James Madden, forecaster for Exacta Weather, said it was likely to be the worst winter for more than 100 years. He said: 'A horror winter scenario is likely to bring another big freeze with copious snow for many parts. There is also a high risk that we will experience a scenario similar to December 2010 or much worse at times, especially in January.'
He went on: 'The cold theme from the latter part of October is likely to continue into November - and for the vast majority of the month. November could turn out to be a record-breaking month. There is the potential for some significant falls of snow. The northern half is likely to experience the worst conditions. It is also likely the southern half will experience a number of major snow events throughout November.'
Average November rainfall between 2008 and 2012 is 125.50mm, with a low in 2011 of 60.5mm, and a high of 221mm in 2009. Last year was 188.5mm, and this year we had 90.5mm, so not actually that wet.
Looking at temperatures, as recorded at the Filton Weather Station, the average maximum temperature in November between 2005 and 2012 was 10.87 C - this year it was 10.01 C. The average minimum temperature between 2005 and 2012 was 5.30 C - this year it was 4.12 C. Looking at the extremes of temperatures, the highest individual maximum temperature averaged for each year between 2005-2012 was 15.70 C, and the lowest minimum averaged was -0.79 C. In 2013, the maximum was 14.30 C, and the minimum -1.40 C. So the temperatures are a touch lower, but nothing huge - it is the start of winter after all.
Also, there were no snow events in Bradley Stoke during November. At least for this month, the long range forecast looks badly off.
