"Dave Wheeler" wrote in Observers Handbook
(fourth edition)
"Blizzard: the simultaneous occurrence of moderate ot heavy snowfall
and
winds of at least force 7 (28 knots) which causes drifting snow and a
reduction of the visibility to 200 m or less"

"Severe blizzard: the simultaneous occurrence of moderate ot heavy
snowfall and winds of at least force 9 (41 knots) which causes
drifting
snow and a reduction of the visibility to near zero"

I've not been able to find reference to 'Blizzards' in the 'SPOT-ON
Observers Guide' - the, to quote, "Met Office's updated guide to
observing practices for the UK land-based observing network". But
then
I'm not suprised - while this 'guide' may help observers fill in the
spaces on the CODET it's absolutely pathetic for 'real' observing. My
SPOT-ON guide - despite its flashy plastic waterproof cover with its
snap-shut flap - resides unloved on the bookshelf alongside the much
thumbed 'Handbook.

Bring back the days when observers were taught to observe by
professionals at the Met Office college. What you get out is only as
good as what you put in - fewer dependable obs and chaos can result.
Admited AWS are improving but they should be used to fill in the gaps
between the MK1 eyeball!

Dave,

I had a similar rant a few weeks ago! My Observer's Handbook is the best
and only guide for me. The SPOT-ON observer's Guide is not a lot of use.

I attended the Shinfield Park courses for Climat. observers a few times
back in the 1980's and was amazed what I learned about observing. I was
young enough before then to know everything!

ATB,

--
Ken Cook, Copley (5miles north of Barnard Castle), County Durham.
830ft
http://mysite.freeserve.com/copley
(MO climat. site updated before 10Z and 19Z daily)
kencookATcopleydurham.freeserve.co.uk


---
Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free.
Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com).
Version: 6.0.572 / Virus Database: 362 - Release Date: 27/01/04