The Great London Snowmageddon: A History (Mostly Lack Thereof)
Ah, London. A city steeped in history, culture, and...tepid drizzle? Yes, while the crown jewels may sparkle, snowfall in London is about as common as finding a pasty that isn't beige. But fear not, fellow snowflake enthusiasts (and yes, we know you're out there!), because we're about to embark on a thrilling voyage through the curious case of London's elusive snow.
When the Skies Turn (Slightly) White: How Often Does it Actually Snow?
Brace yourselves, because this might come as a shock: it snows in London...sometimes. Shocking, right? Statistics tell us it might happen on an average of 16 days a year, but here's the kicker: that often translates to a few measly flurries that melt faster than a custard cream in a cuppa.
The Big Ones: When London Became a Winter Wonderland (Except It Didn't, Really)
Now, don't get us wrong, London has had its moments of proper snow (we're talking enough to warrant digging out your woolly hat). The winter of 1962-63 was a legendary beast, with snow sticking around for a whopping 69 days. Imagine! Kids sledding down Big Ben, snowball fights in Trafalgar Square...well, maybe not exactly that, but you get the picture.
More recently, the winter of 2009-2010 brought a decent amount of snowfall, causing chaos (and much delight) as Londoners rediscovered the forgotten art of walking on something other than pavement.
But Wait, There's More! Fun Facts About London Snow
- Londoners get excited about even a dusting of snow. The city practically grinds to a halt as everyone rushes out to document the once-a-year event.
- Public transport? Forget about it. Buses turn into sleds, and the Underground becomes a sub-terranean ice rink.
- London snow is more like dirty slush than the pristine white stuff you might be picturing. Blame it on the city grime!
How To Embrace the (Rare) London Snow: A Totally Unnecessary Guide
Alright, alright, so London snow might be a fleeting dream. But hey, that doesn't mean you can't be prepared! Here's a totally unnecessary guide (because, let's face it, when it snows, you'll probably be stuck indoors anyway)
How to build a snowman in London?
Forget the three perfect balls. You're going to need to get creative and embrace the slush! Think more "modern art sculpture" than snowman.
How to have a snowball fight?
Good luck finding enough decent snowballs! Maybe stock up on marshmallows beforehand?
How to get around in the snow?
Unless you're a penguin, this one's tricky. Embrace the unexpected day off and binge-watch reruns of Dr. Who.
How to (safely) enjoy the snow?
Wrap up warm, admire the view from your window, and dream of a whiter London (but maybe not too white - we still like our city to be, well, a city).
How to know if it's actually snowing in London?
Follow the cry of a thousand excited tweets! The internet will erupt faster than you can say "snow day."
