The models remain very poor, I doubt if deep down anyone really expects a change from this mild regime for the rest of the winter. 

The current output, albeit fascinating from a temperature record point of view, remains frustrating for the lack of cold but also the lack of much to discuss in terms of synoptic change.

In a vague attempt to discuss the Model Output there does seem to be continued signs of a pressure rise to our east after Christmas turning our wind direction more southerly and resulting in the rise of 850hPa temps as seen in the GFS ENS. However, as can be seen from the 2m temps, this does not necessarily equate to a rise in temps at the surface, especially under HP if centred more to the west. Ok, a southerly is not going to produce a winter wonderland, but the HP influence may bring temps back to average.

http://www.wetterzentrale.de/pics/MT2_London_ens.png 

Why is that Euro High so dominant? What is needed to shift it? My skiing holiday is looking doomed already; Ill need an amazing amount of snow there in the first two weeks of January!

I do

Some friends I know have already cancelled their skiing trip for late December- their Alpine resort is snowless. They were supposed to spend Christmas and New Year in a winter wonderland- no chance of that!