I was doing to research over the weekend into the average number of days in Penrith over the years that have lying snow, the record in Penrith goes back to 1903 so plenty of data.

Between 1940 and 1980 the average number of days per year will snow lying was 20.2, ok this period covered the winters of 1947 and 1963 but also the very mild winters of the 1970,s.

I have lived in Penrith since 1989 (25years) and during that time snow has layed on the ground only on 232 mornings so an average of 9.3 annually.

That means Penrith has missed out on 270 days of snow in just 25 years, compared to the long term mid 20th century average.

This shows just how mild winters in the past 25 years have become (with a few exceptions) and as a cold weather fan I feel very cheated !

I imagine this situation is reflected in other parts of the UK and I know from rough estimates that the situation for Birmingham using the excellent Edgbaston record is even worse.

I want my 270 days of snow and I want them now!!

Andy

I'm lucky if I do get to experience 270 minutes of laying snow in an average winter around here.

Mind you, there was February 1986 where after a snowy spell in the first few days, temperatures then stayed at around freezing for the rest of the month and thus preserved the snow cover, even though very little further snow fell. 

I wouldn't have a clue how many we're owed here but whether we're owed any at all I'd like to see a hell of a lot more than we've had over the last decade or so.

Owed is not the word. I've recently applied for a rebate via a PPI claim and after commission I'm expecting 455 days of snow cover back in lieu of my investment in cold weather since 1991

The average here since 1946 has been 22 days ranging from 13 during the 1990s to 30 during the 1960s.

About 1 in 5 winters have fewer than 10 days lying snow but in the last 8 years there's been four: 2006/07, 2007/08, 2011/12 and 2013/14.

I'd put money on 2014/15 joining them. Certainly when it gets so far into winter without any lying snow it's highly likely the final total will end up well below average.