Filski

Leatherjackets were my first thought after reading the first post. I wasn't sure if the climate suited them in the UK though.

Muwahahahahahaha I wtached with an open mind and wanted to see what Spencer, Christy and all the rest had to say. Most of the theories were poorly explained and tenuously linked and have been discredited many times over. First a bit about the guy behind the program, Martin Durkin. He's produced before for C4 and they have had to air a public apology previously. Some of the topics included breast implants and cancer and genetically modified foodstuffs. He interviews researchers and then edits the transcripts and twists what is being said. Now on to the program itself. 1. The use of various graphs that 'prove' so many other things cause warming when they don't coorelate even remotely as well as the CO2 one. I particularly enjoyed the solar cycle one. Not only was it represented incorrectly but they chopped the end off - the bit where temperature continues to climb but the solar cycle drops to a minimum. Hmmm... I didn't see CO2 dropping. Nobody denies the solar cycle has a strong impact on climate change but temperatures are rising in spite of it. 2. Sea level rise - another misrepresentation. The footage of the storm surge striking London is unrelated to the discussion they had. 3. Cosmic rays - I've done a fair bit of reading on this myself recently. Svensmarks work can be disproved by 3 simple questions. a) Why does temperature continue to rise currently even when the solar cycle is at a minimum; b)Svensmark's theory depends on a reaction between sulphates and the radiation - only a small percentage of reactions produce nucleii of sufficient size to form clouds even in optimum laboratory conditions; c) the effect of cosmic rays is strongest towards the poles where warming from the sun is least strong and snow and ice have a strong effect on reflecting energy from the sun further minimising the effect of clouds. 4. Industrialisation of 3rd world countries will not help their population. Energy and mineral exploration will be funded by companies from the west who will bring in their own workers. If we really want to help their populations we need to invest in decentralised energy production. Advances in solar technology mean that it is becoming a very efficient form of energy production. 5. More than a few of the featured scientists including Patrick Moore have ties to Exxon and other companies with a vested interest. Cheers

Outside chance of a Thames Streamer early on then?

I was surprised to see that Nth London had a 42% chance for today till I stuck my head outside. On the right you can see that the freeze level is not too far above ground. Close but no cigar just yet I'm afraid... give it about a 4C drop in temps though.

Hiya Blackheath, I'm sure you remember me then - inaugural snow forecasting champ on the weather forum beating the great Frog. I lurk here now that I live in London. I don't post much since I'm way outa my depth with the patterns here - what a mess! It's nice and predictable back home. What these guys call FI is fairly reliable in the southern hemi, being able to track systems from Chile onwards. I know Oz gets these outbreaks but never so long lived and so much dumpage. It really is most unusual, as is the warmth here from what I've read. Although it does seem to be starting to become the norm... Unpredictability that is. Check out D'eyes thread in CV.

It was a real white Xmas in many parts of the mountains. I have friends who actually got some skiing in. In Australia... on Xmas day! While we sit here in mild mush in the UK! Did the planet flip over night or something? More photos here. http://forum.ski.com.au/ultimate/ultimateb...ic;f=1;t=085498

Light snow in Camden Town just now. Decent sized flakes but infrequent

Permenant frost seems a possibility in Greenwich today as I look out my window. There is an area in the park that does not recieve sun during the day and it is still frost covered. Probably says more about ground temps than it does about air temps.

Had a heavy frost and dense fog last night in Greenwich as reported. Nearly lunchtime and the ground in the shadows is still covered with frost - haven't seen that before.