So far so good - the Admiral Fitzroy weather glass said it would be cold over the past week and nobody can say it has been anything other than bitter. Temperatures have dipped to -10C and below in some parts, with snow even as far south as London. But it's almost spring, surely the end to this cold weather must be in sight? There's a saying that March can "come in like a tiger and go out like a lion", or the other way round, and it so far it feels like it might. But what do the crystals have to say? Well - they are big and flaky, in a clear solution with a few floating on the top. If crystals are at the bottom then expect heavy air or frost in winter. Snow in winter months. I do hope it is wrong this time, but so far, Admiral Fitzroy has a pretty clean record.

I have to say so far he has been spot on with his weather predictions. Admiral Fitzroy, that is, who through a glass of ever-changing crystals has successfully predicted snow, cold snaps and rain. So what has he in store for this week? It's quite bight and sunny outside, and the first of the spring blossom has finally started to appear on the trees. Is summer just around the corner, are we going to be sweltering in 90-degree heat this time next week? Still a lot of big flaky crystals in the solution.  All sitting on the bottom of the tube and the liquid is clear.... Thick air and overcast sky - snow in the winter months. February is still technically a winter month, but it is so nice outside? Surely not.....another cold snap...?

As I look out the window it is snowing hard and fast - so another coup by the admiral this week I think. The weather glass foretold of another snowy snap on the way, and here it is. So, there is talk of this lasting all week - but what has the expert to say about this? Another clear liquid with large flaky crystals at the bottom, a couple floating on the top but nothing much to speak of. A quick consult with the charts..... More snow, heavy air and frost. Thick air and overcast sky. So far - spot on.

As you know, I have been seeking Admiral Fitzroy's expert opinion on the weather on a weekly basis for this blog. Of course I mean the Admiral Fitzroy weatherglass which sits on my desk. I must point out that this exercise is for the purpose of this blog only - for my other weather reporting duties I rely on more established sources like the Met Office and established long-range forecasters. However, Admiral Fitzroy has so far nailed a big freeze and a week of storms. So what has he in store for this week? Bad news I am afraid, if you are averse to the snow. Big crystals at the bottom of the liquid with a couple on top: Snow in winter months, then heavy air or frost. Coincidentally, it is feeling a bit nippy.