Having read an exchange of posts between Crewe Cold and Weather History, regarding very mild Decembers and their relationship with the following January and February's, I thought I would take a closer look at any possible bearing, on the rest of Winter.
Crewe Cold was espousing the theory that a very mild December does not bode well, if you're hoping to experience some decent, wintry weather, in January and February. Weather History suggested that a very mild December doesn't necessarily preclude cold and wintry weather during the rest of Winter. I must admit to siding with C.C, and not being a fan of very mild December's being a good omen for cold, wintry weather, in the final two months of Winter.
I had a telephone conversation with local Weatherman Ian Currie yesterday and he seemed to be firmly in the Weather History camp. Amongst other years, he quoted Dec.1954, C.E.T 6.8C with Jan. and Feb.1955 coming in at 2.6C and 1.2c, respectively and also Dec.1985, C.E.T 6.3C. The following Jan and Feb(1986), recorded C.E.T's of 3.5C and a bitterly cold -1.1C, respectively.
So, I thought I'd go and do a bit of research, myself. I'll report back with my findings, later.
Regards,
Tom.