[Tuesday 11th October 2005]

ABERDEEN :-

light rain 8°C

NW (13 mph)

Relative Humidity (%): 95,

Pressure (mB): 1009, Rising,

Visibility: Good

[Sst's And Sea Ice - Trends]

Some people here have been talking about the possibility of sea ice merging between Greenland and Iceland which i believe is a very rare event indeed. However, with SST's now hovering around 0°C half way between Greenland and Iceland in early October this may now become a reality by the time we get into the thick of winter.

Does anyone know how long it takes and at what temperature before sea ice can be formed in such an area?

[Sst's And Sea Ice - Trends]

I would actually prefer a warm english channel much of the eastern sea mild then a cold one. During 2003 we had a notable easterly spell which caused some surprisingly deep snowfall around the south east. London recorded 10CM and some parts a lot more. I haven't got the SST's for that period but I expect the sea's were warm around us then to allow a front to develop across the north sea.

If we get warm anomalies with cold air going across it I personally think it increases our chances of a big snow event similer to 1991. If the cold air is coming across cold sea surely there's no convection to allow much of a front to develop

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

This is the catch 22 situation. Most people on this thread are naturally hoping for a decrease in SST anomalies to promote colder weather. However, as OP has just described, low SST's don't support large convective snowfalls from a continental easterly for example; unlike warmer seas which would allow for a 'lake effect snow' scenario producing heavy snowfalls. So the question is - do we really want below average SST's in the North Sea? Surely we couldn't refuse such a thing?!

[Sst's And Sea Ice - Trends]

The signs are promising but i'm refusing to get exited as the great british weather always surprises us somehow. 

Chrismas is coming up. Gonna ask santa for a mid atlantic block  

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

What a present that would be!

[On This Day...]

Today is the 11th anniversary of the blizzard conditions which affected Aberdeen in 1994. I remember being in 2nd year at Aberdeen Grammar School and looking out our Art class window - heavy snow which didn't lie (35m) but did in NW Aberdeen (130m near the highest point). I could be wrong but i think the max on that day was 7°C which obviously a significant windchill.

[Cairngorm Webcam Looking Wintry]

well it was -1 at 1200 m at 10 o clock not sure what the current temp is though it will be snow as it was forecasted.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

That's definitely snow because the webcam lense has water droplets on it. Not surprising really as yesterday here in Aberdeen, it has felt VERY Autumnal with a distinct chill to the wind. Northern Scotland yesterday and tday has stuggled to make make double figures and it's currently only 8°C at Lerwick in a strong Northerly, 10°c in Aberdeen.