TEMPERATURES went mild today. There was even a touch of spring in the air.

Don't be fooled. Have you seen what's happening in Moscow? The mercury's plunged to 30 below. Even the Russians, used to stoically enduring bitter winters, are struggling as pipes burst and cars refuse to start. The State Circus has resorted to giving its elephants two litres of vodka a day to keep them warm.

Now forecasters are predicting that some of this is heading our way.

Uh-oh. We live in a country which goes to pieces at the first sign of frost. If the Muscovites are offloading their weather this way, brace yourselves for chaos - and herds of elephants doing the Micklegate run.

Updated: 10:06 Thursday, January 19, 2006