I remember on 8th December 1981 the amount of snow caught forecasters out. According to Richard Mabey in his book Cold Comforts the annual rugby Varsity match was played in 6 inches of snow at Twickenham. I thought surprises like this were a thing of the past.
Similarly this year seems to have over-delivered wrt forecasts in the lowland south. Snow fell and covered much almost down to sea level in places. Less than an hour before the heavy stuff started here, the local BBC forecast was still insisting there might be a few sleety bits down to lower levels with some snow possible over higher ground. I know marginal events are difficult to forecast. It must have been even harder this time with near surface temperatures between 1 and 2 C when the first flakes fell- and these were not preceded by any rain that simply turned due to dry air and intensity.
More remarkably it's two and a half weeks earlier than the '81 surprise. Sad it doesn't look to continue the same way.
Bertie, Itchen Valley.
Retire while you can still press the 'retire now' button.