Any hope that we had somehow earned a respite after last winter was, of course, a sentimental fantasy, as if the weather, an impersonal force if ever there was one, knew something about fair play.
As a force, weather can be both catastrophic and serene.
But Tim Gayda, the vice president for sport at the organizing committee, rejected suggestions that the weather might force a last-minute move to a snowier and chillier location.
Gloucester entertain the Premiership leaders, Northampton, on Sunday in a match that has sold out, but the weather may force a postponement.
Essex were the only team to beat the weather and force a result in Division Two, largely thanks to an impressive 151* from Nick Browne.
In the years ahead, the US military will wind down its involvement in Afghanistan while rebuilding a force weathered by multiple lengthy combat tours.
There had been concerns that cold weather might force a postponement or possibly skew today's results.
Woods acknowledged as much after his first round, saying he hoped that bad weather would force a lot of players into making mistakes and that he would be able to move up on the scoreboard.
On 2 December 1711 freezing waters and harsh weather forced the naval force to retire and by the Christmas also the land forces had to withdraw.
When the delay is due to a "force majeure" (weather, a strike, war or other events outside the airline's control), the carrier's only responsibility is to refund the unused portion of your ticket, though most airlines will try to reschedule you.
