The Great London Snowmageddon: A Guide for the Faint of Heart (and Those Who Can't Tell a Flurry from a Blizzard)
Ah, London snow. A magical time, they say. Tourists flock for the picture-perfect scenes of Big Ben dusted in white. Children dream of snowball fights and days off school. But for us seasoned Londoners, the news of a snowflake is often met with a collective groan and a frantic search for the nearest tube that (hopefully) still functions.
So, how often does this delightful disruption actually occur?
The Met Office, those lovely weather people, tell us London averages a measly 16 days of snowfall a year. Now, hold your ice skates. That doesn't exactly translate to a winter wonderland. More like a "maybe you'll see a bit of white stuff on the telly" situation.
A Tale of Two Snowflakes: The London Snowfall Breakdown
The Timid Sprinkling: This is your classic London snowfall. A flurry here, a flake there, just enough to make the pavements a bit slippery and the headlines scream about travel chaos. It's here for a cup of tea and then vanishes like a magician's snowflake.
The Once-in-a-Blue-Moon Blizzard: Londoners of a certain age will regale you with tales of the Great Snow of 1963, or the Beast from the East in 2018. These are the snowfalls that bring the city to a standstill. Public transport? Forget about it. Milk and bread at the shops? Gone faster than you can say "snow day." These are the ones that make the history books (and leave us with a newfound appreciation for central heating).
Important Note: Don't expect a snowstorm every year. London has a fickle climate, and what falls in Manchester might bypass the capital altogether.
FAQ: You Ask, We (Maybe) Answer
How to build a snowman in London?
Use your imagination! You'll be lucky to find enough snow for a snowball, let alone a Frosty the Snowman.
How to dress for snow in London?
Layers are your friend. Remember, the snow might not stick around, but the cold will.
How to avoid the crowds during a London snowfall?
Stay indoors and enjoy a cup of cocoa. The tourists will be flocking to see the "snow", so the streets will be a delightful mess.
How to entertain the kids during a London snow-day (when there's no snow)?
Arts and crafts! Get out the glitter and glue and make your own winter wonderland.
How to make the most of a London snowfall?
Embrace the chaos! Grab a hot drink, watch the mayhem from your window, and be thankful you don't live somewhere with real winter.
