Two things to remember about BBC weather forecasts.

One: They always lead with the forecast for Western Scotland and Northern Ireland, even though it only affects a tiny minority of the population. The huge majority in the South-East have to wait because heaven forfend the BBC should be accused of a “London bias”. Two: The reality is seldom as bad as the forecast. Having failed, in 1987, to predict the worst British storm in history, they now err on the side of doom. Their reasoning is that if the weather turns out better than forecast, we won’t mind. But if it turns out worse, we will. So yesterday we were warned about Los Angeles levels of smog over London. We were practically told to stay indoors or risk asphyxiation. In the event, it was just a bit overcast. Shame. I was rather looking forward to the sun, the smog and The Doors.