John Hall wrote:

My own experience suggests that by the time we get almost into March we
generally need a north-easterly for real cold, since Europe to the south
of the Baltic tends to be warming up rapidly as the sun gains in power.

Not right now it isn't. 23 Cm of snow today, 13 of them in the past 4
hours, and snow forecast for the next week. Currently -3 in south east
Bulgaria, with a 25Kt Northerly and heavy snow. 23 Cm on the car roof,
55 cm up against the north side of the car.

--
Keith