1962/63
The coldest winter in 200 years – 1962/63 Believed to be the coldest winter since 1740, the ‘Big Freeze of 1963’ is considered the worst in modern British history. Despite not breaking any records for the actual temperatures, the persistency of the sub-zero temperatures was harsh on the UK.
What was the worst British winter on record?
1962–1963
The winter of 1962–1963, known as the Big Freeze of 1963, was one of the coldest winters (defined as the months of December, January and February) on record in the United Kingdom. Temperatures plummeted and lakes and rivers began to freeze over.
Why was the winter of 1963 so cold?
The winter of 1963 – the coldest for more than 200 years The weeks before had been changeable and stormy, but then on 22 December a high pressure system moved to the north-east of the British Isles, dragging bitterly cold winds across the country. This situation was to last much of the winter.
What is the lowest UK temperature ever recorded?
-27.2°C
The lowest temperature recorded in the UK is -27.2°C on 30 December 1995, at Altnaharra; and on 10 January 1982, at Braemar. From today temperatures are not expected to dip below minus 20.0°C as warmer conditions start to push in from the Atlantic reaching all parts of the UK by Monday.
What is the deepest snow ever recorded in UK?
On 14 March the deepest ever recorded depth of snow lying in an inhabited location of the UK was measured at Forest-in-Teesdale in County Durham at 83 inches (210 cm).
Has it ever snowed in the UK in June?
The most significant June snowfall in recent memory was on 2 June 1975, when snow fell in many parts of the country. The Essex and Kent cricket match in Colchester was interrupted, while the match between Derbyshire and Lancashire at Buxton was called off after 2.5cm (1in) of snow settled on the outfield.
Has the UK ever had a blizzard?
The Blizzard of January 1881 (17–20 January 1881) was one of the most severe blizzards ever to hit the southern parts of the United Kingdom….Blizzard of January 1881.
| Blizzard at its height on 19 January. | |
|---|---|
| Lowest temperature | −30.0 °C (−22.0 °F) |
| Maximum snowfall or ice accretion | 4 ft (120 cm): Dartmoor, United Kingdom |
What year did the sea freeze in UK?
Cold weather that reached the UK on 22 December 1962 kept the country in arctic conditions until the following March, with snow on the ground for 62 consecutive days.
What’s the coldest England ever been?
The lowest temperature recorded in the UK is -27.2°C on 30 December 1995, in Altnaharra, Sutherland, and on 10 January 1982, also at Braemar.
How cold is England in winter?
Winter days in the UK the days are short and nights are long, with the sun rising at about 7 or 8am and setting at about 4 pm. Temperatures during these months often range between 0 to 7°C (32° – 45°F) and although sunny days are possible they will be cold.
When was England’s last white Christmas?
2010
The last widespread white Christmas in the UK was in 2010. It was extremely unusual, as not only was there snow on the ground at 83% of stations (the highest amount ever recorded) but snow or sleet also fell at 19% of stations.
