[North West England - Slightly Less Cold Spell Discussion Part 21]

Relentless rain all day. Up to 41mm since early morning and its still leathering it down. River Mersey looking very impressive as the lower riverbank has disappeared under the rising waters likewise the Transpennine trail. Surprising deluge after the relative dry winter.

Just checked out the weather view on Google Earth. Our ribbon of cloud extends to the east coast of the states approx. 4077miles. Is there a name for these ridiculously long fronts?

[Last Nights ? Yesterdays Forecasting Failure]

Was the forecast a result of the infamous Christmas data loss? Or perhaps key personnel to accurately interpret what data was available.

Seems incredible that a forum of enthusiastic amateurs and semi-professionals can reach a consensus a full 24 hrs before the Met Office on the likely outcome of a not so marginal event.

Their forecast was poor and to keep repeating it despite an obvious thaw was shocking. Personally as a tax payer I'd like to hear the Met Office's explanation of why their forecast was wrong. Is their an over reliance on computer models instead of relying upon experience and measurements of actual data?

Sorry Met Office on this occasion simply not good enough.