It's a tad disappointing, but not without hope.
[MENTION=236]Papa Lazarou[/MENTION] - what on Earth is going on? Last night on TWO there were posts about snowmageddon, and a potential 20cm of snow for the SE of the UK... and this morning, winter is over! Can the charts really change that much in 6 hours or so? What's your take on it all (please )
I read the TWO forum regularly when there's talk of snow, and feel quite exhausted by the roller coaster ride! Can't imagine what it's like to be able to 'read the charts' too and have to try and interpret what's shown!
Yes, last night's ECM Op run was amazing for snow, although the GFS was not so keen. This morning, the GFS and ensemble have backed away a little further from an extended cold spell, and the ECM Op run is also far less favourable. WE don't see the full ECM ensemble details, but apparently there is still support for cold weather in there.
This was never a 'nailed on cold spell' but last night's ECM got some people over excited.
Metcheck running at 1.45c above normal for January so it is turning out to be an exceptionally mild winter after a very mild november and december
https://www.express.co.uk/news/weat...ast-snow-warning-weather-forecast-latest-maps
Daily Express predicting Armageddon again, so best unpack the shorts, flip-flops and sun cream. Barbecue anyone?
FINALLY expecting the first decent amount of snow here near the US/Canada border. My first Canadian winter has been thoroughly disappointing thus far!!
[MENTION=236]Papa Lazarou[/MENTION], looking further ahead to Weds 23/1 onwards, is settled snow looking a real possibility for all of Sussex?
It's certainly possible, but I think what you're asking is whether is PROBABLE.
Tonight's GFS is a big step in the right direction. The models have been really struggling from the 22nd onwards for a number of days, which is understandable, as it's been many days in the future, and the effect (if any) of the SSW has been hard to model until it started to work its way down through the atmosphere.
Where we are tonight is the GFS ensemble, for the first time in the 'spell' have come to some agreement, and that seems to be more cold than not. However, as the attached shows, although the snow % values have increased nicely there are still milder options (this is the 850hpa temp).
View attachment 103833
Looking at surface temps there is still a 'range' available, but the cold outcomes are increasing.
View attachment 103834
So, it's an increasing chance, but it could still easily got ever so wrong and we get cold rain. I'd say it's now pretty much guaranteed for upland and northern parts of the UK at some stage (even this week), but down here we need to wait a little longer, and although we probably will see snow falling, it's the longevity and persistence (on the ground) that's the variable.
Thanks. I’m trying to steer clear of an excited “probable” from now on, instead relying on your considered scientific view.
FINALLY expecting the first decent amount of snow here near the US/Canada border. My first Canadian winter has been thoroughly disappointing thus far!!