The Big Thaw

Life is returning to normal as the nation enjoys a brief respite from four weeks of abnormally cold temperatures. We're now in the midst of a comparative heatwave. Tomorrow's high is forecast to hit 7°C, at least ten degrees warmer than the coldest day we've endured this month. The warmer weather is well timed as we've had several very heavy rain showers this morning with more on their way. Last week this would have all been snow. However, winter isn't over yet. The Met Office warns that harsh winters in the past were often punctuated by brief mild spells, before the intense cold set in again. This reflects the pattern we've seen over the four years we've been in London.

Late January or early February is the most common period for snow. We saw falls on January 24 in 2007 and February 1-2 in 2009. 2008 was the only winter we didn't see snow in London (but a trip to Scotland over the New Year certainly sated our snow fixation). This winter couldn't be more different. The Times reports that it's snowed somewhere in Britain every day since December 17. At Swiss Cottage we've had four separate snow days, starting from the week before Christmas.

Locally, the last of the snow has melted, leaving just a few scattered icy piles in the shadows. Yesterday we also got our poor car's ice-fractured windscreen replaced and organised its annual service and roadworthy fitness test (known as an MOT). I was surprised to learn that we've clocked up less than 1,500 miles (2,400kms) over the last 12 months. This mileage includes a road trip last Spring to Cornwall, where we drove as far as Lands End. This distance alone is a 640 mile round trip (more than 1000 kms), excluding all of the numerous side trips we made along the way. I'm sure our car feels rather neglected.