The UK has experienced its coldest winter in more than 30 years, while heavy rain and strong winds batter western Europe.

The United Kingdom has experienced its coldest winter in more than 30 years, with a mean temperature of 1.5°c – only slightly up from the 1.2°c recorded in 1978/9.

The country has experienced months of heavy snow and freezing conditions, with temperatures reaching lows of -22.3°c in the Scottish Highlands – the lowest in the country since 1995.

The end of February saw much of the country experience heavy rain and storm conditions, with the south-east of England particularly badly hit with a band of heavy rain causing localised flooding.

It’s not only the UK that has been having problems with the weather. On Sunday (28 February), France declared a national state of emergency after heavy downpours and winds of up to 87 mph claimed the lives of at least 50 people. Germany, Spain and Portugal have also borne the brunt of the storm, named Xynthia.

Back in England, the Thames Barrier – one of the largest moveable flood barriers in the world – has been closed three times in two days in an effort to protect the London capital from unusually high tides and swollen rivers.

The UK’s Environment Agency currently has 199 flood watches in place across England and Wales, although the rain is thought to be easing.