ReindeerMarmalade

I've heard this a few times, particularly from proponents of philosophy of science. These people seldom have the same concerns over the falsifiability of string theory

Now is the time when I wish I had a working anemometer, damnit!

Here's the MetO page for the storm naming. AFAIK, it's basically an experiment to see if people pay more attention to the potential impact of storms. The names were selected by the public and have been pre-chosen. http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/mobile/news/article/news/releases/archive/2015/Name-our-storms-list

There are two things a career in science has taught me: 1. Explaining science is often akin to trying to plait vomit 2. Dunning-Kruger Syndrome is more pervasive than anyone could've ever dreamed

Indeed they would. And they'd be wrong That's why science (and reality) doesn't give a monkey's about belief or opinion. But the wonderful thing about all science is that it's falsifiable...all anyone who disagrees with something like global warming has to do is go through all the climate science research and disprove it (preferably with something more substantial than "I don't believe in global warming").

Am I right in assuming the bit I've bolded is missing some words? As for the rest...I'm wondering why you're a member of a weather forum if you think meteorological knowledge can't help us understand the weather. I know you don't 'believe' in global warming but 'belief' is thankfully irrelevant and unnecessary. Reality isn't determined by anyone's beliefs, much to the chagrin of the flat-earthers

I'm not sure what you think meteorology is if it isn't science? Science doesn't dictate the weather, the weather dictates (this particular branch of) science. Getting this the wrong way around is bound to lead to confusion.

This thread has taken a sharp and discombobulating left turn into the deepest, darkest depths of surrealism

This has been explained many times before. Computer models (not just for weather but any predictive model) aren't sentient beings who 'make mistakes' like some sort of badly skilled employee. They're merely forecasting tools that generate likely outcomes from a set of initial data and probabilistic algorithms, programmed to the best of current human understanding of weather physics...across three different, massively complicated environments (atmosphere, land, marine). Atmospheric dynamics and chaotic systems are enormously complex, and our understanding of their processes and interactions (all the factors at play) is still being developed. Models are not infallible oracles or some sort of superpowers that 'should know better' or are just not pulling their fingers out. And, as always, if anyone feels they can do better there's nothing stopping them from developing their own weather models And it's important to remember that this winter has been even more complex, with a variety of different drivers and influences that may not otherwise be at play. Every time you hear the words 'unusual' or 'rare' or 'unprecedented' logically it gives a clue that the models' performance may be affected. FWIW, I think the models' behaviour this winter will only help to improve understanding and increase accuracy in the future.

I'm throwing the towel in, but wringing it out first.

Precisely. The desire to drive their 6l behemoths around trumps (no pun intended) any motivation to stop churning out pollutants. Measures to limit global warming are an inconvenience to some so let's just ignore it. Or, better still, deny it's even happening so reality doesn't burst their pretty little bubbles

Quite. I posted this the other day but worth putting in here too: Europe's recent summers were the 'warmest in 2,000 years' - http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-35431375

Crikey! Not sure if even I'd be brave enough to sit in the Polochar with those winds but the view must be spectacular.

@Mapantz Thank you! That's brilliant information I have no problem sorting out a diy screen for the outdoors module but I appreciate knowing that I need to before I even unbox the damn thing. I'll take a look at the link you included too. Much appreciated.

It's surprisingly breezy down here tonight, and I can't say I expected it to be this active until tomorrow, so I really hope everyone further north stays safe. It's not particularly bad here, of course, it's just surprised me...I didn't check the clocked speeds but a couple of gusts a few hours ago seemed stronger than anything forecast. I'm a lover of stormy weather but I'll admit this one has me concerned for the north...if it's this frisky down here, miles away from any warning area...

So, today is my birthday and I've been given a Netatmo - basic station, so one outdoor and one indoor module. I'll be looking to get the wind and rain gauges in due course but I've never had one of these and wondered if anyone's used them and has opinions? Any tips and tricks to get the most out of it? MTIA

Ditto 'Day 10'...I'm so tired of day 10 being some sort of nirvana but it never getting any closer. Day 11 and day 9 are fine...I'd just like to pretend day 10 doesn't exist

Indeed, all rather unpleasant. I don't understand the vindictiveness...ironic when it's usually the south branded as 'bitter'. I don't mind at all when other parts of the county get snow, fair play to them, but some people in other regions seem to resent southerners wanting snow too? It's really peculiar.

It's only Harry when it's out with its mates. It's Henry on formal occasions and when it's in trouble with its mum

You're more patient than I am, @Daniel* ! At this point I'm hoping the UK retains at least two seasons and isn't reduced to just autumn. Seriously considering emigrating to Alaska...winters now are such a far cry from my childhood in the 80s

Amanda, it's a week away so could well change before then, but MetO is currently going for 40mph gusts for me. No different to the rest of the winter really and less than some of the windy weather we've had Think of it as nothing more than a bit breezy and decent for drying washing.

Blue skies, sunshine and I've been out in the garden Roll on summer and let's hope for heatwaves and thunderstorms. Winter can be hard for cold-lovers in the south but we get our share of awesome weather through the year too I'd like to be back in the north during winter but I much prefer our summers down here.

Breezy and drizzly day but nothing impressive down here, even with the winds forecast to increase a tad during the night. The disruption to Scotland looks awful, though there's a part of me that wishes I was back on Uist this weekend I just hope everyone remains safe. ETA: the ARPEGE is a lovely, lovely model (post by @Nouska from the MOD thread). Happy days ahoy?

Oh, I don't know. Being charitable, it must be a nice novelty for them to be smug about something...finally We'll get our turn at some point, though I'll admit I doubt it'll be this winter. I'm not sure why a few select posters in the MOD thread seem to keep insisting the GFS has performed well with what little cold we've had but at least it's giving me an insight into what it must be like to take psychotropic drugs.

Never fear - Ireland is expecting snow and we can all look forward to being 'spammed' with photos afterwards. Apparently.