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Thanks for that. I find the following statement very frustrating. "temperatures are likely to be lower than those experienced in the very mild winter last year" Talk about cover your back...!

I'm talking more cargo and business. The economy would crumble if there was no air travel.

Just been reading about this on BBC http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/em/fr/-/1/hi/world/asia-pacific/7050232.stm > Seems no-one wants to leave!

Air travel is a necessity in the modern day. I read somewhere that British Airways donated approx 6 million pound last year to help the environment. Year on year, they impliment new inititives to tackle their carbon footprint. I would suggest that there is 10 times as much air travel now compared to 20 years ago, yet only twice as many pollutants being pumped into the atmos.

Well seeing as you ask, I would be rather worried if hurricanes developed on a regular basis in the Northern Atlantic. In my opinion, it is not healty to worry about everything. We would never leave the house. I am, of course, very happy that there are scientists, environmentalists and governments looking into GW. Personally, I am more worried about asteroids hitting Earth and the San Andreas fault. These catastrophes bring nothing but negatives - unlike global warming.

Global Warming is not something I am particularly interested in. I believe in evolution. I believe in fate. I do not think we should attempt to alter nature. We invent the wheel, car, train and jet engine to improve life. OK, so there are side effects. I believe that nature will run it's course and part of nature is humans inventing and polluting. I accept that mankind do play a part in the changing of the climate, but then again I do not see it as an issue. Opening of the North West passage is an example of how the warming of our planet is a good thing. If we could control the weather, for example we could create rain over the deserts or stop the formation of hurricanes in the Gulf, would that not be great? As we do not actually know for sure what triggers an ice age, what is to say that it is natures way of cooling the planet down once temperatures are too high?

My weather votes go as follows; MPR 1 MDR 3 Gibli 2 Blackie 1 Slinky 1 My non-weather votes go as follows; ZH N3 Slinky N1 PS N1 KF N3 Essan N3 Good Luck all

I dont really remember this storm - was living near Dunfermline at the time. However, around about this time I do recall our chimney was blown off in a strong gale... could this have been the same event? I'm not sure how strong or far North the winds reached.

Ok thanks Crimsone... what about AL15? And what does invest mean? Thanks

To me, this is the most fascinating place on Earth. I am wondering if anyone who visits these pages has ever been out there? If so how & why? I am thinking that there are numerous British weather stations located there - so maybe someone lurking here has visited! Cat 5

Just spotted AL15 in the mid atlantic. Can someone please explain to me what the letters / numbers mean in this instance AL15. Also, Kold Weather has mentioned a system called 'Invest 96L' - is this the same system? What does this name mean and where does it come from? Thanks in advance, Ross

The Pit - You are probably right. It seems anything that can not be explained tends to get tarnished with the same global warming tosh. It was only recently scientists decided that a 1 degree increase in the Surface Water Temp was the key ingredient to more hurricanes. I would not be surprised if we have another inactive year next time - the same reason will be given for the lack of hurricanes!

Hey good reply there Parmenides... I do not mean to appear blazé regarding the green house effect, global warming or indeed any change to the environment. I am just surprised at the lack of discussion in the media regarding the positives that will occur and how we can turn a bad situation good. Know what I mean Arry ?

Magpie - the thing to keep in mind is that climate is changing. I do not agree that we can control this. We can perhaps prevent but not cure. In response to Roo's points perhaps I am of the opposite opinion but I very rarley here anyone talking of the plus points and all you hear about is that it is a bad thing.

Only 11 years have had named storms develop after 30th Sep since 1950 ! Could this be the 12th year? Interstingly, this will be the third year out of 6 that no storms have been named after 30th Sep. I do not think this has happened since records begun.

You have midges in St Albans!?

Since 1497 we have been looking for ways of shipping via the most direct routes. The more the ice melts, the easier the use of the North West passage is. Great for trade and enterprise. According to the World Bank, one-third of the world's population already suffers from chronic water shortages. Global warming would mean more condensation and more evaporation, producing more and/or heavier rains. Global warming, therefore, could offer the answer to the water scarcity problem that the Worldwatch Institute has been seeking. As I live in Scotland I am thinking that a warmer climate would not be a bad thing here...! Also perhaps increase in tourism!? I am not so sure we as the human race should get involved to much in changing the course of nature in any case.

Somerset Squall / Kold weather - I apologise for my flippant remark regarding this years season causing 'little damage'. We all know that whenever a hurricane develops it is naturally going to cause widespread damage and with it take a substantial number of lives. I was talking purley from an Insurance background (and comparing it to the last 10 years figures). Over the last 10 years the average insured loss for Hurrican damage is $21.5 Billion. So far we are at only $3.8Bn which equates to 17% of the average. Over the past 10 years there an average of 1,800 fatalaties directly by hurricanes. 2007 has been responsible for 208 (12%). Again well below average. No offence intended. Cat 5

Just going through these photo's... Gibli - that photo of the plane taking off is awesome. It def has potential sale worthyness! Well done.

Chris, There is not much of anything liek that within walking distance of anywhere... even Aviemore you would not fancy walking to the range. There are sometimes free shuttle buses though. Probably best to call the tourist information - details below; Aviemore Tourist Information Centre Grampian Road Inverness-shire Aviemore Highlands and Islands Scotland PH22 1PP Tel: 0845 22 55 121 Email: info@visitscotland.com Web: http://www.visithighlands.com Map Regards, Cat5

Well we are now into October and no serious damage caused. In 2006 there were no further storms from this point - so it is looking good for the insurers!

Afternoon all, One of the things that I would love to be able to do is name the different cloud types in the sky. Sounds simple really but in reality it is a very difficult thing to master. Trouble is that seeing it in a picture is totally different to seeing it in life. As far as I am aware there are 11 major cloud types Cirrus, Cirrostratus, Cirrocumulus, Altostratus, Altocumulus, Stratus, Stratocumulus, Nimbostratus, Cumulus & Cumulonimbus. Everyone has different learning techniques so I was wondering if any of you have some gems!? For example Stratus is a common low level cloud that brings drizzle and is generally grey and dull. Altostratus is the same but higher (Alto meaning High & Stratus meaning blanket) in the atmosphere. Hmmm... perhaps I should just learn Latin! Anyway any thoughts would be greatly appreciated! Cheers, Cat 5

Just noticed a range of winter bets. Snow on Christmas Day Betting: 4/1 Aberdeen, 4/1 Glasgow, 6/1 London, 6/1 Cardiff 18/1 that the lowest recorded temperature in England will be beaten (-26.1C, Jan 10 1982, Shropshire), 16/1 that the lowest temperature in Scotland will be beaten (-27.2C, Jan 10th 1982, Aberdeenshire) 22/1 for the record in Wales to be beaten (-23.3C, 21st Jan, 1940 Powys). 100/1 that the Thames will freeze over between Westminster bridge and Tower bridge. 100/1 Big Ben Fails to chime due to being frozen solid I know that anyone backing these would be doing so for 'fun' but do any of you have any thoughts on a white chrsitmas? Are the odds of 4/1 in scotland and 6/1 in England about right? My fingers are crossed for a harsh, early winter (sorry farmers!). Cat 5

I have never understood phobia's. Sure, I do not like a lot of things, like snakes for instance. But I would not say I have a phobia about them. I am scared of being in an enclosed room with a tiger that has not eaten for 3 days - is that a phobia? Kentish Sally, I have read your post. You do not like being in large crowds. Perhaps that is not a phobia - you do just not like it. You do not feel comfortable. At what point does it become a phobia? I for instance do not like the sound of people crunching sweets - not a phobia but just find it irritating, oh and crips ! Anyway, thread drifting somewhat here so to bring slightly back on track. I do not remember the last time I heard even the slightest of rumbles (in stirling, Scotland) let alone any fork action. Sorry for my naieveity on the problems related to phobia's.... Cat 5

Just read that entry on Wikipedia. So it travelled past the Faroes, through scandinavia and the low pressure carried on itno Russia. Hmmm. Can you imagine if that happened today - the world would go crazy and blame global warming... But as this shows - freak weather has been occuring as long as records begun. In all seriousness, analysts may well categorise this as a 1 in 50 year event but even so, that means we could be due another one relativley soon?!