Something has seemed distinctly different about this December; it wasn't the shopping or the last minute cooking, but something far simpler, the weather! It was yet again a year without a white Christmas crushing so many people that have dreams of waking up to snow on Christmas day. Temperatures were at a record high this year with temperatures like this not being seen since records began. This may have been complete and utter disappointment for a lot of people but, relieve for many as they were able to walk out the door without the dread of scraping the car or negotiating the icy pavements. Why this occurring is and what unknown effect has it been having on the county of Buckinghamshire. This type of weather phenomenon happens when the jet-stream that brings us the weather changes direction. Normally at this time of year Arctic air is brought down from the north and brings us the normal bleak winter weather. However this year it has changed direction with hotter air being brought up from Europe and the Atlantic giving a distinctly autumn feel when many would expect to be layers deep in Jackets and thermals by now. Even though to most this has been a really pleasant surprise, it has not to all with many people experiencing the bad side of this type of weather. Localised flooding has occurred with many people being affected with Roads and many public use areas being flooded by high river levels with heavy rain. Also companies used to selling products normally for the cold weather have been hit hard, with sale not being made for many things such as winter clothing; hardly a surprise when a lot of people have been walking round in t-shirts! It is not only people that have been affected, but this rare occurrence has played havoc with many animals’ biological clocks. Animals normally not out from hibernation until spring have been reported being tricked by the warmer climate and awakening. Problems then start to occur when the Animal’s food source is simply not around at this time of year. Hedgehogs and Bees are to organisms that have been particularly affected by this with bees attempting to look for flowers that just aren’t going to be there yet for at least two or even three months. While it may have been a welcome sight to wake up and not see a winter scene glistening in the early morning light, perhaps it might be better if nature stuck to a more regular pattern of things? I think so! Whilst people in Buckinghamshire have had some problems to deal with I think you can agree with me in saying that other parts of the country have been affected in much more severe ways. With the Change in Jet-stream has meant areas of low pressure have been bombarding Northern England in particular. Severe flooding has been affecting major towns and villages in the counties of Cumbria, and Lancashire. Thousands of residents have had to evacuate their homes in response to torrent-like rivers running down their streets. Flooding has been seen before, but not on this scale and to this severity. Red Warnings for rain were issued in the middle of the months, meaning that there was a risk to life. Family businesses that have been around for hundreds of years have simply been destroyed. Is enough being done to protect these people from what has all of sudden become an immediate threat. Government promises to make this a priority with £50 million being put aside to deal with the flooding problem. Even though this might sound like a lot many people would argue not, and this is a problem that just isn't being taken seriously. This month has shown everybody the unexpected in this country, is this going to be a once in a lifetime occurrence or will we be seeing more summer in winter, or tropical weather in winter for some.