Quick update: Cold Weather Alert Level 2

Just a quick update: Christmas Day, 2014
We're now at Cold Weather Alert Level 2 for the whole of England, according to the Met Office. "A Cold weather health watch system operates in England from the 1 November to 31 March every year [...]" and "There is an 80% probability of severe cold weather/icy conditions/heavy snow between 1500 on Friday and 0000 on Wednesday in parts of England"- Alert Page, Met Office

While there are (yellow) weather warnings for snow in place for London and South East England for Boxing day morning until the morning after, it is not in force for Surrey (yet). Temperatures are expected to drop over the coming days so it shouldn't be a surprise to see frost in the mornings to come. For more information on the warnings in place, the best place to visit is the Met Office, warning page here.

Here's hoping for snow! 

Ah, cold weather returns. Keep your cars in good condition!

The cold weather here in Warlingham and Whyteleafe is starting to return. Current temperatures are about 0°C at 2:30am (06/12/2014) right now (according to Google's weather) and the cars in the street and on driveways are iced over. Cars in the street have been coated with a layer of ice since around 9pm the previous evening (05/12/2014).

Thought you'd like a snow photo. Here's one I think I can use.

Met Office weather warnings for snow and ice have been issued in Scotland and the west of England and Wales for the coming days.

Now is the time to make sure your cars and vans are in good condition, to make sure you can get started in the morning and to make sure you don't break down while miles away from home.

Here's some things to check in your car:

• Antifreeze - the coolant in the engine and cooling system. Check the level and top-up with the correct mix if required.
• Battery - the thing that starts the car. An older battery may struggle to start a car in the colder weather. If you're unsure, get it checked and replaced if necessary.
• Fuel - the thing that powers the car. Keep enough in the tank for if you're stuck somewhere or for an unplanned journey.
• Lights - the things that allow you to see and be seen in the dark. Check all lights regularly, incuding dipped beam, full beam, fog lights and brake lights. It is a good idea to carry spare bulbs.
• Tyres - the only things that contact the ground and allow you to stop quickly and safely. Check the tread depth is at least 1.6mm to stay legal, if not, get the tyres changed. The AA recommends at least 3mm tread depth for winter driving. It is worth considering winter tyres for improved safety. Check pressures regularly.
• Windscreen - what you look out through to see the road and other road users. Make sure this is clean inside and out for best visibility. Replace worn wiper blades, they're usually quite cheap online.
• Screenwash - to wash the screen... Do not use plain water, use a quality screenwash. You can get this ready diluted or in concentrate. Make sure it'll protect down to the coldest temperatures expected or lower to prevent damage to the washer system.

The winter checklist page at theaa.com covers this and more, such as year-round essentials and winter emergency kit contents.

Icy and snowy weather is loads of fun when being safe and precautions are taken. The last thing we want is anybody to hurt themselves or get hurt. Make sure you have warm clothes, a coat, gloves and a hat to keep warm out there and don't take any unnecessary risks.

As usual, I'll be here throughout the cold season, with extreme enthusiasm for the cold weather ahead. Ice and/or snow pics to follow (if we get any)!

:)

Oh well...

As you know, snow never came to us. We were hopeful but were never rewarded. As it's now February, it's unlikely we're going to get any snow until next winter.
People return to their day to day lives, hopeful that one day winter shall return.

'till text time...