He ain't Punxsutawney Phil but the weather does sound like it will be Groundhog Day.

"Are we going to have to break the ice for our festive swims this year? Doesn't look like it.

After a settled 'blocked' autumn where high pressure dominated, we've now switched into a 'zonal' pattern with a powerful jet stream sweeping in storm after storm from the Atlantic. For those who like me like it wild, wet and mild that's good news.

Those who'd prefer 'traditional' crisp, cold winter weather look to be disappointed. The most you are likely to see are shortlived wintry blasts lasting a day or two before mild S-Westerlies resume.

Remember, the long-range forecast is for a mild winter (December, January, February) although not quite as mild as the last.

It'll be interesting to see how the winter progresses.

Wildswimmer Pete"

(Via SwimClub.co.uk Forums Winter '07-'08: .)

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| outdoor swimming | 17 December 2007; 11:12:21 AM |# | | |