Baby it’s Cold Outside -

Scotland Braced for the Coldest Winter for Ten Years.

In all this talk of weather warming there is also a natural cycle to be aware of and that is solar cycle which this year is at its lowest ebb before the cycle starts again and reaches its peak round 2024. The current solar cycle, and began in December 2008. Now the sun is at the weakest point of its 11-year cycle of strength, according to experts. In 2009-10, the last time solar activity was this low Britain had its coldest winter since the 1970s. The experts said that this time there could be lows of minus 13C between January and March. Brr! Air pressure patterns are expected to allow cold Arctic air to affect Britain during this period. I’ll lack the pipes now!

Solar Cycle Reaches its Low Point

The evidence for a coming cold winter is strong  and that includes a large snow cover over Siberia and Scandinavia and maybe Scotland. They reckon that the lower output of ultra violet radiation over the tropics will allow unusual air movements to bring easterly winds and cold winters to northern Europe. You see every 11 years or so, the Sun's magnetic field completely flips. This means that the Sun's north and south poles switch places. Then it takes about another 11 years for the Sun’s north and south poles to flip back again. It seems there’s nowt so queer as suns. The solar cycle affects activity on the surface of the Sun, such as sunspots which are caused by the Sun's magnetic fields. As the magnetic fields change, so does the amount of activity on the Sun's surface: Which has effects on our weather and on my holiday in Norway next March. Where I might have hoped to see the Northern Lights, it may be that all I get is a very chilly reception because of the lack of solar activity. I have a great selection of Long Johns already! But I am going dog- sledding.

Gifts A Go Go – Without Go Going

The advantage of shopping with James Pirie is that rain or shine, snow or hail we are there to help. Now if it’s Christmas that rocks your sled this year then we can help with a bit of ho ho ho, not to be confused with yo ho ho, and get all your gift giving tucked up before the glowing fire long before the day itself and before the weather can turn really foul. Where are those huskies when I need them? Take a peek at our Whisky Selection and look at the Royal Scot Crystal - Skye - Box of 2 Large Tumblers   in a gorgeous presentation box. It is five star rated by our five star customers and carries a half price offer before the Yuletide rings out.

https://www.jamespirie.com/whisky-gifts/skye-box-of-2-large-tumblers.html