3cats

Was rudely awoken by lightning, thunder and torrential rain at 5am

Just seen this posted else where, certainly interesting how weather was predicted way back when! In old English folklore Feb 2 (the Celtic festival of Imbolc or the Christian festival of Candlemas) was regarded as a significant day in forecasting the weather for the remainder of winter. It was believed that if the weather was fine and clear, then cold and stormy weather would reign for the remaining weeks of winter, whilst grey and wet weather was said to foretell of a milder end to winter and an early thaw. If Candlemas be fair and bright, winter has another flight. When Candlemas brings cloud and rain, winter shall not come again. In the days before the first weather forecasts signs and omens were taken very seriously, especially in a rural environment where the local economy was greatly impacted by the weather ahead. The Celtic fire festival of Imbolc (pronounced im-olk) marks the middle of Winter (occurring roughly midway between the Winter Solstice and the Spring Equinox). The festival commemorates the rebirth of the sun, signalling the successful passing of winter and the beginning of the agricultural year. As winter stores of food were getting low Imbolc rituals were performed to harness the energy that would ensure a steady supply of food until the harvest six months later. It is also a festival of light and of fertility, once marked in Europe with huge blazes, torches and fire in every form (from where the much more sedate Christian celebration of Candlemas evolved). The lighting of fires celebrated the increasing power of the Sun over the coming months. Feb 2 was traditionally also the day when livestock was removed from the meadows that were destined to be cut for hay later in the summer. Over the past few years, looking outside to predict the remainder of winter has been somewhat confusing, as sunshine at one moment has rapidly given way to grey skies, as if nature is playing a secretive game and is keeping its hand very close to its body.

Just drove home from Reigate, about a 3 mile drive and the temperature went from up from 10 to 13. Very mild evening.

Lots of planes struggling to land at Gatwick according to FlightRadar.

Gee whizz it’s picked up out there over the last hour or so! Phones/iPads on charge, just in case!

It’s warmed up here over night, no frost/ice on the cars and it’s only showing -1 this morning.

The car was showing -6 about an hour ago when we had to go and do the pick from football training.

Sorry I know it’s not weather related…If anyone is interested, the stars/constellations look fab tonight where it’s so clear.

Just ventured out to de-ice the car and it’s saying -7 where it’s been stood on the drive all night Giving up on any hope on snow landing here tomorrow in Redhill.

I’ve just had a look and the weekend looks *reasonable and the overnight on Monday into Tuesday morning saying it feeling like -8. The nearly 9 year old is desperate for snow and keeps asking Alexa, she’s told him tonight that there’s a 76% chance on Wednesday leading to a snowfall of 1.6cm *reasonable for this time of the year, that is!

According to this app, we have flurries in 20 mins

Oh the joys! I’m hoping for the, only travel of you have too, message to come out later.

Good morning, whilst Mr 3 Cats heads out for a run and I sit here thinking about a 2nd coffee, I’ve just looked at the forecast for tomorrow here and we have snow showers most of the day at a 95% chance. Looking forward to trying to get home from London if that comes off!

What a horrible afternoon and evening, rain since mid afternoon and dark in the house before 3:30. Even the new kitten gave up looking out the window at the rain drops as there was too many.

Getting pretty gusty here with us in Redhill and had to rescue a plant pot. Kitten has been a little crazy all evening, I blame the wind.