I know it's only July, but have a look at this article....

[mankyscotslass]

interesting

I'm sure there will be another article next week to say winters will be increasingly wet and wild next week.

OYBBK, what do you think?

This sounds similar to the talk that was going on in the middle of last winter, that we were in for a spell of cold winters and that this would last 30 years (or somefink like that!)

I noticed last week, they're already discussing the coming winter on met-monkey ~ gotta love those weather messageboards!

Already?

What do they think then?

I think having had 3 really cold winters in a row, there's something going on up there! I guess if we have another 1 or 2 cold ones, then I'd say we're definitely having a run of harsh winters.

(OT ~ I'm finding I can't 'preview' my posts. Are you having the same problem?!)

Yes, I was having that problem yesterday!

Seems ok today though

Ah looks like they've fixed it then!

Nope, I'm still having problems!

I have heard a little about recent research that does seem to show a link between solar activity and weather trends. Its an area of research that swings between showing it does and showing it doesnt have a link but this one on the face of it does look pretty interesting and comes from a Department that is pretty good at what it does.

The sun is supposed to be waking up from its solar minimum and doesnt appear to be and historically previous maunder minimum do seem to be associated with severe winters but as this article shows not all scientists are convinced there is a direct link.

so who knows...!

And British Gas putting up their prices by 18%

Well maybe i will get to use the snow shovels again!

At least the excercise will keep me warm this winter, because I won't be putting on the heating!

Sometimes mn really likes a 'like' button.

bugger. meant to say 'Sometimes mn really needs a 'like' button.'

Are those articles hinting that the next 30 winters will be like the last two?

possibly GO...... you'll have to start farming lichen and reindeer

They might be GO, but noone seems very sure.

I mentioned it to dh and that the next mild winter will be when we are in our eighties....he said at least it was something to look forward to.

I remember your blog from last winter GO, I hope it's not that bad again for you.

I've just been pointed in the direction of this article. More of the same, and so far pretty accurate with this summer.

If it's the same again I think I will have to sell the kids to pay for gas/electricity this winter.

Several forums have been talking about the 2011/2012 winter and that it looks like it could be another cold one ~ I can't believe they've been talking about this coming winter for a month or two already! It'll be interesting to see whether some of the predictions/forecasts are right. There's a winter weather forecast here (this one was talked about on met-monkey.) Definitely time to send the children out to work if we get another cold one!

I am this close to splashing out on a wood burner. I know the wood isn't cheap but it would be good to have an alternative when it's freezing outside.