Britons have a lot to thank the Scandinavians for – Abba, Ikea and dark television dramas among them.
But their latest depressing offering – an eponymous area of atmospheric pressure – has been less welcome on these grey shores.
Experts reckon that the so-called ‘Scandinavian High’ weather system is the reason why the UK has experienced 30 per cent less sunshine this February than average.
According to the Met Office, the gloomy conditions have been locked in by cloudy skies lingering across Britain for long periods, meaning new weather fronts from the Atlantic struggle to get in.
It has left Britons feeling the chill, with temperatures plunging below zero, accompanied by icy winds.
Met Office spokesman Nicola Maxey said: ‘We have had a third less sunshine than normal for the whole of February so far.
‘This is because we’ve seen quite a prolonged period with a high pressure block over Scandinavia drawing easterly winds, bringing persistent cloudy conditions, although breaking up at times in sheltered areas in the west.
Of course, we’re not even halfway through the month. It has certainly been gloomy and while it is not a common length of overcast conditions, it is not unheard of.’
She added: ‘It perhaps feels significant because the lack of sun combined with the relatively low temperatures and strong winds and wind-chill make it feel particularly cold.’
And there is a warning of more to come, with snow and sleet expected to hit parts of the UK this weekend.
A yellow snow and ice alert will be in place across the north-east of England and Yorkshire between 6am and 2pm today, while up to 2 ins (4.5cm) of snow could fall over higher ground.
There is also the chance of snow in Scotland and some heavy rain over parts of southern Wales and south-west England, according to Met Office forecasts.
But temperatures are expected to climb from Tuesday, amid rain showers and sunny intervals.