to hit the town of St George.... it will take the water in that flood until the beginning of winter to reach the mouth of the Murray river and reach the ocean..... that means it will take at least 5 months to reach the ocean.  Knowing how quickly the waters are flowing, it just made me realise just how big my country really is!!!!!  :o :o  Yes, I know the figures, but floodwaters taking 5 months+ to reach the ocean is pretty amazing.  That is of course on the western side of the Great Dividing Range..... the rivers on the east side that are in flood will spill into the ocean much more quickly (and a completely different ocean as it happens!!  ;D).

I just thought some of you might be interested.  8)
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Paul T on January 06, 2011, 08:49:09 AM
How to keep the airport open in winter:

(http://www.vg.no/uploaded/image/bilderigg/2011/01/05/1294214430590_376.jpg)

This is the world's largest (in capacity) snow plow! (Gardermoen, Oslo airport- never closed due to snow))

http://www.vg.no/reise/artikkel.php?artid=10028886

Trond,

That is one HECK of a snowplow!!  :o :o :o
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Stephenb on January 06, 2011, 09:47:31 AM
here are photos of places in N Ireland during the freeze. It includes some lakes and loughs
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/northern_ireland/8451679.stm (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/northern_ireland/8451679.stm)

The arctic sea ice reached a new low in December 2010, 270,000 sq. kilometres less than the previous minimum! See

http://nsidc.org/arcticseaicenews/2011/010511.html (http://nsidc.org/arcticseaicenews/2011/010511.html)
 
I suspect that the scientists have been looking in the wrong place and it's just moved to Northern Ireland...
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Maggi Young on January 06, 2011, 11:26:42 AM
Quote
it will take the water in that flood until the beginning of winter to reach the mouth of the Murray river and reach the ocean..... that means it will take at least 5 months to reach the ocean
Good grief.. yes, that really does bring the scale of the country into focus, doesn't it?

The Queensland floods are a  disaster but I suppose less catastrophic than flooding in a heavily populated area... such as we have seen in the Indian sub-continent on several occasions.
We all need water, and plenty of it.... but it's dangerous stuff.
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Paul T on January 06, 2011, 11:34:05 AM
Maggi,

And it will take some places months to dry out, because everything is so flat.  Waterlogged soil holds the water and there is nowhere for it to go.  There'll also likely be a big Dengue Fever outbreak, just to add to the misery.  They're saying that at present one of the biggest dangers is snakes, and they're fleeing to anything above the floodwater.  One guy who's house was surrounded but above the water level was saying it was just him and 2 thousand snakes inhabiting the house at the moment.  ;D  It is a danger for rescuers and those who are dropping food to cut off houses.
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Anthony Darby on January 06, 2011, 12:00:07 PM
We've had our lowest UK December average with -1oC (that's minus 1) since records began in 1910, but 2010 was the warmest world average on record.
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: daveyp1970 on January 06, 2011, 01:47:24 PM
i have just got a phone call to say my house is flooded,pipes in the loft have burst,god bless my friend Tom who's been in and stopped the water. :-[I'm presently at my sisters and now got to go home and start the clear up,I'm really not looking forward to it.BLOODY WEATHER
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Maggi Young on January 06, 2011, 01:48:47 PM
Bad luck, Davey..... hope the damage isn't too bad.
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: David Nicholson on January 06, 2011, 03:50:49 PM
Hard luck Dave, hope the insurance was paid up and they pay out promptly.
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: mark smyth on January 06, 2011, 06:58:23 PM
Weather here was on average -0.6 in December. The first sub zero month since '63. The plus side it was the sunniest December since records began.

When did records begin?
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Colin on January 07, 2011, 09:32:51 PM
A five week old thread with almost 9000 viewings and over 500 comments.  Who says we are not obsessed with weather?
No matter what happens it will still be around............................. so get used to it!
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Paul T on January 08, 2011, 07:34:26 AM
Colin,

You sound upset with the topic?  ???  If I find a topic I don't like I just don't view it. 8)
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Colin on January 08, 2011, 04:58:02 PM
Upset? never. Life is too short to be taken that seriously.  Maybe it is an antipodean thing but humour certainly varies the world over, just like the weather. So we accept it with good grace , even although it may be unfunny!!!!!!!!  My point was tongue in cheek but really, some people have no other topic than weather, don't you find?

I suppose the next we can expect is some buffoon suggesting we shall have global warning!
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Stephenb on January 08, 2011, 05:19:31 PM
I suppose the next we can expect is some buffoon suggesting we shall have global warning!

I think that a global warning of impending global warming is in place... ;)
(I felt the warmth of the sun for the first time since november on today's ski)
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Martin Baxendale on January 08, 2011, 05:46:09 PM
Colin, I don't see how accepting a growing body of scientific evidence for global warming and climate change makes someone a buffoon.
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Paul T on January 08, 2011, 08:49:51 PM
Upset? never. Life is too short to be taken that seriously.  Maybe it is an antipodean thing but humour certainly varies the world over, just like the weather. So we accept it with good grace , even although it may be unfunny!!!!!!!!  My point was tongue in cheek but really, some people have no other topic than weather, don't you find?

I suppose the next we can expect is some buffoon suggesting we shall have global warning!

Colin,

Your comment just sounded a bit too serious I guess, which was why I was concerned.  Glad you weren't upset.

Now that last comment is REALLY supposed to stir a hornet's nest, isn't it?  ;)
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Philippe on January 08, 2011, 08:57:28 PM
Spring is back, here in France...
We sometimes had today 15/16°C (!!) in the warmest parts of the north eastern lowlands of the country. Not very far away from the warmth records.
The snow cover in the moutains is really having hard times, and now, it's so far: after 6/7 weeks of perfect winter weather, the snow already rapidly disappears under 1500m.asl, and what falls from the sky is now only rain. Really bad thing for the alpines that were in dormance, they just get soaked with temperatures they are used to on some simply cool summer days...
No real improvement to expect: after a light "dry" and short temperature drop, trends are again on very mild days for the next week.
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Maggi Young on January 08, 2011, 09:24:10 PM
Quote
Spring is back, here in France...
We sometimes had today 15/16°C (!!) in the warmest parts of the north eastern lowlands of the country.
It was minus 1 C here today..... am I bitter....... yeah, it's getting that way!  :'(
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Colin on January 08, 2011, 09:50:09 PM
MARTIN

I am now going to refrain from making any further comments about the weather because it is obviously a very serious matter to some people and therefore they have no room for humour on this subject

I respect their view and would defend their right to say so.... as they should mine

Off now to investigate reports of polar bears seen outside Fox's Glaciers Mints factory
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Martin Baxendale on January 08, 2011, 09:56:15 PM
Humour is my job, and I do quite well out of it, recognise it when I see it and am happy to find room for it in all subjects. Your "buffoon" comment sounded like an insult, not humour.
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Maggi Young on January 08, 2011, 09:59:25 PM
I read Colin's comment for what is was..... about global "WARNING", which I regularly hear on TV..... I thought it very funny!
Almost as good as the reporter outside Scotland Yard the other day who kept talking about the METROPOLLINTING police.  ;D ;D
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Martin Baxendale on January 08, 2011, 10:09:43 PM
I took it as a mis-spelling of global warming and that Colin meant anyone believing in global warming and saying that extreme weather events like the recent freeze might be caused by global warming was a buffoon. I think Paul took it the same way.

I also didn't much like having my name "shouted" at me in capitals.

But I apologise if I got the wrong end of the stick.

Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Maggi Young on January 08, 2011, 10:12:30 PM
Time for one of these all round,please,  methinks.........
 [attach=1]
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: angie on January 08, 2011, 10:21:11 PM
I like moaning about the weather, it gives me something to moan about and also its something to talk about to strangers. I speak to everyone and it always starts a conversation.

It was 70 degrees in America ( Houston ) and arrived back home to 1c but still happy to be back home.

Angie :)
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Martin Baxendale on January 08, 2011, 10:22:13 PM
Time for one of these all round,please,  methinks.........
  (Attachment Link)

Okey dokey.
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Maggi Young on January 08, 2011, 10:24:13 PM
Time for one of these all round,please,  methinks.........


Okey dokey.
I'm off to have mine with some gin and a hot chocolate....  Night Night, all!  
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Maggi Young on January 08, 2011, 10:30:20 PM
Hang on! :o How come I've had minus one and you've got plus 1 across on your cold hillside, Angela? I demand a recount!  We'll need to come over for a heat!

Angela lives only a couple of miles from me, as the crow flies. It's further by road and she's on a frosty hill.... it's not fair!   
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: angie on January 08, 2011, 11:41:19 PM
Hang on! :o How come I've had minus one and you've got plus 1 across on your cold hillside, Angela? I demand a recount!  We'll need to come over for a heat!

Angela lives only a couple of miles from me, as the crow flies. It's further by road and she's on a frosty hill.... it's not fair!   

OK Maggi recount done and this time with my glasses on  ::) oops made a mistake there, colder than I thought . The town is always around 2 degrees warmer than me at the top of the hill and I am always get more wind than in the town.
I suppose I need to wear my glasses more often now. It just reminded me I nearly bought a rain coat the other day from John Lewis thought it was £50 but when I was queuing I saw it was £500 glad I noticed the right price before the assistant packed it up, save me getting an embarrassing moment. No way would I pay £500 for a rain coat. Would be different if we got a lot of rain ::) :-X

Angie :)
I hate old age.
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: jomowi on January 09, 2011, 11:48:37 AM
Amazing the difference in climate within a small geographical area.  I live about a mile as the crow flies from Maggi, and little more from Angie (welcome home Angie) My garden is in a frost pocket, but protected from wind.  I don't know the actual outdoor temperatures at the moment as I am temporarily house bound for as long as the paths are icy. (Crutches and icy paths don't go together!)  Summer or winter when I drive the short distance down a minor slope from the North Deeside road to my road at the bottom, the car thermometer drops by one degree C.  I remember once a few years ago that Aberdeen was quoted as having had the wettest day in Scotland.  Not a drop fell here.  This is because the weather is monitored at the airport (I think), about 5 miles as the crow flies.
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Arykana on January 09, 2011, 06:23:30 PM
today like a spring day  :o
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: annew on January 09, 2011, 07:06:10 PM
As our pond is thawing, it has developed some interesting 'tide' marks. Any theories?
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: mark smyth on January 09, 2011, 07:09:56 PM
very interesting. What about a photo of your frozen frogs?
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: annew on January 09, 2011, 07:16:11 PM
Most are alive.
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: angie on January 10, 2011, 12:08:02 AM
Hi Maureen

Yes Maureen it's amazing the difference in climate in a small area. I was looking out my window this morning and the next field to me is nice and green. in front of the house is white I think because we have trees around us it keeps the frost.
Yes crutches and icy paths don't mix, please take care.

today like a spring day  :o

I wish it felt like spring here today.

Angie :)
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: cohan on January 10, 2011, 05:54:54 AM
no sign of spring here! much of alberta has had a winter storm the last few days: snow over 30cm in edmonton area, winds causing (snow) drifts to 3m and closed roads near calgary..
we've luckily managed to be in a pocket just outside the worst of the weather: probably  around 15cm at a guess, over the last couple of days, and lots of wind (we haven't been on the roads since friday evening, before it started, but i think it was never as bad here, no storm/wind/snow warnings) we shovelled yesterday, and again today--today was much worse, since strong winds much of the afternoon and night packed the snow hard, making it much denser and heavier to move.. we are just hoping it doesn't drift enough tonight that we have to shovel again tomorrow before work.....
now temps are set to drop further, with highs this week ranging from -16C to -22C and lows from -19C to -31C
still--not that bad--the roads have not blown closed around here (so far....) and no -40s in sight  ;D
snow forecast again next wknd....
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Anthony Darby on January 10, 2011, 09:07:15 AM
Anne, your pond ripples will be due to uneven snow on the ice becoming part of the surface as it thaws and refreezes. My pond - well the one I used to own - never freezes as I have a pump and filter circulating the water. No ice forms on the surface at all, even when the air temperature is -18oC! Last year the pump failed and a couple of frogs and most of the fish died due to lack of O2. :'(
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Colin on January 10, 2011, 10:33:13 AM
martin,  capitals were result of not undoing lock.  no insult intended whatsoever. i don't shout at anyone'
so... unreserved apologies if it caused offence
refraining now from making any further comments , too busy trying to see the best in everything  and trying humbly to understand other types of humour.
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Hoy on January 10, 2011, 04:01:29 PM
Here it is strong wind and rain at the moment but more last night.
In the mountain some people have been sitting in their cars for more than 20 hours due to strong wind, snow and avalanches. The cars are in the tunnels. It is not as bad as you might imagine, I waited in my car inside a tunnel for 30 hours when a hurricane (or rather the European equivalent) hit some years ago.
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Paul T on January 10, 2011, 09:30:42 PM
Queensland flooding continues!  Yesterday Toowoomba got hit by flash flooding after torrential rain (wall of water down the main street out of nowhere), Gympie has had it's 5th flood in 3 weeks, south eastern areas of the state are now being affected by rain, where it had been more north and west of there which was affected by the previous flooding.  Reports this morning at 8am on the news that some areas in the south east of the state had had 100mm in the previous hour (!!!!!  :o :o :o :o), so that was going to cause massive flash floods as well.  Brisbane (the capital of Queensland) has been being protected from major flooding by the Wyvanhoe dam, which is currently at 140% of capacity..... it basically can't hold any more and Brisbane is being warned that they can expect flooding later today and peaking tomorrow.  These warnings did not take into account the rainfall overnight, and some of the areas above Brisbane in the river system are those that have had the reported 100mm in an hour this morning.  Everything is totally saturated obviously, so any rain runs straight off.  Most places have never seen anything like this before and records are being rewritten all over the place.  Very dramatic, to put it mildly) and I'm glad I'm over 1000km from it.  I feel so sorry for those who are getting repeated flooding, it must just be awful to have to wait for it to recede, just get back into your house again and start the cleanup, then be told there is going to be another one and they need to get out. :'(
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Hoy on January 11, 2011, 11:23:03 AM
Queensland flooding continues!  Yesterday Toowoomba got hit by flash flooding after torrential rain (wall of water down the main street out of nowhere), Gympie has had it's 5th flood in 3 weeks, south eastern areas of the state are now being affected by rain, where it had been more north and west of there which was affected by the previous flooding.  Reports this morning at 8am on the news that some areas in the south east of the state had had 100mm in the previous hour (!!!!!  :o :o :o :o), so that was going to cause massive flash floods as well.  Brisbane (the capital of Queensland) has been being protected from major flooding by the Wyvanhoe dam, which is currently at 140% of capacity..... it basically can't hold any more and Brisbane is being warned that they can expect flooding later today and peaking tomorrow.  These warnings did not take into account the rainfall overnight, and some of the areas above Brisbane in the river system are those that have had the reported 100mm in an hour this morning.  Everything is totally saturated obviously, so any rain runs straight off.  Most places have never seen anything like this before and records are being rewritten all over the place.  Very dramatic, to put it mildly) and I'm glad I'm over 1000km from it.  I feel so sorry for those who are getting repeated flooding, it must just be awful to have to wait for it to recede, just get back into your house again and start the cleanup, then be told there is going to be another one and they need to get out. :'(
Has anybody made contact with Noa?
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Paddy Tobin on January 11, 2011, 02:03:32 PM
Just listening to news reports of flash flooding in Brisbane, 9 dead and 59 missing.

Paddy
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: cohan on January 11, 2011, 08:55:38 PM
Queensland flooding continues!  Yesterday Toowoomba got hit by flash flooding after torrential rain (wall of water down the main street out of nowhere), Gympie has had it's 5th flood in 3 weeks, south eastern areas of the state are now being affected by rain, where it had been more north and west of there which was affected by the previous flooding.  Reports this morning at 8am on the news that some areas in the south east of the state had had 100mm in the previous hour (!!!!!  :o :o :o :o), so that was going to cause massive flash floods as well.  Brisbane (the capital of Queensland) has been being protected from major flooding by the Wyvanhoe dam, which is currently at 140% of capacity..... it basically can't hold any more and Brisbane is being warned that they can expect flooding later today and peaking tomorrow.  These warnings did not take into account the rainfall overnight, and some of the areas above Brisbane in the river system are those that have had the reported 100mm in an hour this morning.  Everything is totally saturated obviously, so any rain runs straight off.  Most places have never seen anything like this before and records are being rewritten all over the place.  Very dramatic, to put it mildly) and I'm glad I'm over 1000km from it.  I feel so sorry for those who are getting repeated flooding, it must just be awful to have to wait for it to recede, just get back into your house again and start the cleanup, then be told there is going to be another one and they need to get out. :'(

some dramatic images on tv last night--floating vehicles knocking down trees etc...
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Paul T on January 11, 2011, 10:38:43 PM
The flash flooding appearing on the news around the world is from Monday in Toowoomba as far as I know.  Brisbane is expected to have the river peak tomorrow, but it is already at 3m height and still rising (expected to get to 4.5m tomorrow) and expected to impact 30 suburbs at it's peak.  I think that is the number they just mentioned on the news anyway.  Ipswich, west of Brisbane is expecting the peak today, then the water will continue downstream to Brisbane.  Queensland is a total of 1.7million km2 and 75% of it is currently natural disaster declared due to flooding.  So the area under disaster declaration is now I think 2 Frances + 1 Germany.  That doesn't include the flooding moving down into the north of New South Wales.  They're also expecting flash flooding today in parts of Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania.... this is a very widespread rain event.
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Stephenb on January 11, 2011, 10:57:46 PM
For those interested in reasons behind the extreme weather in Australia, you can read more here:
http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/enso/ (http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/enso/)

In particular, the Southern Oscillation Index (SOI) value for December of +27 is the highest December SOI value on record, i.e., an extremely strong La Niña (the opposite to El Nino) event in the Pacific.

The SOI:
http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/glossary/soi.shtml (http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/glossary/soi.shtml)
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: angie on January 11, 2011, 11:03:24 PM
Had a walk around my garden today and can't believe the amount of damage done to my shrubs, some are surely dead. We are only at the start of January and have a lot of cold weather still to come. I wonder how much damage there will be. I was a bit sad to see that some of the plants looking dead then I watched the news and saw all the flooding, what have I to be sad about, I can dig out these plants and start again but where do you start with all that destruction that these poor people will have.
My heart goes out to these folks  :'(

Angie :-[
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Hoy on January 12, 2011, 09:27:41 AM
Not as dramatic as the Australian weather but here is a video of the weather in Oslo, Norway during 2010 in 2 min:
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yGRnpkWDPJM[/youtube]
http://nrkbeta.no/2011/01/10/hele2010/
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Anthony Darby on January 12, 2011, 09:50:09 AM
That's brilliant! 8)
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: mark smyth on January 12, 2011, 10:57:03 AM
I like it also. I can read and understand a lot of the words including the credits  ;D
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Paddy Tobin on January 12, 2011, 11:05:02 AM
Hoy,

Very interesting and it has surprised me that there is not that great amount of snow, something I would have expected in Oslo. Do you know who made it or where. Was it in a person's garden or a park? I would find it difficult to dedicate a camera to such a project for a year. Perhaps, it was something like a surveillance camera?

Very interesting! Paddy
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Paddy Tobin on January 12, 2011, 11:08:52 AM
An amusing effect of the bad weather: I opened a press in the kitchen this morning to find eight 500g bags of coffee. I asked Mary about it and she said that she had been worried that we wouldn't be able to get to the shops when the snow was here and so had stockpiled the coffee. She didn't stockpile anything else. So, now I know what is really important in her life!

Our sons must be more observant as they bought Mary a coffee machine for Christmas. Nice coffee!

Paddy
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: angie on January 12, 2011, 11:12:54 AM
A woman that looks out for herself  ;D I like that. Coffee and chocolate biscuits in the cupboards is all we need.

Angie :)
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Hoy on January 12, 2011, 02:08:10 PM
Hoy,

Very interesting and it has surprised me that there is not that great amount of snow, something I would have expected in Oslo. Do you know who made it or where. Was it in a person's garden or a park? I would find it difficult to dedicate a camera to such a project for a year. Perhaps, it was something like a surveillance camera?

Very interesting! Paddy
If you open the link under the video you will find a description, in Norwegian though, but the accompanying pictures show what is done.

By the way, I also stockpile coffee - always ;)
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Paddy Tobin on January 12, 2011, 02:23:52 PM
Hoy,

Very interesting and an amazing amount of data stored to make the time-lapse film. By the way, I use "Google Chrome" which translates webpages on request so I was able to read the account of how the film was made and also came on this one among the comments which followed.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=02TuNaqoSMw&sns=tw

Paddy
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Hoy on January 12, 2011, 04:13:06 PM
Hoy,

Very interesting and an amazing amount of data stored to make the time-lapse film. By the way, I use "Google Chrome" which translates webpages on request so I was able to read the account of how the film was made and also came on this one among the comments which followed.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=02TuNaqoSMw&sns=tw

Paddy
Paddy, to make such videos have been very popular here after a start last year. I understand I was a little late then in offering a translation to swap with a nice plant  ;D
As you noticed, Oslo don't get that much precipitation, it is about 800mm (31.5") a year.
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Paddy Tobin on January 12, 2011, 06:22:47 PM
There you go, Hoy; an opportunity missed.


To change to the southern hemisphere, Australia in particular: with no intention of being offensive, what opinion do Australians have of the Prime Minister as a  person, not as a politician?

She appears on our television news programmes in reports on the flooding, all smiles, describing it as a heart-warming experience - the response of people in helping others. Her reaction seems so strongly in contrast with the disaster as to be absurd. She comes across, to me, as the politician putting the positive spin on a disaster and hasn't the intelligence to realise that it simply is a disaster, that everybody knows it's a disaster and that smiling at it won't fix the situation and that her political spin is inappropriate. I always thought Australians were inclined to tell it as it was, straight-talking people, but, of course, the Prime Minister is not Australian.

Paddy
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Hoy on January 12, 2011, 07:01:45 PM
Here you can watch what to do with the snow while waiting for greener times:
http://www.vgtv.no/?id=35978&category=115

I promise to show more plants when possible!
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Paul T on January 12, 2011, 10:30:41 PM
Paddy,

It seems at odds to me as well.  I think the QLD state premier is coming across better.  I think our PM is trying to be positive, as stating that it is a disaster is pretty obvious and I think in some cases she's be condemned for going on about it if she did.  Sort of a "damned if you do, damned if you don't" situation to be in.  I do agree that she seems to be smiling way too much, although it isn't her usual smile, but appears quite forced.  I think she's been quite affected by what she's seeing, but doesn't really want to show it.  Whether that is the right way to go, I don't know.  It really must be a hard place to be in, and then having to talk to the cameras all the time and answer inane questions (I could shoot a few reporters for some of the things they're asking flood victims..... "Oh, you've lost your house, your wife is missing, your pet cat was taken by a shark.... how are you feeling?" (OK, the shark comment never happened!  ::)  But asking someone how they're feeling in that situation seems pretty stupid!).  I think that some of the reporters are just trying to get people to cry on camera so that it is more "human interest".  Cynical mongrel, aren't I! :o  I feel so sorry for those in the areas affected and I just feel that stupid questions from reporters are NOT helping them cope.

OK, rant over.
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: angie on January 12, 2011, 10:49:21 PM
Paul that just sounds like reporters, as long as they get a story they don't really care what's happening to those poor people.  It's terrible to see all those homes under water.
When we were in America last week we drove through Mississippi and to see all the vacant plots where someones home once stood was really sad. I can't imagine how people will cope with such disasters.

Angie  :-[
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: astragalus on January 13, 2011, 06:53:48 PM
Another good snowfall - good in the sense that it keeps the antlered rats away for the toime being - another 15".
It makes for some interesting scenes.
1. rock garden somewhere under snow
2. winter dining
3. favorite trough
4. more troughs
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Paddy Tobin on January 13, 2011, 07:11:31 PM
Paul,

Glad that you have seen her as I have seen her. For a while I thought it might a cultural thing - that I saw things differently from a distance than locals saw it.

I agreed with you that the Queenland State Premier comes across far, far better.

This is a very minor and insignificant aside to what is a dreadful situation for so many people in Australia.  Hopefully, it will improve soon.

Paddy
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Maggi Young on January 13, 2011, 07:29:53 PM
Terribly pretty photos of your snow, Anne.... your multi-topped ice cream dessert ( image 004) looks quite delicious.... but I imagine some of the larger shrubs in the garden will be being bent and broken under that weight of snow. That will make them easier for the antlered rats to get at them later, of course.... you really can't win, can you?
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Stephenb on January 13, 2011, 07:51:20 PM
Another good snowfall - good in the sense that it keeps the antlered rats away for the toime being - another 15".

Talk of antlered rats - well, we have antlered mice here. The Norwegian word for mouse is "mus" and is pronounced "moose" (probably is in Scotland too come to think of it?). I remeber the story of the newly arrived american professor here at the University being told matter of fact that the "mus" come into the houses in winter  ;)
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: astragalus on January 13, 2011, 09:56:41 PM
Terribly pretty photos of your snow, Anne.... your multi-topped ice cream dessert ( image 004) looks quite delicious.... but I imagine some of the larger shrubs in the garden will be being bent and broken under that weight of snow. That will make them easier for the antlered rats to get at them later, of course.... you really can't win, can you?
Maggie, the rock garden is almost devoid of shrubs taller than one foot, so there's no problem.  As I write this, the first deer trails have become visible, grrr.
We have a leash law here, which means that Ranger (our German Shepherd) cannot be turned loose to chase his avowed enemies.  Too bad.  This afternoon it warmed to a high of -3C with lots of sun. I did brush the snow off Daphne x hendersonii 'Ernst Hauser' in the large trough.  It's right next to the house and that may keep the deer away briefly.
Picture is of icicles forming in the sun.
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Paul T on January 13, 2011, 10:16:05 PM
That is one HUGE marshmallow that you have sitting there on your outdoor table, Astragalus. ;D
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: angie on January 13, 2011, 10:22:26 PM
That is one HUGE marshmallow that you have sitting there on your outdoor table, Astragalus. ;D

It's so smooth and pretty I just wanted to stick my fingers it it and make holes  ::) :-X that's the big kid coming out in me.

Angie :)
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Paul T on January 13, 2011, 10:28:21 PM
Angie,

Or a VERY large hot chocolate to melt the marshmallow in.  ;)
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: angie on January 13, 2011, 10:29:03 PM
Sounds great  ;D ;D ;D

Angie :)
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: astragalus on January 13, 2011, 10:55:05 PM
Angie,

Or a VERY large hot chocolate to melt the marshmallow in.  ;)
Now you're talking! 
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Hoy on January 14, 2011, 12:50:45 PM
Have some of this rain in Australia filled lake Eyre or is it as dry as usual there?
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: David Nicholson on January 14, 2011, 03:55:26 PM
Having seen the horrors in Queensland, Brazil and Sri Lanca on the news I'd resolved never to complain about our weather again, but of course I will.

It was what passes for a good day in Devon today. 11C, a little blue sky between heavy showers, just sufficient to keep me in the greenhouse and my pots got some badly needed water. Noticed that two pots of newly germinated seedlings of Cyclamen rohlfsianum had gone to great garden in the sky-I knew I should have brought them into the house-so it's my own fault. Weather forecast next week looks as though it's goiung to be wet, again!!, and much colder. Probably means I get my shorts out.
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Luc Gilgemyn on January 14, 2011, 03:57:07 PM
Probably means I get get my shorts out.

Looking forward to your pictures David...  8)
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: David Nicholson on January 14, 2011, 04:01:05 PM
Probably means I get get my shorts out.

Looking forward to your pictures David...  8)

You haven't seen my legs Luc :D
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Luc Gilgemyn on January 14, 2011, 05:02:29 PM
 ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Graham Catlow on January 14, 2011, 07:02:39 PM
For the first time since the end of November there is no snow or ice in my garden.
Not too much damage to the shrubs from the qweight of the snow, and in general things look ok,  but I will have to wait to see what has actually succumed and what doesn't appear in the coming weeks.

The photos show the loss of a very old terracotta pot. The squirrel guard almost held it together but it fell apart when I removed it.
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: angie on January 14, 2011, 07:27:00 PM
For the first time since the end of November there is no snow or ice in my garden.
Not too much damage to the shrubs from the qweight of the snow, and in general things look ok,  but I will have to wait to see what has actually succumed and what doesn't appear in the coming weeks.


Graham same here snow and ice gone but not so lucky as you with my shrubs my Crinodendron Hookeria that I have had for 16 years is totally brown and my Camellia Bowen Briant is for sure dead, my Cistus plants don't look good and my Ceanothus is dead. Lots more things not looking good. One thing for sure is nursery's are going to make some money this year from me. I hate losing plants that I have had for such a long time.

Angie :)
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: cohan on January 14, 2011, 07:56:35 PM
high of -23C today, with windchill..
we had prob 5cm or more snow yesterday, another 10 overnight, still coming down, at least another 5-8 predicted..
starts to warm again monday-tues...

so i wont be looking at shrubs in my garden for a few months yet ;)
i was looking at snow depths around the open areas in the acreage yesterday--varied from 12-16inches (thats after some warmish days, and settling), would vary more in the bush, of course much less under spruce... and our piles near the house and driveway range from 18-36inches... still nothing compared to really snowy places :)

hope all our members around the world are safe with some of these extreme weather events!
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Hoy on January 14, 2011, 08:48:34 PM
Not much snow here at the coast now but the forecast says heavy rain and flooding this weekend due to mild weather in the mountains and rapid snowmelting. However, flooding here will never gain the proportions that we see other places.
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Paul T on January 15, 2011, 11:22:22 AM
Howdy All,

Just to inject a little weirdness into the flood stories from Queensland.... imagine coming home to find a cow on your roof.  :o

http://news.ninemsn.com.au/national/floods/8197266/flood-hit-residents-return-home-to-rooftop-cow

For those interested, this is one of our Aussie news sites, so there is plenty on there on the current flood cleanup in Queensland, plus the record floods now happening in Victoria, and Tasmania (and some in South Australia and New South Wales too, just to give you the full set!! :'().
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Armin on January 15, 2011, 07:47:08 PM
Hi Paul,
I watched the picture show. Intangible! What comes immediately to my mind is that it looks similar to the flood of Lousiana when hit by the hurricane 'Kathrina' or the flooding in Pakistan. I can't believe those catastrophies are normal weather phenomena and should not be related to global warming.
We have a flood of the river 'Main' here too but the dimension compared is 'peanuts'.
I wish all people affected get quick help.
 
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Hoy on January 15, 2011, 08:19:51 PM
Man's memory is short and man's settlements are new! Besides, the settlements are often built along rivers or at the coast, trees and forests are removed, wetland acting as sponges are destroyed, and the result is seen every year and more in years to come. The more earth's surface is covered with  concrete, macadam, asphalt etc and roofs  the quicker are the drainage and the more devastating are the floodings.
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Maggi Young on January 15, 2011, 11:40:38 PM
Snow shows off the bones of a garden so very well.  We seldom get a good show.  However, when we do, it is a great time for a garden study.  Thanks for sharing! :)
We've gone from snow to wet here, HelenK..... did you get a "good" snowfall yet or are you just cold?
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: John Kitt on January 16, 2011, 11:52:09 AM
Brisbane Floods

Being an ex resident of Brisbane, I was sent this satellite photo of the Brisbane floods.

Thought people might be interested.

Might needs some fiddling to see. Click on Brisbane and keep zooming in.

http://www.nearmap.com/?ll=-27.468907,153.025475&z=14&t=h

Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Armin on January 16, 2011, 05:24:11 PM
Trond,
you are right that urbanisation is often a cause of floods too. However, the recent huge dimensions with wide areas flooded like in Pakistan and Queensland certainly not caused by urbanisation. That were devastating weather phenomenas...
John, impressive satellite views. Thanks.
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Hoy on January 16, 2011, 05:34:52 PM
Trond,
you are right that urbanisation is often a cause of floods too. However, the recent huge dimensions with wide areas flooded like in Pakistan and Queensland certainly not caused by urbanisation. That were devastating weather phenomenas...
John, impressive satellite views. Thanks.
Yea, I know, Armin, but such phenomena strike harder if the nature is robbed of its natural barriers to flooding. I know from German statistics that the floodings in Germany increases proportional to the are covered with hard surfaces.
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Armin on January 16, 2011, 05:42:53 PM
No objections to your argument Trond ;D
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Hoy on January 16, 2011, 07:14:10 PM
Here we struggle with our local weather for the moment: 49 roads closed due to avalanches in this county alone (Rogaland). Much snow, strong wind and copious amounts of water from the heaven make it dangerous to drive in most of the county except at the utmost coast where all snow has disappeared. More rain in wait though ::)
Nobody hurt so far.
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: cohan on January 16, 2011, 07:41:22 PM
Today -19C with light snow, then above freezing (supposedly, it will be believed when it is seen) by Thursday ..
hopefully we do not get too much melting, we don't need the mess, and will have  a lot of cold weather yet to come.. better to keep the snow intact for the next couple of months!
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: mark smyth on January 16, 2011, 08:08:08 PM
it was +12c here today

some plants feeling the warmth. In troughs - some crumbling now  :'(- Colchicum kesselringii, various Eranthis and Ranunculus kochii are up
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: angie on January 16, 2011, 08:43:17 PM
Nice here today. Just to walk on the paths without ice or snow is such a pleasure.
Ice on the pond nearly gone and one sad old fellow had to be fished out. I suppose he was over 16 years   and had managed to dodge our local Herons for many a year so he hadn't a bad life.

Angie :)
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: mark smyth on January 17, 2011, 05:01:25 PM
5pm and it's just possible to drive without lights - spring's coming, I hope. We have gained 35 minutes since December 21st
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Hoy on January 17, 2011, 05:26:56 PM
5pm and it's just possible to drive without lights - spring's coming, I hope. We have gained 35 minutes since December 21st
We are not allowed to drive without main lights even in full sunshine!

And we have gained 57 min ;D

Today the main road was almost dry and I almost saw the sun when I went home for dinner. But then a drizzle started >:(

But more than 70 roads are still closed in the western parts due to avalanches and flooding.
Fortunately only one person missed when his machine (he was plowing the road) was hit by an avalanche and thrown in the sea.
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: mark smyth on January 17, 2011, 07:02:15 PM
Why lights all the time? Is it only to cut down the number of accidents
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Hoy on January 17, 2011, 07:28:41 PM
Why lights all the time? Is it only to cut down the number of accidents
They say lights on even at midday cut down accidents because other traffic are more aware of the cars.
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: cohan on January 17, 2011, 07:52:29 PM
Why lights all the time? Is it only to cut down the number of accidents
They say lights on even at midday cut down accidents because other traffic are more aware of the cars.

Definitely on the highway, its much easier to see cars with lights on! All newer cars here have lights on automatically when they are running.. only older cars are likely to be seen with lights off at any time.. but I don't think we have any laws mandating use in daytime..

And yes, days are getting longer! Now I am eager for the sun to be a little higher, so it reaches above the trees for more of the day, and spring will come again to my windowsill plants (many months to go outside yet)...
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: John Kitt on January 18, 2011, 06:36:58 AM
Further images of the Brisbane floods.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/infographics/qld-floods/beforeafter.htm

Move your mouse over the image to the before and after effect.
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: fermi de Sousa on January 19, 2011, 07:51:47 AM
Victoria also has had some flooding and you can understand when you see the volume of water going through the area!
Here are some shots fo the Campaspe River near us, the first pic on 14th and then after the flood on the 18th
[attachthumb=1]

[attachthumb=2]

[attachthumb=3]

[attachthumb=4]

[attachthumb=5]

[attachthumb=6]

[attachthumb=7]

[attachthumb=8]
In the last pic you can see the fence which is now "thatched" with debris!

cheers
fermi

Edit by Maggi: fermi, I've moved the pix to be each in their own space.
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Hoy on January 19, 2011, 05:27:55 PM
Fermi, all water holes filled to the brim then? ;)
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Armin on January 19, 2011, 07:49:18 PM
Fermi,
on your pictures it seems your terrain did not get so much rainfall and the floodwater came from far away.
Am I right?
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: fermi de Sousa on January 19, 2011, 11:21:22 PM
Fermi,
on your pictures it seems your terrain did not get so much rainfall and the floodwater came from far away.
Am I right?
Armin,
the area where I took the pics probably had at least 4 inches of rain the day before I took the pic, but a lot more rain fell further upstream (about 10 inches at Kyneton). That huge volume of water is continuing downstream and is now engulfing towns many miles away. Mother Nature is a mighty force.
cheers
fermi
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: mark smyth on January 19, 2011, 11:27:38 PM
I was thinking today that the floods will also be very bad for wildlife but on the other hand seed eating birds will have a lot to eat in the near future
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: cohan on January 21, 2011, 07:56:17 PM
The drive to work a few days ago- images taken from the vehicle in motion (I wasn't driving!) which makes it look just a little worse than it was ..
since, we have warmed up from highs that were around -17 to below -20C for most of the first half of the month, highs now above freezing!! and will be for some days, so its brown and slushy in town and some of the highways, gravel roads and everything on the acreage still pure white...
a few more shots at:
http://picasaweb.google.com/cactuscactus/January142011#
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Hoy on January 21, 2011, 08:14:27 PM
cohan, your pictures reminds me of the wearher I can "enjoy" when I cross the mountains ;D

Here is from north Norway, this bus has been parked with all doors and windows tightly shut to no benefit when the blizzard hit.

(http://gfx.nrk.no/BFGFO-_iYRJsDcgbEFSpiAmpLzjoyFOO-nmoC9cntqpw.jpg)

http://www.yr.no/nyheter/1.7468086
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Armin on January 21, 2011, 08:32:47 PM
Snow and strong winds - what a frost! ;D
The bus driver seemed to have some humour.
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Lori S. on January 21, 2011, 08:38:02 PM
Trond, I have seen plenty of blizzards but what's remarkable there is a vehicle with such poor door seals!   :o
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Hoy on January 21, 2011, 08:52:25 PM
Trond, I have seen plenty of blizzards but what's remarkable there is a vehicle with such poor door seals!   :o
Lori, I fully agree! However they write that the door seals were OK but the strong wind (32m/s) forced cracks in the sealings  ;D
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: cohan on January 22, 2011, 07:42:21 AM
Trond, I have seen plenty of blizzards but what's remarkable there is a vehicle with such poor door seals!   :o
Lori, I fully agree! However they write that the door seals were OK but the strong wind (32m/s) forced cracks in the sealings  ;D

Yikes! I am happy to have the snow remain outside of the vehicle! We get a little snow on the floor inside one unused door at work, but nothing like that...lol

I've come to realise that here in the country--although we may have lengthy private driveways we have to clear ourselves, our public roads are cleared more than residential streets in the cities--Edmonton news has been full ever day of the problems on residential streets: the plows have been busy on main thoroughfares, and have not made much progress on residential streets where many people are having difficulty to even get their vehicles out to go anywhere; now that it is getting warmer, the snow is getting softer, and even some of the snowplows were getting stuck!
Here, the gravel road I live on is usually cleared within a couple of days of snowfall over a couple of inches, often within one day or less! The highways are cleared even more, and usually most of the snow is blown off the highway by heavy traffic anyway, except of course for warmer heavier snowfalls...
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: arillady on January 22, 2011, 10:09:34 AM
Fermi your photos of the flood near your place and then the snow in Europe - what a world we live in.
I can't get my head around the idea that the flood in Victoria Australia is still heading north to the River Murray. I heard it was 90 ks long and 40ks wide. There is so much flat countryside - it is the middle of summer - how come the water has not soaked in more and petered out. It must have been hellish where the rain originally fell. There is a few rivers joining up after being nearly dry - I heard the salt levels in some rivers after years of drought were something like  3 x sea water level.
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Maggi Young on January 22, 2011, 11:42:02 AM
The New Zealanders were rattled by another 5.1 strength earthquake the other day..... I can't imagine having to cope with that stress.
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Paul T on January 27, 2011, 04:50:30 AM
Howdy All,

A balmy 37oC yesterday here, and 34oC today.  High 20s for the next couple of days and then back into the mid 30s.  Summer has definitely got here properly now. ::)
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: angie on January 27, 2011, 08:51:28 AM
Howdy All,

A balmy 37oC yesterday here, and 34oC today.  High 20s for the next couple of days and then back into the mid 30s.  Summer has definitely got here properly now. ::)

Sounds really good to me. Nice day here I suppose, dry sunny and supposed to reach a balmy 5c.( I can't find the degree key on my iPad )  ::)

Angie :)
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: astragalus on January 27, 2011, 08:39:05 PM
Tried to post and nothing happened so am trying again.  Continued snow here and the pictures are of the growing "marshmallow" on a table and also my favorite trough starting to disappear in the snow.  The deep snow is keeping the antlered rats out of the garden, may it snow a foot a week!  It was -16F the other morning but today it has warmed up to a balmy 30F.
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Paul T on January 27, 2011, 10:55:36 PM
Very cool Marshmallows.  I particularly like the perfectly matching tiny, tall ones on the backs of the chairs.  Hard to believe that such tall stacks of snow stay on such narrow chair backs.  Something I've never seen in real life, not being in a snow area.  Very cool.  Thanks. 8)
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: ArnoldT on January 28, 2011, 02:22:46 AM
Here's an image from this morning.  Snow piled on some Belgian Fence espalier's.  One of them is a Cox's Orange Pippin.
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Paul T on January 28, 2011, 08:54:14 AM
Arnold,

That is so cool.  It's amazing how so much can be held by so little.
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: astragalus on January 28, 2011, 04:04:16 PM
Very cool picture, Arnold.  This last snow was on the wet side and seemed to be able to cling to almost anything.  Some years ago we had a wettish snow with a lot of wind.  Everything became ice towards the end of the storm and the next day all the barb-wire fencing had incredible hanging "beards" of ice.  Unfortunately, it was before the digital camera came into my life.
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: ArnoldT on January 28, 2011, 05:00:58 PM
Thanks, I'm hoping not to see more next week.  It's getting hard to throw the snow higher and higher on top of the heap.
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: astragalus on January 28, 2011, 05:05:09 PM
Sorry, Arnold, but I'm praying for a foot a week until April.  It keeps the antlered rats away.
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: cohan on January 28, 2011, 07:14:36 PM
Nice shots Anne and Arnold!
Since we are on snow shots, here are a couple from 10 days ago-- we since had more than a week of above 0C daytimes (still well below at night), and most of the snow fell off of trees and shrubs, but there is still plenty on the ground and any flat surfaces!
Temps are dropping again, and we could have another 10-15cm give or take over the next couple of days..

Yesterday was +11C daytime, Monday is forecast to be -18C daytime.. still, no -40 as we could have in January!

pic 1 me shovelling part of the drive (you can't see the driveway from this angle, but I am not up to my hips in the snow..lol
pic 2 me behind a Philadelphus--you can see the snow can pile up even on very narrow twigs, though in this case the pile is  supported by small twigs on various sides!
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: ArnoldT on January 28, 2011, 07:55:54 PM
Astragalus:

You can come over next week and do some therapeutic digging for me.  You'll feel so much better. ;)
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Paul T on January 29, 2011, 12:04:20 PM
Arnold, Astragalus, Cohan,

We need a way to transmit some of these temperatures, as it would be nice to get a bit of your cool air.  As I mentioned in the Dactylorhiza topic, we're forecast 35oC, 37oC, 37oC, 34oC, 33oC, 35oC and 33oC for the next week.  Our lowest night temp is 19oC (highest is 21oC), other than tonight which is to get down to 14oC.  I am NOT looking forward to this week at all. ::)
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: David Nicholson on January 29, 2011, 04:17:13 PM
Arnold, Astragalus, Cohan,

We need a way to transmit some of these temperatures, as it would be nice to get a bit of your cool air.  As I mentioned in the Dactylorhiza topic, we're forecast 35oC, 37oC, 37oC, 34oC, 33oC, 35oC and 33oC for the next week.  Our lowest night temp is 19oC (highest is 21oC), other than tonight which is to get down to 14oC.  I am NOT looking forward to this week at all. ::)

At least I'd be able to put the bed socks away ::)
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: astragalus on January 30, 2011, 04:53:51 AM
Some pictures taken last winter of the garden prepared for deer during the winter.  Yes, I know it looks like Stalag 17, but it keeps them away.
Constant replanting gets really old pretty quickly.  Lots of snow is a happy alternative.
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Hoy on January 30, 2011, 08:48:55 AM
Astragalus, that's what I should do at my cabin against the deer and sheep ;D

But it has no effect against slugs, I'm afraid ;)
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Stephenb on January 30, 2011, 10:04:18 AM
Like Cohan we've had a week of temperatures above zero and melting most of the snow which had arrived in early november. This has also resulted in local flooding, but nothing serious. Yesterday I noticed a strange optical phenomenon in the southern sky just above the horizon. It didn't last long, but I did manage to get one picture. Any ideas as to what this is?

Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Peter Maguire on January 30, 2011, 07:34:36 PM
That must be sunrise  :D
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Maggi Young on January 30, 2011, 08:05:26 PM
That must be sunrise  :D
A novel thought... I was thinking more along the lines of the glow from a nuclear power station.........
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: cohan on January 31, 2011, 12:43:15 AM
Like Cohan we've had a week of temperatures above zero and melting most of the snow which had arrived in early november. This has also resulted in local flooding, but nothing serious. Yesterday I noticed a strange optical phenomenon in the southern sky just above the horizon. It didn't last long, but I did manage to get one picture. Any ideas as to what this is?



Our week of warm did nothing much to our snow on the ground (settled several inches, no doubt) and we have another fresh 15-20cm on top now!  -18C today, -33C tonight, +4C Friday!
Stephen--shocking and a little heartening to think there are people with even less winter sun than me ;)
Paul--I don't think you really want much of our cool air ;)
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Paul T on January 31, 2011, 02:45:42 AM
Cohan,

No, but I'd love somewhere in between (preferably still above freezing though thanks!)  ;D
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: cohan on January 31, 2011, 05:51:55 AM
Cohan,

No, but I'd love somewhere in between (preferably still above freezing though thanks!)  ;D

yes, closer to your end, no doubt-- +35 there, -31 at least here, tonight, would still only leave you +4.. better wait till Saturday night when I am forecast only -7 which would leave you at +28--that should seem cool, no? ;)
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Paul T on January 31, 2011, 06:00:28 AM
Ah yes, but if you average instead of just add them (or subtract them) then Saturday sounds even nicer than 28.  ;)
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: cohan on January 31, 2011, 06:48:12 AM
If, like Paul, you are in need of  bit of cooling, here are some road pics from early January, shots taken on my way to work (I wasn't driving!)
http://picasaweb.google.com/cactuscactus/January3102011#
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: ArnoldT on February 01, 2011, 07:18:04 PM
Here's an illustration of  the fault of  rain gutters in the winter  that Mark mentioned a while back.

The shingles are 8" exposure
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Paul T on February 01, 2011, 10:53:33 PM
Arnold,

What do you mean by "the shingles are 8" exposure"?

While the southern states of Australia are baking in a heatwave (bushfires etc starting to break out in various states), Queensland is going to be hammered again.  This time it is by the "largest Cyclone to hit Queensland in recent generations" (quote from a QLD official on the news this morning).  It's going to hit just near Innisfail, which was nearly destroyed by Cyclone Larry in 2006, but this storm is much larger, both in size and in wind speed.  Then there'll be the rainfall associated with it that will spread across QLD and into so many areas that are already trying to recover from the recent floods.  The Cyclone is expected to make landfall somewhere around 9 or 10pm tonight, somewhere just south of Innisfail if it continues tracking as it currently is.

My thoughts go out to those who are in the affected areas.  I know we have at least one person in Cairns on the forum, don't we?  Anyone else up in that region?
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: ArnoldT on February 01, 2011, 11:32:26 PM
The shingles are 18 " long.  The amount of the shingle exposed to view is 8".  I mentioned this to give some scale to the photo.
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: TheOnionMan on February 01, 2011, 11:50:43 PM
Arnold, I really should try and get out to take photos of some of the monstrous ice damming on some building; our local post office building is like an ice palace.  Although I doubt I'll be able to get out soon, had another 12" today, and with back-to-back storms, another 12" predicted for tomorrow, for an official total of 7' (210 cm) since the beginning of January. :o
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Paul T on February 02, 2011, 03:32:01 AM
Good Grief, Mark.  That's an amazing amount of snow (well to me anyway).

Arnold,

Thanks.  I didn't think of the wall surface as shingles, so I was somewhat confused.  Even more than normal.  ;)
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: johnw on February 02, 2011, 03:36:38 AM
Finally snow here. 1cm on Sunday, 10 cm of the fluffiest imagineable type this evening, 20 cm tomorrow. Winter has arrived after one of the mildest stretches since November.  This is nothing compared to the 7 m. (yes metres) I witnessed in St. John's, Nfld. back inthe early 2000's.

Best of luck to those in Queensland who've endured quite enough.

johnw
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: ArnoldT on February 02, 2011, 04:03:51 AM
Paul:

The original siding was cedar shakes which I replaced with the same.  A popular siding along seacoast areas especially in the Northeast US.  The wood comes from British Columbia.
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Paul T on February 02, 2011, 04:11:03 AM
Arnold,

Yeah, I've seen them in some of the design programmes on TV at times, so I know what you're talking about.  Thanks. 8)
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Paul T on February 02, 2011, 09:14:14 AM
Last week's Tropical Cyclone Anthony (hit around the same place as the current TC Yasi is going to hit tonight) is today's rain depression in the southern states.  Getting rain and thunderstorms from the mass of cloud moving down through NSW that I think used to more or less be TC Anthony.  Very nice I must say, as we were feeling somewhat dry here.  Still forecast 30oC tomorrow and showers, so it is going to be stinking humid.  That won't be nice at all, but tonight's rain is a welcome bit of cool, at least while it lasts.  Probably warm air will move in after it and we'll stay up in the low 20s tonight.  ::)
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: arillady on February 02, 2011, 09:35:25 AM
The cyclone bearing down on Qld would have me shivering in my boots and nervous as anyone could ever get. It is going to be a real doosy. I hope that loss of life is not too great. Ah to live in the very dry and extra hot which we have at present. We all need to pray with the buildup this cyclone is gettting. The Queenslanders have had so much to bear lately - they need all the help and support that they can get.
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Paul T on February 02, 2011, 12:00:28 PM
Pat,

Some of the sensors off the coast have registered the highest waves they've ever recorded (a record 6.6m off Townsville), so unfortunately it looks like the build-up might be accurate.  Even today they revised areas of flooding in Townsville up from 5000 residents to 30,000 residents, once they realised the storm swell was going to be a lot higher than initially thought.  The cyclone is also slowing as it nears the coast, which means that the areas will be affected by winds for a longer period.  They're also saying that TC Yasi may still be a category 1 cyclone when it gets to Mount Isa, which is something like 1,000km inland.  The storm is just so big that it won't dissipate quickly over land but could hold on for quite some time at higher wind levels.  While a fair amount of the coast is I'm sure used to cyclones, places 300km inland are I'm sure not normally expecting to get a category 3 cyclone go through them, which is what they're expecting at Georgetown tomorrow morning. :o

I am SO glad I don't live in a cyclone area. :o
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Stephenb on February 02, 2011, 12:50:38 PM
Pat,
Some of the sensors  off the coast have registered the highest waves they've ever recorded (a record 6.6m off Townsville), so unfortunately it looks like the build-up might be accurate.  

6.6m seemed a bit low for a major storm, although 6.6m could well have broken the previous record. Therefore I checked my sources on wave data (I work providing clients with wave climate data globally  :))  

The following link shows that the peak significant wave height measured by the buoy off Townsville was around 12m! That means that it is likely that there were single waves over 20m from trough to crest!! Yes, a major event...
http://www.coastwatch.com.au/Weather/WaveHeightBuoys-337/#Townsville (http://www.coastwatch.com.au/Weather/WaveHeightBuoys-337/#Townsville)

Numerical wave models are nowadays pretty accurate and this shows a nice simulation of where the high waves are at the moment (also between 10 and 15m significant wave height) – the duration of the high waves is also exceptionally long as the storm slowed down:
http://www.bom.gov.au/australia/charts/viewer/index.shtml?domain=combinedW&type=sigWaveHgt (http://www.bom.gov.au/australia/charts/viewer/index.shtml?domain=combinedW&type=sigWaveHgt)
(Press the animate button on the right at the top)

Actually, back in the early 1980s I had the choice of moving to Townsville or Trondheim in Norway - I chose the latter....Think I made the right decision...
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Maggi Young on February 02, 2011, 01:29:23 PM
All these ghastly weather problems and all we can do is hope that people get to safety.  This is turning into a really horrible period, all round, isn't it?
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: astragalus on February 02, 2011, 05:22:27 PM
The newspaper today had a picture of a large sign in front of a local church. 
"WHOEVER IS PRAYING FOR SNOW PLEASE STOP'.
Guilty. 
We've had more snow, now getting snow plus a little ice and this will really keep the deer out of the garden.  This is supposed to last until 6a.m. tomorrow but I think the brunt is over.  Now it's just going to be incredibly messy.  The roads at present are not safe, but being snowbound has some advantages - I've spent time reading posts on the Forum from way back, never had time to do that before. 
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Maggi Young on February 02, 2011, 05:30:30 PM
Every cloud has a silver lining, Anne, every cloud ;)
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: cohan on February 03, 2011, 12:16:45 AM
All the best to all of those in the path of storms!

We are above freezing now thru Sat again, (after -30's mon and tues mornings) so things will be a little slick when it refreezes and snows again Sunday (besides below freezing every night of course)... nothing major, though..
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Paul T on February 03, 2011, 08:10:31 AM
I was just watching tonight's news.... there were 7 evacuation centres set up in the Cyclone Yasi area.  One of those was to be a Senior Citizen's Centre.  Apparently the people turned up to set up yesterday morning, took one look at it and said there was no way they were using it.  They set up the shelter somewhere else instead.  The Senior Citizen's centre was destroyed by Yasi.  Good decision to not set up there!!  :o

The cyclone ended up coming ashore in less populated areas than it could have.  No lives are reported as lost, nor serious injuries.  It crossed the coast as a Category 5 Cyclone with winds of around 295km an hour, not far south of where Cyclone Larry hit almost exactly 5 years ago.  Almost all of the banana crops in the area have been destroyed, just like with Larry.  They'd only really just got over Larry and now they have to start again.  NOT fun.  Yasi is currently now a category 1 cyclone, still heading inland.  Heavy rains accompanying it of course, with damaging winds.  At least no-one killed or seriously hurt, thank the Goddess. 8)
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Roma on February 03, 2011, 04:36:52 PM
Windy here now with rain battering the window.  It started just over an hour ago.  I don't think it is going to be as bad here as on the west.  The Grampian mountains often protect this north east corner of Scotland from the worst weather by deflecting it north and/or south.  I believe there is snow on higher ground.  I hope it doesn't come here.
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: TC on February 03, 2011, 04:56:20 PM
Here on the Clyde coast we have a force 8/9 southwesterly gale at present.  The whirligig clothes dryer is giving a good imitation of a helicopter's rotor blades.  As I write this I can here a Sea-King from HMS Gannet off on some business.  As all the ferries are off, it is most likely a medical emergency on the Island of Arran.  These boys earn their money !  I don't want to go out the door just now.  As a thanks for their service, the government have decided to close down the SAR activities from Prestwick and privatise it, after all, it doesn't make a profit !!!!
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Anthony Darby on February 03, 2011, 10:35:22 PM
Cyclone Yasi must have been a terrifying experience? Much worse than when Anthony blew in last week! :o
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: angie on February 04, 2011, 09:25:48 AM
Cyclone Yasi must have been a terrifying experience? Much worse than when Anthony blew in last week! :o

Last night was really windy here, because I have a forrest behind the house I always expect some trees down but looking out this morning everything looks fine just branches on the road.
I can't and wouldn't like to imagine staying where Cyclones hit. Glad nobody was hurt.

Anthony you will be like a bit of fresh air blowing in. ;D

Angie :)
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Paul T on February 04, 2011, 10:27:10 AM
It's ended up with 1 confirmed death from the fumes of a generator being operated in a completely closed building.  I guess in an emergency he just didn't think about it.  Two people are missing who went out to check on their boat.  They're trying to find out whether they've turned up somewhere else, but they haven't found them last time I heard the news.
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Panu on February 04, 2011, 02:26:02 PM
Quite an ordinary winter, though December was colder than average, minimum temperature -31ºC. Depth of the snow 55 cm, now -8ºC. Lenght of the day has doubled since december and it´s now 7 h 11 min. Nice day for swimming.

Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Maggi Young on February 04, 2011, 03:02:58 PM
Oh, my goodness!
Now that is a real shocker...... a brave man indeed

[attach=1]
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: David Nicholson on February 04, 2011, 03:06:55 PM
Oh, my goodness!
Now that is a real shocker...... a brave man indeed

(Attachment Link)

........ or a man with complete disregard for his extremities, but he did have his hat on ;D
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Roma on February 04, 2011, 04:19:33 PM
and his gloves!!!!!
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Maggi Young on February 04, 2011, 04:20:35 PM
You were looking very closely, Roma  ::) ;) ( I noticed that too.....)
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Panu on February 04, 2011, 04:39:52 PM
Wet hands and cold iron handrails don´t mix very well ;) And my mum said I must wear a hat in winter  ;D
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Maggi Young on February 04, 2011, 04:42:25 PM
Your Mother was a wise woman, Panu.(Mothers always are  :D)


I hope there was a warm sauna or steamroom somewhere nearby to bring the life back after your swim?
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Panu on February 04, 2011, 04:53:23 PM
Nope, just a dressing room. But it´s just fine, because you don´t feel the skin soon after you get up from the water.
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: David Nicholson on February 04, 2011, 05:16:42 PM
Wet hands and cold iron handrails don´t mix very well ;) And my mum said I must wear a hat in winter  ;D

I wasn't concerned about hands and arms :P
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Panu on February 04, 2011, 05:34:56 PM
Yes,that is a Finnish shrimp factory  ;D
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: ranunculus on February 04, 2011, 06:28:20 PM
This is turning into one of those prawn sites!   :D
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: David Nicholson on February 04, 2011, 06:28:56 PM
 ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Paul T on February 04, 2011, 09:23:02 PM
Hey, quite taking all the good jokes.  You shouldn't be so shellfish. ;D
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Lvandelft on February 04, 2011, 09:44:03 PM
Looking at a friendly smiling face of a man swimming in a pool...... and what are the girls doing?

Looking what he is wearing  UNDER water  :o :o :o :o :o
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Maggi Young on February 04, 2011, 10:44:46 PM
Hot blooded Scotswomen, Luit.... you couldn't expect us to ignore a handsome young Finn, now, could you?  ;)
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: angie on February 04, 2011, 10:46:32 PM
Looking at a friendly smiling face of a man swimming in a pool...... and what are the girls doing?

Looking what he is wearing  UNDER water  :o :o :o :o :o
Not me  ::) and I am shocked at my two fellow girls. ;D ;D ;D

Angie :)
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Paul T on February 04, 2011, 10:48:52 PM
A couple of shark finn soup comments have sprung to mind, but I'll resist.  ;D

That water really does look cold.  Cold enough it doesn't even look inviting despite our forecast 35'C.
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Lvandelft on February 04, 2011, 10:49:23 PM
Hot blooded Scotswomen,
If they exist, YOU must certainly be one of them  ;D ;D  I mean, after all you are used to low house temps
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Lvandelft on February 04, 2011, 10:50:57 PM

Not me  ::) and I am shocked at my two fellow girls. ;D ;D ;D

Angie :)
COOL ?  :-\ :-\
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Maggi Young on February 04, 2011, 10:56:22 PM

Not me  ::) and I am shocked at my two fellow girls. ;D ;D ;D

Angie :)
COOL ?  :-\ :-\

 She's hot blooded enough, just not as naughty as some of us! Angela is a good girl.  ;)
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Maggi Young on February 04, 2011, 10:57:48 PM

If they exist, YOU must certainly be one of them  ;D ;D  I mean, after all you are used to low house temps

You know all my secrets... yes it is 16 degrees here in this room... is there any wonder I am entranced by frozen Finns?  ;D
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Lvandelft on February 04, 2011, 11:01:15 PM
;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: angie on February 04, 2011, 11:41:26 PM
Good girl, well sometimes  ;D ;D
How do you make the faces move.

Angie :)
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Maggi Young on February 04, 2011, 11:54:03 PM
To make the faces, or any text move, type them and then highlight them and click the square in the list of buttons above the text box with a Moving "M" in it   ......( seventh from the left in the top row of options above the typing box)  that will show as  (move)  words  ;D (/move) only with the move codes  iside square brackets { not (  because if I show the square brackets it will move and then you won't see the code!!  ;D ;D
 words  ;D
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: angie on February 05, 2011, 12:13:10 AM
Thanks Maggi
 :-*
Angie :)
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Paul T on February 05, 2011, 07:30:40 AM
I'd never worked out how to do this either!!

          Thanks Maggi!!           

                          ;D                           
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: angie on February 05, 2011, 09:34:02 AM
Good to know that I am not the only one that needs help sometimes.
 
;D ;D ;D

Angie :)
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Paul T on February 05, 2011, 11:17:14 AM
Angie,

I've been needing help for years, anyone here can tell you that!!  :o ;D ;D
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: angie on February 05, 2011, 06:39:51 PM
Angie,

I've been needing help for years, anyone here can tell you that!!  :o ;D ;D

And I still am, how did I get that bar under my name. Told you I am hopeless with computers.

Angie :)
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Panu on February 05, 2011, 08:01:48 PM
Today it was a bit colder, -12°C. The water was the same +1°C though :)
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: angie on February 05, 2011, 10:29:21 PM
Angie,

I've been needing help for years, anyone here can tell you that!!  :o ;D ;D

And I still am, how did I get that bar under my name. Told you I am hopeless with computers.

Angie :)


Everyone must be thinking what is she speaking about. A bar under my name.
I work between my laptop and my iPad and showing on my laptop there is a long bar with arrows on both sides . Now how has this appeared on my laptop but not my iPad . Anybody got any ideas.

Angle  :)
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: cohan on February 05, 2011, 10:48:51 PM
Quite an ordinary winter, though December was colder than average, minimum temperature -31ºC. Depth of the snow 55 cm, now -8ºC. Lenght of the day has doubled since december and it´s now 7 h 11 min. Nice day for swimming.



Yikes! better you than me! All water here is frozen solid deep down, I guess there must be open water (where it is deep enough) since people are fishing, but you'd need a larger hole in the ice to swim!
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Gail on February 06, 2011, 09:38:45 AM
Everyone must be thinking what is she speaking about. A bar under my name.
Angle  :)
I see your bar Angie but don't know why it's there and my computer technician (18 year old son) is still in bed so I can't ask him for you!
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Hoy on February 06, 2011, 09:16:33 PM
While I was visiting Norfolk, England, last week a fantastic occurrence of Northern Light hit almost all Norway, even the southmost parts.
Here is a link to some pictures:
http://www.vg.no/protokoll/?pid=876
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Maggi Young on February 06, 2011, 09:24:43 PM
An amazing set of photos, Hoy, thanks for the link.  The lights must have been waiting foryou to go abroad!
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: arillady on February 06, 2011, 09:25:38 PM
I agree Maggi. The photos are absolutely amazing
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: astragalus on February 07, 2011, 05:00:34 AM
Spectacular photos, Hoy.  Thanks so much for posting them.
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: John Kitt on February 07, 2011, 06:01:46 AM
Great photos Hoy.

I was attracted to the advice that the Aurora would be visible on the night of February 5th.
I have been in Hobart for over 25 years and have seen what I thought was the Aurora only once.

Can anybody throw and (northern) light on how you can predict when they will be visible?
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Hoy on February 07, 2011, 07:34:39 AM
Aurora Polaris is connected to sunspots and solar activity. So by observing the sun you can predict probabilities of this phenomenon which is induced by solar wind.
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Maren on February 07, 2011, 09:50:29 AM
It's blowing a bit today, and my neighbour's conifer tree is dropping cones on the carbon fibre roof of my office/shed/pleione store. Every time one drops, I jump out of my skin. It sounds as if it's coming right through the roof.

How do you control your neighbours' trees? I ask nicely but I only get a shrug. I know the laws, of course, but the branches are too high for me to reach from my side.  :'( :'( :'(

Probably should have posted this under 'Moan, Moan'.   ::)
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Tony Willis on February 07, 2011, 10:44:31 AM
we have had 18 cms (7 inches) of rain in the last three days and now it is too windy to go in the greenhouses in case any glass fails. At least the mild air has brought on all the bulbs.
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Maggi Young on February 07, 2011, 10:47:15 AM
It was raining here.... now it's snowing. Yuck!
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: TheOnionMan on February 07, 2011, 08:12:10 PM
Finally out of the deep freeze the last two days, the sun starting to shrink our 7' (210 cm) of snow so far.
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: astragalus on February 07, 2011, 08:21:51 PM
The sun has been wonderful and the snow is being compacted.  The snowplower has had to start blocking part of the garage because he's run out of places to put the snow.  The last picture is the best - no deer tracks!!!!~!
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: astragalus on February 07, 2011, 08:23:41 PM
Sorry for the duplication.  This is the photo I meant to post.
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Stephenb on February 07, 2011, 08:39:53 PM
It was raining here.... now it's snowing. Yuck!

We usually say "It was snowing here....now it's raining. Yuck!" (roughly translated from the Norwegian) :)
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Maggi Young on February 07, 2011, 08:40:51 PM
My goodness, that is a LOT of snow.  Do try to keep it over there, won't you?  ::)



 Anne, I've removed your duplicate for you. ;)


Stephen, whichever way you put it... right now it's yuck!
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Hoy on February 07, 2011, 08:49:02 PM
Mark and Anne,
That's the amount of snow I usually get at the mountain cabin! Then I have to remove snow from the roof to be sure that the cabin doesn't implode :o when the snow gets wet in spring rain.
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Paul T on February 07, 2011, 10:09:09 PM
210cm of snow!  :o  Wow!!
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: arilnut on February 11, 2011, 01:11:46 AM
Hi friends. Here are some pics of our last snow storm. I recieved over 1 foot of snow
with 30 mile per hour winds. This morning it was -17 f (-28 C).

John B
Kansas, USA

Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Hoy on February 11, 2011, 09:11:03 AM
Seems your roof needs thermal insulation! All those icicles tell that you loose a lot of heat that way ;)
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: alpines on February 11, 2011, 12:26:57 PM
Say what you like about the snow but it makes for some very interesting photography. These shots were taken by Sherba yesterday morning.
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Maggi Young on February 11, 2011, 01:41:09 PM
Indeed Alan, it makes for very beautiful photographs and these from Sherba are lovely.....I'm just glad all I have to do is admire the weather and not experience it!  

Image  P2100293 of the trough, looks, as a thumbnail, to be covered in finest arctic fox fur..... :o
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: alpines on February 11, 2011, 01:55:38 PM
Image  P2100293 of the trough, looks, as a thumbnail, to be covered in finest arctic fox fur..... :o
Your observations are spot on Maggi. There was just something about the texture of the snow combined with ice that made it seem magical. Not seen that effect before.
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Maggi Young on February 11, 2011, 02:06:04 PM
We can see the ice crystals very well in image P2100310... one can almost "see" them growing.
I was wondering about the practicalities, (never mind the expense etc) of cladding your gate post in fur.... seemed a bit extravagant...... ;)
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: alpines on February 11, 2011, 02:20:49 PM
Reminds me of those 'wigs' they used to wear in the 60s/70s.
Gate posts covered in fur....now there's a thought.....lots of dead skunks on the road.....that should help to keep unwanted visitors at bay ;D
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: cohan on February 11, 2011, 06:57:18 PM
Say what you like about the snow but it makes for some very interesting photography. These shots were taken by Sherba yesterday morning.

Very true, lovely shots--hoar frost is my favourite. I always think I will have time over winter to catch up on editing summer flower photos, then find that winter is full of landscape shots--its the most changeable season, visually--so many textures and light conditions... There has to be some consolation! :-X
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: TC on February 11, 2011, 07:53:34 PM
After weeks of rain, gales and cloudy skies, yesterday was perfect.  Wall to wall blue, sunny skies and no wind.  Even with a temperature of 5c it felt warm in the sunshine.  We felt the need to go North for the day, and ended up in the village of Killin, in Perthshire.  The pictures are of the Falls of Dochart.  The snow was perfect -  up in the hills !!   After a walk round we came back the long way via Loch Lomond.  Unusually, the Loch was mirror clam.  The views are of the North side of the hill instead of the usual pictures showing the "shoulders", taken from the southern end. Today it is back to low clouds and rain
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Maggi Young on February 11, 2011, 07:57:45 PM
Shots to charm any potential visitors, Tom  :D
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: cohan on February 11, 2011, 08:04:56 PM
After weeks of rain, gales and cloudy skies, yesterday was perfect.  Wall to wall blue, sunny skies and no wind.  Even with a temperature of 5c it felt warm in the sunshine.  We felt the need to go North for the day, and ended up in the village of Killin, in Perthshire.  The pictures are of the Falls of Dochart.  The snow was perfect -  up in the hills !!   After a walk round we came back the long way via Loch Lomond.  Unusually, the Loch was mirror clam.  The views are of the North side of the hill instead of the usual pictures showing the "shoulders", taken from the southern end. Today it is back to low clouds and rain

Very nice! The images of liquid water are very foreign at this time of year--the only place (outdoors) I see that is in small puddles in front of my door on warm days which turn to miniature skating rinks at night  ;D
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Hoy on February 11, 2011, 08:47:05 PM
It's very familiar! Both the snow clad landscape and the calm Loch Lomond and the fells around ;) Nice.
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: ranunculus on February 11, 2011, 09:21:53 PM
Beautiful images, Sherba and Tom.

Just a few from damp and misty Aysgarth Falls, Skipton Castle and Kilnsey Crags (in the Yorkshire Dales) this afternoon ...
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: astragalus on February 11, 2011, 09:25:04 PM
Cliff, this looks so alien.  Where is the snow?  The ice?  The collapsed roofs?
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Hoy on February 11, 2011, 10:42:23 PM
Cliff, where are the disasters :o
But I,m content ;)
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Anthony Darby on February 12, 2011, 12:02:05 AM
Today's weather forecast is rain. It rained - yesterday evening; today is a scorcher! I just love this country! 8) On Monday we are off touring in a motor home for a week. Fingers crossed the weather holds!
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: angie on February 12, 2011, 08:22:33 AM
Anthony today it's pouring of rain and tomorrow will probally be the same. I .... this country  :'(
Enjoy your week in your motor home, please take some nice sunny pictures to brighten up our days back home.

Angie :)
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Magnar on February 12, 2011, 09:51:59 AM
Greenhouse this morning after 2 days of heavy snowfall. 80 cm on the ground now.
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Paul T on February 12, 2011, 09:58:13 AM
Now some cool would be nice here, but not THAT much cool.  :o ;D

I hope you all survive without too much damage from the weight of snow.  Fingers crossed.
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Armin on February 12, 2011, 06:01:48 PM
Magnar,
must have been a lot of work to remove all the snow.
I'm happy the snow is gone here already. I need more sun :)
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Panu on February 12, 2011, 06:26:38 PM
-25 °C now, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RyUf7r_9yNs ;D
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Maggi Young on February 12, 2011, 07:14:39 PM
-25 °C now, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RyUf7r_9yNs ;D

 So, Panu, you have cousins in Norway, huh?!  ;)
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Hoy on February 12, 2011, 10:09:39 PM
Not me! I prefere the "upside" of the ice ;D
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Peter Maguire on February 13, 2011, 11:21:07 AM
Too much ice. Give me small chunks...........in a glass.......with something to warm the inner person.  ::)
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: cohan on February 13, 2011, 09:19:22 PM
Beautiful images, Sherba and Tom.

Just a few from damp and misty Aysgarth Falls, Skipton Castle and Kilnsey Crags (in the Yorkshire Dales) this afternoon ...

Uh, seriously off topic! This cannot possibly be considered winter!  :o
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: ranunculus on February 13, 2011, 09:42:53 PM
Beautiful images, Sherba and Tom.

Just a few from damp and misty Aysgarth Falls, Skipton Castle and Kilnsey Crags (in the Yorkshire Dales) this afternoon ...

Uh, seriously off topic! This cannot possibly be considered winter!  :o

Perhaps I should save them until spring, Cohan?   :D
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: cohan on February 13, 2011, 10:06:27 PM
Clearly some of you have jumped the gun and started spring already, Cliff! ;)
I'm not jealous at all, mind you, we'll have spring too in another 3 or 4 months ;)
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: cohan on February 13, 2011, 10:53:43 PM
I had the feeling I had posted some of these before, but if so, I can't remember where!
Here is what winter really looks like--nothing flowering, no signs of like at all!
These are from January 30, but nothing much has really has changed-since then it has snowed several times, been above freezing then cold in a 4-6 day alternating pattern; when its warm, the paths look less white, then fresh snow cleans things up again...
No, I'm not really trying to move a mountain of snow, the camera was held very low  ;D next shot shows more like real height, though paths are a few inches above the ground..
The album also shows me using a chainsaw  :o something friends in the city surely could never have imagined....
full album: https://picasaweb.google.com/cactuscactus/January2011WinterWork#
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Panu on February 14, 2011, 11:17:06 AM
Length of the day 8 h 20 min, the sun is already warming.

(http://www.foreca.fi/meteogram.php?loc_id=100643492&lang=fi)
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Stephenb on February 14, 2011, 01:14:13 PM
Panu: Yes, the sun makes a big difference. Add 15C to your temperature trace and you get our current temperature. Out skiing at the weekend in about -12C in the sunshine gave a fantastic feeling (however, -25C is too cold for skiing!). I stopped in the forest at one place and 3 Coal Tits (Parus ater) were singing their hearts out, already establishing their territories. 

Cohan: A quick glimpse at your post and I thought you were using a chain saw to clear the snow, then I remembered your snow is light stuff, not ice.... :)

Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: cohan on February 14, 2011, 07:47:39 PM
Yes, thank goodness for lengthening days--we can feel some hope when there is still little other sign (and some awakenings on indoor plants, couldn't live without those!).. just today I was passing a big old spruce tree which is right on the side of our driveway, with some southern exposure at the base giving a rare for this season bare patch of ground, and I was thinking how exciting it is just to see soil, dead grass and leaves, never mind anything growing which will be months yet!
We've been having lots of above zero days, not enough to make a dent in the snowcover on the ground, apart from roads and paths, but we have 4 days coming of possible snow, and after tomorrow a return to -15C as a high....

Stephen, thankfully I don't have to use the chainsaw for snow! But I have used a big axe on ice drips in front of the door.... ::)
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Hoy on February 21, 2011, 06:54:13 PM
Here's one family that got a surprise when they visited their cabin this weekend. Part of their cabin was covered by 12m(!) snow. It is nor very far from where I live but I have no snow at all ;D


(http://gfx.nrk.no/o-hoiaLc3bU5KD7UjArm8Alx9ju5_fn3lGspOwocBJCg.jpg)


Read the rest of the story here:

http://nrk.no/nyheter/distrikt/rogaland/1.7516479
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: cohan on February 22, 2011, 08:13:13 AM
Yikes, was this drifted over a hill? Luckily no such thing is possible here! (perhaps if you were below a cliff, and it could drift over the top, but there are no cliffs, and not that much snow  ;D
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Peter Maguire on February 22, 2011, 02:57:15 PM
2000 cubic metres is a lot of snow  :o I'm surprised the cabin didn't collapse.
I seem to remember Sirdal is quite a long east-west valley, but it looks from the pictures as if it's near the top, so it will get snow blown across the plateau and dumped there.
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: mark smyth on February 27, 2011, 04:55:41 PM
By contrast the heat hasnt been on in the car or house all week

Lough Neagh today was flat calm. It was like an island paradise standing on the small beach looking out
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Paul T on March 01, 2011, 05:42:58 AM
Mark,

The visual effect in that pic had me thinking there was a huge wave coming towards you, Mark. :o
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Maren on March 01, 2011, 08:24:38 AM
Mark, is that the view from your window? you lucky man. ;) ;) ;)
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: mark smyth on March 01, 2011, 06:27:24 PM
I wish Maren. The lough is only about 2 miles from my house

What a day today! Sunshine all day. Shorts and polo shirt but no flip flops yet although I did see a guy with flip flops yesterday.

I started painting the fence until the brush broke - there is always tomorrow
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Hoy on March 01, 2011, 08:47:13 PM
Nice view, Mark! We had sun yesterday but not shorts weather. Today foggy :(

Yikes, was this drifted over a hill? Luckily no such thing is possible here! (perhaps if you were below a cliff, and it could drift over the top, but there are no cliffs, and not that much snow  ;D

Cohan: Yes, it is a snowdrift or "fonn" as we say here.

2000 cubic metres is a lot of snow  :o I'm surprised the cabin didn't collapse.
I seem to remember Sirdal is quite a long east-west valley, but it looks from the pictures as if it's near the top, so it will get snow blown across the plateau and dumped there.

The cabins are built to withstand much snow but the trouble comes in spring if it starts raining! Then you'll get a heavy load ;D
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Susan Owl on March 06, 2011, 06:29:00 AM
I wished to have some snow during the last weeks. We had bare frost down to - 15 C during night, days full of sun and dry winds from east. Ground ist frozen down to 40 cm. The leaves of cyclamen and primula are totally frozen and irreversibly damaged, buds of helleborus often dry. The leaves of hepatica feel like thin paper.  :(
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Hoy on March 06, 2011, 08:05:03 AM
Susan, couldn't you cover with fleece or something? I have 2-3 plants I cover with a piece of styrofoam in dry, cold weather. It works fine even if the soil freezes.
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Susan Owl on March 06, 2011, 08:51:46 AM
That's a good idea for next winter. It will look funny, half the garden covered with fleece. Nothing about winter aspect  :-X.  Now it is too late. They say temperature will rise.
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Giles on March 06, 2011, 04:07:14 PM
It's definitely Spring here.
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: mark smyth on March 06, 2011, 04:16:07 PM
It must be almost summer here. Most Crocus have finished.
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: David Nicholson on March 06, 2011, 08:16:43 PM
It's definitely Spring here.

Brass monkey stuff down here!
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Stephenb on March 07, 2011, 07:44:29 AM

Biggest snowfall of the winter so far at the weekend. Only 5-6 weeks before the first crocus make their appearance  ;)

Brass monkeys don't overwinter here - too cold!
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: mark smyth on March 07, 2011, 09:55:46 AM
Biggest snowfall of the winter so far at the weekend. Only 5-6 weeks before the first crocus make their appearance  ;)
Brass monkeys don't overwinter here - too cold!

You should move to N Ireland. We have just had the sunniest winter on record and probably the driest. No rain has fallen on my garden in three weeks or more.

England had the dullest winter
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: cohan on March 07, 2011, 06:44:22 PM
We've been having some of our coldest weather of the winter--especially with windchill added--last week some nights not far from -40C/F then -20's and days not much warmer..now we seem to be warming up again, and will see above freezing on Wed for the first time in a couple of weeks.. it will be interesting to see how fast this snow goes--still knee deep in open areas--that means a good year for flowering  of native woodland species..
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Hoy on March 09, 2011, 08:56:42 PM
The weather depends of where you are - even in a county! Here is a picture from my drive home (not for Xmas this time) today.
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Panu on March 11, 2011, 04:54:17 PM
Almost 20 cm fresh snow today, depth of the snow ~70 cm. :/. Things could be worse though.
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Maggi Young on March 11, 2011, 06:39:10 PM
This is what the Met. Office says for Southern Scotland in the next while:
"Warning ofHeavy Snow & Drifting Snow 2100 Fri 11 2359 Sat 12
Band of rain spreading from the southwest into southern Scotland will turn to snow this evening. This initially over hills, but to increasingly to lower levels overnight as the band moves slowly north into the southern Grampians. By the end of Saturday there is the potential for 20 to 30 cm over higher ground, and 5 to 10 cm at lower levels. Some drifting likely later.

Issued at: 1033 Fri 11 Mar"

I'm hearing that some Scots are taking heed of this warning about heavy snowfalls in the very area they'd have to travel through to get to the Blackpool Show tomorrow..... sounds like a sensible idea.
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Hoy on March 11, 2011, 07:18:20 PM
This is what the Met. Office says for Southern Scotland in the next while:
"Warning ofHeavy Snow & Drifting Snow 2100 Fri 11 2359 Sat 12
Band of rain spreading from the southwest into southern Scotland will turn to snow this evening. This initially over hills, but to increasingly to lower levels overnight as the band moves slowly north into the southern Grampians. By the end of Saturday there is the potential for 20 to 30 cm over higher ground, and 5 to 10 cm at lower levels. Some drifting likely later.

Issued at: 1033 Fri 11 Mar"

I'm hearing that some Scots are taking heed of this warning about heavy snowfalls in the very area they'd have to travel through to get to the Blackpool Show tomorrow..... sounds like a sensible idea.


Sure it isn't the weather forecast for the mountains here?
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: cohan on March 11, 2011, 07:40:04 PM
We were forecast snow for the last couple of days, but it didn't materialise.. still possible flurries this afternoon, though its sunny now..
high -12C today, then highs of +2 -+7 for the next 6 days!
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Roma on March 12, 2011, 06:04:42 PM
Weather here has been pretty miserable all day.  Snow started about 10am and there has been wet sleety snow all day.  Pictures taken around 12.30.  First two from the garage door.
Heathers and Rhododendrons
Melita waiting for her lunch
Rhododendron 'Praecox'
Two Hellebores,  interesting how pink the snow is round the pink hellebore.  The camera must have seen something I didn't as the pictures were taken only seconds apart
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: mark smyth on March 12, 2011, 06:33:24 PM
at 8am there was a good covering of snow outside my house but by 10 it was gone. Heavy snow falls on high ground over here
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: cohan on March 12, 2011, 06:35:54 PM
Weather here has been pretty miserable all day.  Snow started about 10am and there has been wet sleety snow all day.  Pictures taken around 12.30.  First two from the garage door.
Heathers and Rhododendrons
Melita waiting for her lunch
Rhododendron 'Praecox'
Two Hellebores,  interesting how pink the snow is round the pink hellebore.  The camera must have seen something I didn't as the pictures were taken only seconds apart

Nice to have some early colour--besides the snow  ;D
I find the automatic whitebalance sensor on my camera is constantly re-interpreting the colour of snowy scenes! Usually bluey, greeney or sometimes golden tones--which are fine sometimes, but when not, I find I need to constantly reset it, with every slight change in light or position..
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: Hoy on March 20, 2011, 04:45:13 PM
Nice weather Saturday 19 March.
Had a walk to the Ryvarden lighthouse. No blooming yet here but coffee and waffles with cream and strawberry jam ;)
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: ArnoldT on March 20, 2011, 06:46:48 PM
The giant moon last night.
Title: Re: Weather winter 2010/2011
Post by: David Nicholson on March 20, 2011, 07:19:37 PM
S'funny, we had one of those too ??? :P
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