Thursday 14 February

Bright sunny morning, but very cold. Temperature is barely above freezing, after an overnight frost of -3C / 26F. It should stay sunny all day, with another hard frost tonight.

Western Australia is getting prepared for Tropical Cyclone Nicholas, which will be making its way south over the weekend. The point of landfall and its timing are as yet beyond the scope of forecasting, but a strike east of Port Hedland would seem possible. This same mining town was the scene of several deaths a year ago, when TC George rampaged through. On the subject of cyclones, another one (Ivan) is heading west towards Madagascar, although forecasters disagree on its future course. It could also head southwest. It's a case of keeping a close eye on developments.

Tomorrow, we will learn whether the proposed Lewis Windfarm is likely to gain planning consent from the Scottish Government. The signals are not favourable. Several influential voices within the business community have spoken out, with the Chambers of Commerce saying that environmental designation from the EU should not stand in the way of economic developments. It is precisely the presence of Special Protected Areas that has led the Scottish Government to say it is minded to reject the application.