Question for our British members: how rare is this predicted snow storm?

[dixiegrrrrl]

All parts of Britain could be blanketed in snow this weekend, as a rare weather event sweeps the country leaving temperatures as low as -15C.

Forecasters are warning that a rare change in the upper atmosphere known as Sudden Stratospheric Warming will leave every part of the UK at risk of snow.

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/brace-yourself-all-parts-of-the-country-could-be-blanketed-in-snow-this-weekend-as-rare-weather-front-leaves-temperatures-as-low-as-15c-8442886.html

I hae to admit to ignorance about the climate areas of the British Isles...
but 5 degrees F. does get my attention...that is plenty cold.
How far from "normal" would this be?

[sharp_stick]

1. Wow that seems cold for there isn't it?

Stay warm.

[longship]

2. Stay warm, Brits.

While I sit here in rural Michigan, USA -- where normal January temperatures often go below zero Fahrenheit, and the projected high for next Saturday is 50F, I wish I could send you some long, woolen underwear (the only known cure for the Spon plague -- obscure UK cultural reference).

My heart goes out to you all. You are getting Michigan weather. Too bad. Just don't get Spon, or -- horrors! -- the Lurgi!

on edit: if it's the latter, watch out for tubas from the clouds.

The Spon Plague:
http://www.thegoonshow.net/scripts_show.asp?title=s08e23_the_spon_plague

Lurgi Strikes Britain:
http://www.thegoonshow.co.uk/scripts/lurgi.html