However, when are the WMO and Met Office going to start using the 1971-2000
figures?

I don't understand this, the Met Office have the 1971-2000 averages
and it's up on on their website (apart from the mapped averages).
http://www.meto.gov.uk/climate/uk

Dave, True, the MO have added some 1971-2000 averages for a sample of
locations, but that is not the same as saying that they use it operationally -
they do not; climatic anomalies are all in relation to 1961-90. When most
others use 1971-2000 - including COL - It really does invite media
misrepresentation (through confusion).

Julian
Julian Mayes, West Molesey, Surrey.