Early or late?

Rhododendron sutchuenense is coming into flower. Is this late or early? Usually it is the first rhododendron to flower in the garden which is always late December to early January. This year its mid November and flowering away freely.

With the two recent cold winters I thought the seasons may have re-set themselves but plants still seem to be confused as to when the best time to flower is. A cold snap now should encourage the plants to rest for the winter.