Forgotten Snowfalls During An Exceptionally Mild Spring.

[Weather-history]

I'm afraid the comma key on my keyboard is not working so forgive the poor punctuation in places.

Spring 1945 was exceptionally mild with a CET of 10.1 but at the end of April there was a notable wintry spell just before the Allied victory was celebrated in Europe. This event has largely disappeared into obscurity due restrictions in weather reporting during WWII.

The exceptional mild spell actually began at the start of February 1945 which had a CET of 7.1 and this continued through March [CET: 7.9] and April [10.1]

However during the last 3 days of April 1945 a cold Arctic airflow developed and this brought frosts and snowfalls to a number of places. The last day of April 1945 was unusually cold and actually knocked off about 0.25C off the CET. April 1945 looked like it was heading for the warmest April on record until the last 3 days of that month.

6 inches of snow was reported in the Dover area and with maximum of close to freezing at midday.

The cold snap lasted until early May before the warmth returned with 30C reported by the 12th of May. May ended with a CET of 12.2

Even during an exceptional mild spell as occurred from February-May 1945; winter still managed to make an appearance.

Edited May 3, 2009 by Mr_Data

[Weather-history]

 

[A Face like Thunder]

April 1950 was similar. I was baptised on a baking hot day on 22nd April and this was the scene (S London / Surrey / North Downs) four days later.