The morning of the 1st was very wet, just like the morning of two days earlier, 29th November. Temperatures were relatively mild though, and the rain gradually died out by the 2nd. A fine spell of weather occurred between the 3rd and the 10th, as an anticyclone built up. The high pressure system moved to the continent by the 7th and to the Balkans by the 9th.

The 4th and the 6th were mild and dull, but a fine, sunny day was recorded on the 5th once the morning cloud had cleared, and likewise, the 7th was also fine and sunny. No wind was recorded on the 5th, and on each day from the 7th to the 10th. However, during the dry spell, two sharp frosts were recorded over the nights of the 7th/8th and 8th/9th. After the 10th, the anticyclones reign began to crumble, and depressions to the north brought very mild, but very unsettled weather between the 11th and the 14th. The evening of the 12th was very wet, but in contrast, good sunshine totals were recorded on the 13th, after showers fell that morning.

High pressure returned on the 15th, and moved to northern France by the 16th. Whilst the nights were frosty, the weather remained dry, and high sunshine totals were recorded on the 17th and 18th.

A depression formed over the UK bringing a thoroughly miserable day for the 20th. Heavy rain fell that morning, under quite fresh winds. Although there was a respite in the afternoon, the heavy rain returned at tea-time. 16 millimetres of rain fell, and it was the wettest day of the month. In contrast, there was a sunny morning on the 21st, before conditions clouded over. There was further rain on the 23rd, but mild weather returned for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, and the temperature did not fall below 46F on either day. Boxing Day was also mild, but unsettled with sharp showers in late afternoon.

As the year drew to a close, the weather turned colder. Conditions for the final day of the year were very unrepresentative of the weather of 2003. It was dull, cold and dry for much of the day. However, a vigorous, Atlantic low pressure system brought heavy snow, which fell after 9.30pm and blizzards. It fell heavily after midnight and into the early hours of 2004. It was quite deep as well, but it didn't last, and melted later on the first day of 2004.

Kevin Phillips - 10.45am - Monday 5th January 2004.