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In the United Kingdom, when people meet for the first time, a conversation opener may often be "so cold", "too hot" or "endless rain today!" Talking about weather has long been a British tradition, partly because outdoor conditions can change so quickly, even within a few hours. Winter weather affects people's mood, even their physical health. Sunshine stimulates a feeling of well-being, a desire to go outdoors. Constant rain accompanied by strong winds in contrast can result in a condition known as "SAD" ("seasonally acquired depression").

In China, people usually greet with comments such as "chefan le ma?" ("have you eaten?") Weather was regarded as predictable, not so much a conversation piece. Recently in Beijing, however, I noticed how it has become a daily talking point. Entering my local cafe at Sanlitun I am now being greeted with "are you OK? It's really cold today. You must try to keep warm!" Wearing my heavy winter coat recently became a daily norm.

A few days ago, the recorded evening temperature fell to around minus 18 degrees, a strong northwesterly wind created a wind chill factor made it feel much colder. The streets were almost empty of people, restaurants were very quiet. Temperatures have certainly been considerably lower than in recent years, indeed last winter it was so mild I rarely had to dress up against the cold. A local waterway, the Liangmahe, sadly was frequently ice-free rather than a playground for skaters, a scene so common only a few years past.

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