Weather 2008

[Paul T]

And 35'C here yesterday, which is rather warm for March.  fter not even hitting 30'C in February (normally our warmest month) we've had a number of days over 30'C in March now, and another 4 or 5 still forecast.  Not much fun, particularly for those plants already confused about the coolFeb and thinking it is autumn.  The paddocks and lawns around here have all toasted brown in the last week, after staying unusually green for Feb.  We could do with some good rain! 

Still.... could be worse.  Adelaide (capital of South Australia) has had 9 days straight over 35'C, a record for March for them.  Still a few more days of high temps forecast as well.  They've been up around 38 to 40'C each day.  Didn't enjoy our 35'C yesterday, but would have far less enjoyed the last week in Adelaide.  They've also been 47 days without any rain at all, so very hot and very dry!!

[Anthony Darby]

Fairly calm here last couple of days.

[TC]

It's probably signs of advancing years, but I can remember much worse gales in the west of Scotland 40/50 years ago.  Yes, the gales were bad recently but no worse than in previous years.  The residents of the Hebrides, Orkney and Shetland would probably rate wind speeds of 80/90 mph as a standard feature in Winter.  I think that the media like to hype up the story for their own ends.  It was almost portrayed as the end of civilization with reporters standing on the sea fronts telling us how awful it was.  If the wind had been really fierce they would have been blown away.

[mark smyth]

Here are some weather stats for February

Scotland
Temperature: Average of 4.2°C which is 2.2 °C above the 1961-1990 average. Warmest February since 1998.
Rain: 162.4 mm which is 154% of the 1961-1990 average.
Sunshine: 84.2 hours, which is 131% of the 1961-1990 average.

N Ireland
Temperature: Average of 5.5 °C which is 1.8 °C above the 1961-1990 average.
Rain: 58.6 mm which is 72% of the 1961-1990 average.
Sunshine: 86.4 hours which is 135% of the 1961-1990 average.

England
Temperatue: Average of 4.9 °C which is 1.9 °C above the 1961-1990 average
Rain: 82.9 mm which is 105% of the 1961-1990 average.
Sunshine: 109.0 hours which is 167% of the 1961-1990 average. Sunniest Feb since 1970

Wales - any forum members in Wales?
Temperature: Average of 5.0 °C which is 1.7 °C above the 1961-1990 average
Rain: 83.1 mm which is 79% of the 1961-1990 average
Sunshine: 115.8 hours which is 178% of the 1961-1990 average. Sunniest Feb since 2004

[mark smyth]

It can be seen here http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/climate/uk/2008/february.html

[Carol Shaw]

Weather here in Imlil 1750 metres above sea level is very hot to the point David and I are reduced to drinknig mint tea at times... no beer of course 

[mark smyth]

I had to Google Imlil to find out where you are - Morocco. Are you plant hunting?

[mark smyth]

No freeze here today. We had a very nice 13C

[Armin]

Happy Easter Greetings - start of spring time 

Around 4hrs ago we had a hefty hale storm with thunder - later turning into snow fall.
After ~1 1/2hrs it was over and ice and snow started melting...
Some impressions I'd like to share with you.

[Luc Gilgemyn]

Where is global warming when you need it  

[Armin]

Global warming
The temperature fell from 7°C to 2°C within 10minutes...

[Armin]

there are some victims (but they will survive) and others feeling not impressed by weather capers

[Armin]

last ones...

[Maggi Young]

Oh, dear, and to think I have been complaining about the weather here! 
You are not having  the Good Friday you might wish for, Armin.  I hope that you have had the worst and there is improvement now.

Easter Greetings, nonetheless 

[Armin]

Thanks Maggi,

most people don't work due the national holiday - it is a bit strange atmosphere here today.
After the storm - nobody is visible on the streets, it is unusual silent, much less traffic and noise...

After staying outside for taking the pictures I've warmed up by drinking a cup of hot coffee...
Then, one of the best things to do is to stay inside the house, read and monitior the forum news...
Cheers
Armin