The warmest autumn in three centuries in Britain and the Netherlands -- and over a hundred years in Germany, Italy and Switzerland -- fueled fears of global warming as well as immediate concerns for weather-dependent industries.

Highs of 26 degrees C (79 degrees F) on Spain's beaches left the sea warm enough for swimming well into November, while most ski stations throughout Europe remained closed due to a lack of snow.

Switzerland's most temperate autumn since records began in 1864 also posed a major problem for the country's skiing industry.

Businesses making a living off winter sports looked to the heavens as barren slopes could not be helped by snow canons which only produce artificial snow below freezing point.

Subzero temperatures were only recorded on Swiss mountains above 2,500 metres (8,200 feet). France and Italy also reported little or no snow at their ski resorts.

"You would have to go to Siberia or Lapland to find minus temperatures (Celsius, below 32 degrees F)," Patrick Galois of the French meteorological office told AFP.

Predicting continued mildness with some snow on the French mountains during December, Galois could only offer a "maybe" to the chances of a white Christmas to boost this year's ski business.

Norwegian economist Kjell Senneseth predicted changes in chalet markets with increasing demand for second homes at snowy high altitudes and a lack of interest below 700 metres (2,300 feet). In Oslo, temperatures remained 10 degrees C (50 F) over the seasonal norm.

High temperatures meant low heating bills as low gas consumption came as a welcome relief in Poland.

Nature's rhythms were also affected, with bears delaying hibernation in Finland and Sweden due to warm temperatures and unseasonal abundance of berries.

"They have stayed awake longer to be able to eat until they are full," said Finnish hunter Ilpo Kojola.

Swiss forsythia and Swedish snowdrops and Polish heather were all in flower months ahead of their usual springtime blossoming.

Swedish potato farmer Lotta Mellberg said she harvested an extra crop Saturday thanks to a combination of warm and dry weather.

But an Italian agricultural union warned that the extreme warmth, if it is followed by a sharp drop in temperatures, could endanger fruit farmers' livelihoods. "The real risk of an unforeseen cold snap could cause irreparable damages to the plants," said La Coldiretti union.

Climatic change in British waters will also have important consequences for the biological diversity, cleanliness and profitability of the nation's seas, the Marine Climate Change Impacts Partnership reported in November.

Central England recorded its highest temperatures in 347 years this autumn.

But while meteorologists remained circumspect about whether the clement weather was much-awaited proof of climate change, Czech mushroom pickers were making the most of the mildness.

Temperatures around 2.6 degrees C (4.7 degrees F) above average enabled Czechs to indulge in one of the nation's favourite pastimes as "summer mushrooms" continued to be found towards the end of November.

"It's not normal, but it's happening," confirmed mushroom expert Jan Borovicka.

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