Locals around around the Kyle are in a state of frenzied anticipation as
the current 'arctic blast' looks like equalling (or perhaps even
surpassing) the warmest ever recorded cold spell (1999). Temperatures
last night plunged to a bone numbing -0.7C. with a measured snow depth
at 0900z of a smothering 350 microns. Observations show that
considerable drifting is taking place with the upper layer (of 2 -
mustn't use the word TWO as I believe it has other connotations) of
snowflakes moving up to 4mm. in the stronger gusts. Curtains are drawn
around the village as the highest gusts today could reach a staggering
5mph., this far exceeding yesterday's maximum gust of 3mph.

Although we have been advised not to travel, I am about to make the
hazardous journey on to the lawn (to fill up the bird feeders) and can
assure the group that I shall take the sensible precaution of putting on
suitable protective clothing for the 5 metre trip (a shirt and carpet
slippers).

With the speed that this arctic blast is moving toward the SE of
England, our antipodal contributors could expect the cold weather to
arrive as early as the first week of April.

Phil.
From the Kyle of Sutherland - 175 feet AMSL [NH 616916]
(40 miles north of Inverness)