With the early arrival of the first Siberian Bewick's swans on Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust (WWT) in Slimbridge, Gloucestershire on Sunday, many are predicting that Europe, as well as other parts of the world, are in for the longest and coldest winter in 50 years. However, Huddersfield weather expert Paul Stevens believes that it's still too early to determine the coming winter's weather patterns, according to The Examiner. 

"Their presence does not necessarily mean it will be a harsh winter but if this is a pattern setting up for winter a 15 percent chance of extreme cold could rise to 25 percent or 30 percent. We are starting to see this seasonal effect of high pressure dragging colder winds in. If this continues, it could be game on for something unusual," Stevens said. 

Just like their counterparts in Europe, Canada geese have been spotted at a lake in Dewsbury Park earlier than their usual date of arrival, triggering speculations that the winter ahead will be long and hard. 

Though Stevens admits that the early arrival of the birds is quite unusual, it is not enough to start panicking about the long winter ahead. Simply put: it's still too early to tell.

"At this stage, no-one can possibly forecast what a forthcoming winter will be like," he said. "Too many variables could come into play," he said.

However, Stevens does admit that there might be something unique about the weather this year, mainly due to three global events that are taking place at the same time, reports The Independent. 

These events are the El Niño phenomenon, the cooling of water in the Antartic, and the presence of trade winds. Overall, the presence of these factors may herald a winter that is not necessarily the longest, but one that may very well be unsettled.

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