Both retailers and small businesses say the exceptionally cold weather in March damaged business activity.

BBC: Firms count damage done by March cold weather

Climate Change Minister Stewart Stevenson said exceptionally cold weather conditions in Scotland in 2010 was to blame.

BBC: Greenhouse gas emissions

In a new report to the council's resources committee, officers said an "exceptionally cold" winter had hampered progress.

BBC: Cold and election 'hampered Highland Council CO2 aims'

Despite it being the middle of April, that spring was exceptionally cold and the waterfalls that streak the mountains were frozen over.

BBC: A route of life-changing moments

Tornadoes are most likely when exceptionally cold, dry air plunges south to violently clash with warm, moist air originating in the Gulf of Mexico.

FORBES: Alarmists Offer A Perfect Global Warming Challenge

Responding for the government, Transport Minister Chris Mole said that "this unprecedentedly prolonged and exceptionally cold winter has caused difficulty for all highway authorities".

BBC: Adjournment debate

Centrica said that "recognising the economic pressures facing many of our customers, the board has determined that any benefit arising from the exceptionally cold weather will be used to maintain our price competitiveness".

BBC: SSE profits up after cold weather

To start with, its annual production is kind of a gamble, wholly dependent on exceptionally cold climatic conditions, particularly at night, and during a precise time of the winter so that the grapes freeze while still on the vine.

FORBES: Beware of Skating on Counterfeit Ice Wines

During the cold weather last week, gas prices in the UK reached an exceptionally high peak of 58 pence per therm, compared to the more usual level of 20 pence per therm.

BBC: Gas prices worry UK industry