“Snowfalls are now just a thing of the past”

Sledges, snowmen, snowballs and the excitement of waking to find that the stuff has settled outside are all a rapidly diminishing part of Britain’s culture, as warmer winters – which scientists are attributing to global climate change – produce not only fewer white Christmases, but fewer white Januaries and Februaries.

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According to Dr David Viner, a senior research scientist at the climatic research unit (CRU) of the University of East Anglia,within a few years winter snowfall will become “a very rare and exciting event”.”Children just aren’t going to know what snow is,” he said.

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David Parker, at the Hadley Centre for Climate Prediction and Research in Berkshire, says ultimately, British children could have only virtual experience of snow. Via the internet, they might wonder at polar scenes – or eventually “feel” virtual cold.

So says The Independent, one of Britains largest newspapers.

Oh wait, hold on, that was written in 2000!  Silly me, lets check the current weather in England.

Newcastle Upon Tyne

Weather forecast, updated: 3:18 PM GMT

• Tuesday 2° / Hi: 3°C Lo: -1°C
• Wednesday Hi: 2°C Lo: -1°C
• Thursday Hi: 0°C Lo: -1°C
• Friday Hi: -1°C Lo: -3°C

• Saturday Hi: -2°C Lo: -2°C

Uh, nevermind…