The Met Office reported that the first half of the month had been the mildest for more than 50 years in Wales and southern England and temperatures were as much as 10 degrees above the December average.
The mild weather has proved confusing for many plants and animals. Trees that escaped the recent gales are still covered in leaves. Daffodils, which normally start to bloom in late January, are already out in places. Hedgehogs and bats have stayed out, foraging for food after a bumper autumn of berries, rather than hibernating.
As a result of the mild weather Phil has spent a lot of time in the garden. He trimmed our beautiful Magnolia tree and then he made me Magnus from the cuttings. I love him.
Although the temperatures may be mild, at least one tradition is being maintained; there is a lot of rain about.
The warm weather is the result of moist, warm winds from the south. The Atlantic jet streams this year are well to the north of the British Isles, allowing warm air from north Africa and the Canaries to dominate the airflows.
This is in contrast to the weather of five years ago, when a southerly turn of the jetstreams brought cold polar air flooding across the country.
As with most weather events it is impossible to say whether it has anything to do with climate change.
What is certain is that the exceptionally mild weather is causing havoc for retailers - clothing stores are full of unsold winter coats and woollens. It's time to go to the SALES.....
And a Happy New Year.
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