Ian Currie, a weather enthusiast from London, received a weather station as a Christmas gift at the age of 12 in 1962. This station included essential instruments like a rain gauge and a funnel. On Boxing Day that year, heavy snowfall occurred, burying his instruments.
Currie vividly remembers the extreme cold, noting, “I remember the milk bottles freezing with a column of ice.” This early experience sparked his passion for meteorology, eventually leading him to become a weather forecaster, author, and editor of Weather Eye magazine.
Memorable White Christmases
According to Currie, one of the most memorable white Christmases was in 1970. He describes a heavy snowfall event that began the day before Christmas and continued through Boxing Day, accumulating several meters of snow. The dramatic weather included a significant thunderstorm, which startled many individuals during the holiday celebrations.
Experiences from 1970
- Heavy snowfall began on December 24, 1970.
- Snow continued into Christmas Day and Boxing Day.
- Notable thunderstorm startled residents, including children awaiting Santa.
Currie’s experiences highlight the rarity and impact of white Christmases in London. These events not only provide memorable moments for individuals but also shape the understanding of winter weather patterns in urban areas.
Frequency of White Christmases in London
The phenomenon of a white Christmas is infrequent in London, with snow on Christmas Day happening only a few times in the last few decades. Many factors contribute to this rarity, including urban heat and climate change.
Understanding the frequency of white Christmases can provide more insight into historical weather patterns in London and its effect on holiday celebrations. Currie’s story exemplifies the joy and nostalgia associated with snowy winters, making every white Christmas an event to remember.
