That "snow in the Sahara" article didn't help either.... no snow since 1979, then they get five lots in the last seven years. 'Snot fair, as the kids say!
I realised the other day that what we're seeing is very unusual at this time of winter. Normally persistent high pressure would lead to a gradual chilling effect, dew giving way to frost and eventually layers of the stuff lingering in the shade all day long. The dewpoint would fall, too, as the stagnant air gradually dries out.
This time we're looking at days on end of dry weather, but with dewpoints generally above zero... that kills any prospect of frost lingering all day, and the moisture in the air means it won't cool down as much at night either.
The reason, of course, is that as our high wobbles around it continually entrains moisture (and warmth) top-ups from the Atlantic, meaning it feels like an autumn calm spell rather than a wintry high.
I'd rather have this than gales and torrential rain any day, but as someone who loves snow it's just as bad in terms of potential!
Every year that passes makes me realise all the more just how lucky I was to have lived through the 80s and 90s. Twenty or more years on and I do wonder if we'll ever see proper winters again!
Originally Posted by: Retron