13:33 29Nov2005 RTRS-Abnormally cold Europe winter highly likely-UK Met

LONDON, Nov 29 (Reuters) - Europe has a high probability of a colder
than average winter this year, the UK government weather agency the Met
Office said in a new report on Tuesday.
The agency has hardened its forecast on the verge of the peak energy
consuming season of December-February and if proved accurate, this could
force a surge in European demand for heating fuels such as distillates
and natural gas.
"The Met Office continues to predict a two in three chance of a
colder-than-average winter for much of Europe," the Met office said in a
statement.
"The last eight winters have been relatively mild and perhaps have
given the impression that these are 'normal.' The balance of probability
is for a winter colder than those experienced since 1995/6."
European heating oil barge differentials started to firm last week
as temperatures in large European markets turned colder than normal.
Traders in Ventspils however said they were yet to see signs of
increased spot demand. The Latvian port is a main source of gas oil
imports into Europe.

On Tue, 29 Nov 2005 18:41:07 +0000 (UTC), "Brendan DJ Murphy"
wrote:


13:33 29Nov2005 RTRS-Abnormally cold Europe winter highly likely-UK Met

LONDON, Nov 29 (Reuters) - Europe has a high probability of a colder
than average winter this year, the UK government weather agency the Met
Office said in a new report on Tuesday.
The agency has hardened its forecast on the verge of the peak energy
consuming season of December-February and if proved accurate, this could
force a surge in European demand for heating fuels such as distillates
and natural gas.
"The Met Office continues to predict a two in three chance of a
colder-than-average winter for much of Europe," the Met office said in a
statement.
"The last eight winters have been relatively mild and perhaps have
given the impression that these are 'normal.' The balance of probability
is for a winter colder than those experienced since 1995/6."
European heating oil barge differentials started to firm last week
as temperatures in large European markets turned colder than normal.
Traders in Ventspils however said they were yet to see signs of
increased spot demand. The Latvian port is a main source of gas oil
imports into Europe.

Perhaps a better headline would be: "Normally cold European winter
highly likely" or "Run of abnormally mild European winters set to
End".

--
Dave