But these photos, capturing striking scenes during some of the UK’s most extreme winters ever, show it could have been much worse.
This retro photo gallery will bring back memories for anyone who shivered through the bitter cold in 1946, 1963 or 1982.
These remarkable images show steepling snowdrifts and frozen waterfalls as Arctic conditions transform the landscape into a beautiful yet brutal winter wonderland.
They also capture communities pulling together, whether that’s strangers giving a stranded motorist a push, people grabbing a shovel and clearing the streets or a resourceful milkman ensuring customers don’t go without.
From children skating and sledging to a dog bounding through the snow, they also depict joyous scenes amid the freezing cold.
As we wait to see what this winter brings, why not snuggle up warm and enjoy these extraordinary images from years gone by.
If you enoyed this trip down memory lane, you might like our photo gallery looking back at the best of the 60s.
13. Winter wonderland
Snow piled high on the Snake Pass, Derbyshire, in February 1963 | Sheffield Newspapers
15. Beer garden
Three regulars at the White Horse pub in Sedgley enjoying the winter sunshine as well as a pint of good ale in January 1982 | Express & Star
16. Slow progress
A snow plough and workers with shovels clear a path at Tan Hill, Yorkshire, in January 1963 | YPN
17. Hold on tight
Children in Broomhill, Sheffield, get set for a sledge run in the thick carpet of snow in January 1963 | Sheffield Newspapers
