SOME HIGHLIGHTS OF THIS EDITION WERE:

THE ONSET OF THE COMMON COLD IN RELATION
TO METEOROLOGICAL PARAMETERS
The effect of various meteorological parameters on the incidence and onset of the common cold in 198 families was studied during a period of 12 months at Wingerworth, Derbyshire. Temperature fluctuations, particularly when repeated, were found to be the most significant factor, with school terms contributing markedly to the morbidity. Outdoor relative humidity levels were not found to be significant. The failure of the thermoregulation of the body, and more specifically of the nasal mucosa, in response to temperature stress is suggested as a possible mechanism which facilitates virus proliferation to produce a common cold infection.
THE GREAT CHRISTMAS BLIZZARD AND AVALANCHES OF 1836
With the help of contemporary newspaper reports, an account is given of the historic Christmas blizzard of 1836. The blizzard was particularly severe over the Sussex downland and culminated in a disastrous avalanche at Lewes, Sussex.
TORNADOES OF 12 JANUARY 1975 IN ENGLAND
A general description is given of the surface-level features of the seven tornadoes which occurred in central and eastern England on 12 January 1975.
THE GREAT GALE OF 2 JANUARY 1976
The severe gale which affected virtually the whole country on 2 January 1976 caused damage put at £100 million. Worst hit were the Midlands and the East coast. Luckily flood defences in the latter area which had been strengthened after the 1953 disaster saved many lives. 26 deaths were reported in England and Wales, many through car accidents involving fallen tress.
TWO STORM SURGES HIT DENMARK
Denmark was struck by two storms surges in January on the 3rd and the 20th. On the first occasion the sea rose to 4.90m above normal water level at Hojer in SW Jutland and this was the highest ever recorded. 20,000 people were evacuated from the threatened areas. The water stopped only 10 cm below the tops of the dikes.
A STUDY OF BRITISH SUMMERS USING AN INDEX - I. TRENDS AND CYCLES
The value and use of seasonal indices is reviewed and a new summer index is proposed. Applied to the Kew data 1881-1975, minor trends and several cycles are noted. Tentative predictions are made for the next 20 years.