I agree with others though who indicate the air over E Europe is very
mild
ATM so any easterly isn't going to be a classic, at least early in
the
period.

Thanks Mike, that cheers me up a bit.:-)

Plus, remember how quick 1947 was to cool down after an also very much
mild early-mid January - even though I wasn't actually there?

Do you agree that the people over at The Weather Outlook discussion
forum once again have egg on their faces though, if just temporarily,
against what I am suggesting?

D.