Oh no Its winter.

[Ian M]

Once again, it has come as a huge surprise that winter has arrived.

Yes We got the first snow of the winter and every on has gone totally nuts!

The North got it first and its now snowing out side in the garden.

They say we could get over 20cm. Oh My! I had better get hording and find the snow chains.

This is Denmark. Scandinavia for heavens sake. Why does it totally bugger people just because its snowing a little bit!!!!!!

[stona]

You think that's bad? At least you've got snow chains etc. 20cm of snow will bring the U.K to a complete standstill,it does nearly every year!

[Guest]

We are set to have it here in the UK tomorrow. A Siberian cold front is on its way over and they are calling it White Wednesday. Knowing our forcasters it will probably be Hot Wednesday, millions of pounds of technology they have, not one person knows how to use it. lol

Keep warm Ian.

Andy

[Guest]

RAF Coningsby met has said we will get it Thursday although they have not said how much.

Steve, 20cm would close down the whole of the Commonwealth.... 20mm would bring Britain to a halt

[AlanG]

We had over 4ft of snow here last winter and yet we still functioned. But there again southern England has always been known for it's drama queen attitude to adverse weather lol

[Guest]

But Scotland is a country that has maintained its history, traditions and its connection and reliance on nature. It has also moved with the times without losing its roots. England has spent so much time selling off its traditions and its ability to work with the seasons to try to show itself as a one season country.

I well remember as a kid the excitement of walking two and a half miles to school with the snow up to my knees, wearing shorts and wellies. It was great fun and there would be loads of kids laughing their way to school, having snowball fights on the way and still getting there on time. As the final bell rang, we would don our still soggy coats and wellingtons and set off back home again.

Now, a passing cyclist with dandruff closes all schools and cities grind to a halt. Sometimes I am ashamed to see what we have become in this country.

[AlanG]

I remember times like that too Graham (without the shorts as i aren't that old lol). The cold winds, rain and snow whistling in off the north sea straight onto Nth Lincolnshire is something i'll never forget.

Last winter though was the worst we've had it up here since i moved up in '98. We got down to -23 deg C and i had 4ft of snow at my front door and 6ft at my back door lol

[Guest]

I remember times like that too Graham (without the shorts as i aren't that old lol). The cold winds, rain and snow whistling in off the north sea straight onto Nth Lincolnshire is something i'll never forget. Last winter though was the worst we've had it up here since i moved up in '98. We got down to -23 deg C and i had 4ft of snow at my front door and 6ft at my back door lol

Ive been told that when the temp reaches -23 deg a Scotsman may consider putting a sweater on.

[AlanG]

Only if he's from near the English border. Proper teuchters wouldn't dare lol

[Guest]

During winter i spend a bout 30 mins every morning cleaning the car. Strangely enough the weather is relatively warm. But we've been warned with -35 temperatures in January. The snow here in Moscow starts off nice but after 4 months of the stuff, the novelty wears off. And when the snow starts to melt all the rubbish "reappears" like cigarette butts, cans, and god knows what. A bit messy then.

I don't really remember having much snow in my childhood around London.

[Ian M]

I think we had the same winter here last year as you lot (in the UK). Started around the same time as now and just went on and on and on. We had about three/four foot in the garden and I think it was into April when the last of the snow was gone.

As far as snow chains. Never use them. Most people here use studed tyres in snow and Ice. Once the shock of snow had been gotten over during the first week, people started to remember how to drive in the stuff.

I might have to take the 4X4 tomorrow, not so much due to the snow, but the Swift has summer tyres on and just spins the wheels when its icy.

Just looked out the window and although white, its nowt to be worried about. Just have to see what happens tonight. The biggest problem is if the roads freeze up. Then it will be great fun driving to work.

On the news, large parts of Jutland have had around a foot so far.....

[Guest]

You've just reminded me Ian to change the tyres

[Guest]

Gosh I miss the snow. Used to live in Toronto Canada, pretty cold in winter, so many times had to dig the car out of the snow to go somewhere, usually when I was late. There you can get 20 cm in 20 sec. I think that my wife and I were the only human beings in that part of the world going out for a stroll in the snow. Now I live here on the other end of the world and it's summer now. gotta enjoy whatcha get I guess.

[Ian M]

I have a brother in Aussie, and he was always ribbing me about the weather here v there. Now He has moved to Orange, up in the hills. He gets snow there. Oh revenge was sweet.

What ever the weather when you get out of bed in the morning, drive safe and remember every other car on the road is an idiot. Treat them with respect. Its the best way to survive!

[Gern]

Ive been told that when the temp reaches -23 deg a Scotsman may consider putting a sweater on.

Which of course raises an interesting question.

Just how deep does the snow have to be before a scotsman wears something underneath his kilt? Allyne - one for you to answer perhaps.

Gern