"Martin Rowley" schreef in bericht
...

... an interesting tale: a passing thought - as KNMI would have had the
same problems with the past few days due to strong winds, rain vs. snow
etc., how are things done in Holland (i.e 'Early Warnings' , Severe
Warnings etc.)? And is there as much grumbling when those that want the
snow don't get it ;-)

snip Really had to think about that, Martin. In the first place today's
snow over Holland was very very uncertain even until last night, for it was
hard to estimate how far the temperature would drop below - so how cold the
air eventually would be to catch up with the mild air of the approaching
warmth front. Some clouds, even cirrus, could spoil the fun.
The KNMI, and other weather-institutes, simply explain things like this. Our
weatherguys/ -women really are educators :-).
And, I also think, we're used to these confrontations of two air-masses --
cold air in the east-southeast and incoming milder air from the ocean. Its
rather common over Holland in wintertime. So not much of real grumbling
about snow, sleet or rain :-).

Concerning the warning systems. In general: I think its more a matter of
culture. When I visit your big beautiful island, its always striking how
often you're warned (!!) for almost everything :-). The only warning I
really missed was the pubs closing down at 23.00 h! :-)).

The KNMI doesn't know something like a warning-scale "early warning -
severe warning etc".
Warnings are always over the next 24 hours; given every half hour on radio,
and via every other available channel. Wind's given in Beaufort -- and there
warnings when windforce is above 6.
In serious conditions, like last weekend, the KNMI gives the windforce and
adds a warning for heavy to very heavy gusts, also 24 hours ahead. And, of
course, change it if necessary. Icy roads-warnings are the most common one
in winter.
Windchill is only added when there's real danger of frost-bite -- in general
with windchilltemps below ms 15 C.

I can imagine for British ears this warning-system sound very very
inaccurate -- but its okay with us :-).


Wijke