Colour state other than clouds or low visibility (e.g. ice or other obstructions) then the word BLACK is written in full and placed immediately before the actual colour state (e.g. BLACKWHT). The colour state may be appended to a METAR report. A short period forecast called a "TREND" which covers the following two hours from the observation may also be added, often with reference to the colour state. The following criteria are used to determine the colour state: Colour state Colour states is a system used for quickly showing meteorological conditions. Meteorological colour states are determined by the relevant worst condition from
Winter of 2009–10 in Europe Ministers denied there was a shortage of grit and salt, insisting there were "very substantial" supplies for Scotland's roads. In its monthly summary "Met Éireann", Ireland's weather service, said December was the coldest month for 28 years for most of the country and the coldest of any month since February 1986 at several stations. Wintry conditions returned to Europe, as much of the northern hemisphere was gripped by intensely cold weather. 13 people died in Poland, bringing the total number of cold-related deaths in Poland to 122. In Switzerland, ten skiers were reported dead or missing in avalanches. The worst