5-9 Dec 1952
The 'Great Smog' of London in which more than 4,000 people died.

31 Jan-01 Feb 1953
East Coast storms flooded low-lying parts of East Anglia. Over 300 people were killed and thousands were made homeless. Over 1800 lives were lost in continental Europe, mainly the Netherlands. High tides had clashed with a storm surge to drive the water over the top of sea defences along the east coast.

1954
The heaviest annual rainfall the UK has known was in Sprinkling Tarn in Cumbria where 6,528 mm (257 in) fell over the year.

18 July 1955
Britain's highest ever rainfall in 24 hours: 279 mm (11 in) rain fell in Martinstown, Dorset.

Winter 1962-3
The coldest recorded winter since at least 1795, on 6-7 Feb snow fell continuously for 36 hours. The average temperature during the winter was only 0.8 ºC (33.4 ºF). Economic activity dropped by about 7 per cent and unemployment increased with 160,000 workers being laid off. At least 49 people were killed by the direct effects of the severe weather.

27 June 1970
The heaviest point rainfall was recorded in Wisbech, Cambridgeshire where 50.8 mm (2 in) fell in just 12 minutes.

25 Dec 1970
The last official White Christmas in London.