Nick L

So the "Leagues" have been announced with England in the top league, A, Scotland in C and all other British Isles nations in B. But the format is mind bogglingly complicated... http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/41580638 One of the stranger features is one of the bottom 16 nations in Europe is guaranteed a place at Euro 2020

Yeah I'm curious but refuse to click on it!

Very March-like.

Yep, the October issue. Incidentally, from tonight we've got access to the hourly EC data, as well as the brand new 06z and 18z runs, just in time for the fun season! To sum up the latest EC seasonal, blocked and easterly December, anticyclonic Jan and then transitioning to a +ve NAO in Feb.

I get that it's not as densely populated...but the SPC slight risk associated with Michael covers a population of 7 million, so it's not exactly sparse. Besides, more populated areas inland could get 200mm or so of rain over the coming days.

Sorry mate but that's complete nonsense. I can tell you that people can and do make a lot of money from LRFs! Anyway, I'm giving a presentation tomorrow on a winter forecast so here goes. Front-ended cold winter with a largely blocked pattern through December and January, mild more likely going into Feb. Negative QBO is transitioning into a positive one through winter which isn't good for cold, but we are now at the very bottom of the solar cycle which plays very much into our favour for a colder winter. ECMWF seasonal* supports this, but then again the UKMO and CFS do not... *EC seasonal has consistently had a very easterly themed December!

Can anyone shed any light on why this is getting virtually no media coverage? The BBC was all over Florence yet Michael doesn't get a single mention on their front page!

Went on for the first time this morning, after I got in from work.

Chant at the Hawthorns today... Rotterdam or anywhere, Liverpool or Rome, Now they're throwing cabbages, Cabbages at homeeeeeee, Cabbages at home. Either of the Alans at Villa for me - Pardew or Irvine.

I'm originally from Norton Canes myself before moving south to take up a meteorologist position, small world!

Not insensitive at all. The warnings are issued for a reason. If you choose to ignore them and put your life in danger then my sympathy is zero. I only hope nothing bad befalls those having to clear up after.

Incredibly wasteful from Wolves though. They'll survive comfortably but so many wasted chances today.

I know. But it's still not in Brum whatever they say

And the interviewer prat on Sky Sports just described it as a "second city derby"...someone please give him a map and show him that West Bromwich ain't in Birmingham.

We are utter cack tonight!

Now one thing I really would love to see is the approach of the storm, must be so eerie.

They will have been told, yes. But unless they're quite literally on a suicide mission, I honestly do not see what is to be gained by staying? Certainly the risks far outweigh whatever benefits there may be. Don't get me wrong, I would like to witness the full force of a Hurricane. But for me, the risks far outweigh that curiosity.

Was waiting for this! There's a huge difference. They're on an isolated island with no possibility of escape and are obviously completely oblivious to the dangers and taking a totally unnecessary risk. Any credible tornado chaser always has an escape route and is fully aware of the risks. It's far easier to escape an isolated supercell with numerous road options away from it than a tropical storm hundreds of miles across with no transport options.

Completely disagree. If they want to risk their own lives, go right ahead. But no doubt there will be selfless souls who will be willing to risk their lives to save them when they inevitably get into a life-threatening situation. They're stupid, not brave.

Even more reason for those in the firing line to get the hell out of there!

No politics please. Quoting politicians is fine.

Just illustrates the ridiculous power in these things when you can say this about the sustained winds!

With how much we're screwing up the climate, I dread to think!

Sarah Millican...voice like nails down a blackboard for me.