4 year gap now since proper winter spells (as this winter hasn't happened yet). 1988-1990 inclusive was, true, only a 3 year gap. But then, the modern winter drum has been beaten for at least two (since I joined TWO) meaning there was only a two year gap. Reading posts makes me think it's an even more established folk tale.
To see why this is just another stretch in a chaotic sequence of stretches, let's look back at things in the south- after all, this is the least likely place to enjoy 'proper' winters- since the 70s. A little flourish at the start of February 1976. Then there was 1978,1979. Two more dearths until winter 1982 (the February and April 1981 events were not very useful).
We were a bit spoilt in 1985-1987 but had to wait until February 1991 and then February 1994- the latter, a pathetic one day event. There were bits in 1996 and 1997 but apart from a few end of December flourishes around the turn of the century, a long, long run without anything.
The problem with this MW garb is that 2009, 2010 and 2011 happened- must have scared the trews off of MW devotees- with 2013 coming close behind. I estimate the number of converts to this myth or false god would be 50% higher if it weren't for this substantial fly in one's MW ointment.
This year there's going to be some reportable cold and some worthwhile snow. If I'm wrong, I know it'll be OK because it's OK to post unsubstantiated modern winter claims. They might have been politely asked to go elsewhere, but they're back!
Originally Posted by: Bertwhistle