200 yrs ago. The river Thames in London used to actually freeze over. winter fairs were held on the frozen weather. Not happening today.
I do recall snow was common everywinter in U.K and Ireland. Not happening thees days.
2009 was an abnormally siberian cold winter.
2012 was an abnormally wet YEAR. Continuos rain. (knock on effect to food production, farming, livestock etc.)
2013 april - coldest on record. (knock on effect to food production, grass growth, farming etc )
Do these examples constitute extreme weather. ?
Compare glaciers today with where they were in the 70's (courteous of Attenborough)