Snow fell early on the 3rd and the 4th, but didn't settle. Sunshine totals however, were good on both dates. Further snow fell on the 7th, lasting well into the afternoon, as the maximum temperature didn't rise above freezing point all that day, the lowest of the month and the coldest day recorded since January 2002.

On the 12th the weather turned milder, as a broad South-Westerly airflow encroached the British Isles. The temperature reached or exceeded 50F every day between the 13th and the 17th and didn't fall below 46F and 45F on the 14th and 15th.

A band of rain that continued to push eastwards, with a depression, brought rain on the 19th, but a strong rise in pressure brought a few days of quiet weather. The 23rd was the sunniest day of the month. Then came a very mild spell of weather with South-West winds. The 25th was mild enough, but with the 26th and 27th, with air that originated from Bermuda, the warmest January day on record occurred when 63F was recorded. The minimum temperature on the night of the 26th/27th was 50F. The 27th was also dry with sunny spells.

Another dramatic switch in the weather occurred on the 29th as the wind flow veered northerly and the maximum temperature on the 30th was 37F, 26F lower than the maximum four days earlier. The final day was milder but was a cold night, and frosts were recorded.

Rainfall totals were below normal, and it was like January 2001, in that it was a welcome change from the very wet months which had followed before. Sunshine totals were above normal, making it the first sunnier than normal month since last August. Temperatures for the month were above average, with both day and night-time temperatures. Fog and strong winds were absent all month.

Kevin Phillips - 5.20pm - Monday 3rd February 2003.