What do you think of this article that appeared in tonight's "Coventry
Evening Telegraph"?

Whatever the merits of the study, where does it actually say that we are
due a "white Christmas"?

Still, that's journalists for you!


White Christmas likely, says study Oct 26 2004

It's enough to make the bookies freeze with fear - Britain has more
chance than ever of a thick cover of snow this Christmas, scientists are
predicting.

A study of 140 years of winter weather has found that while short
showers are declining, heavy and prolonged blizzards are increasing
decade on decade.

Richard Wild, director of the Tornado and Storm Research Organisation
(TORRO), said his study rubbished theories that Britain no longer
suffers from bitter cold snaps.

He said his work had examined snowfall trends since records began in
1861 and uncovered a steadily growing pattern of downfalls lasting over
24 hours.

"Between 1890 and 1899 the UK witnessed about 27 heavy snowfalls," said
Mr Wild, one of the country's leading snow experts.

"This has steadily risen decade on decade and between 1990 and 1999 it
had reached just under 60,"

"The perception is that we are not getting the snow we used to. In
reality, snow is falling - but it is falling in unpopulated areas of the
country."

Mr Wild, a meteorologist for Bournemouth-based WeatherNet ltd, said the
increase in heavy snow showers is partly down to climate change.

He added: "We are a warmer world - which means there is more moisture in
the atmosphere. This also means there is more potential for snow to
occur when temperatures drop."

His research also revealed that heavy snow is more likely to fall in
Scotland than in England or Wales.



--
Steve Jackson,
Bablake Weather Station,
Coventry, UK
http://www.netlink.co.uk/users/bws