Cold Easterlies In May

[Lettucing Gutted]

I was interested by this post in the model output discussion thread today.

bright snowy weather from the east is still possible during March and indeed well into May, but it requires a source from high latitudes- in essence an easterly with a "northerly" source.

Apparently easterlies can bring widespread cold and bright weather even in May however when was the last time we had a "cold easterly with a "northerly" source" in May? Edited February 24, 2010 by Craig Evans

[Thundery wintry showers]

They're quite common in March, occasionally happen in April, but it must be admitted that they're pretty rare in May. Here are the ones I can think of, off the top of my head:

http://www.wetterzentrale.de/archive/ra/1951/Rrea00119510508.gif

http://www.wetterzentrale.de/archive/ra/1951/Rrea00219510508.gif

http://www.wetterzentrale.de/archive/ra/1996/Rrea00119960517.gif

http://www.wetterzentrale.de/archive/ra/1996/Rrea00219960517.gif

Generally though if it's bright weather and wintry showers you're after in May, a northerly or north-westerly is by far your best bet.