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From
a temperature point of view for the UK, the period January to September
2003 turned out to be the warmest period on record - with reliable
temperature records going back to 1659.
From
a more local point of view, Sheffield enjoyed its driest September
since 1995 (which itself was extremely dry), and in fact the western
park site is on course to record its warmest year since their records
began way back in 1882.
The
fact that October is turning out to be a dry month must be causing
some concern with the water companies.
Many
remember the drought of 1976 was not solely due to the fabulous
summer of 1976, but the summer of 1975 which was dry and warm, together
with the winter of 75/76 which was also dry.
In
fact the climate statistics do indicate that when we get a prolonged
spell of Anticyclonic weather, like we've had for the last 10 months,
sometimes it can last for 18 months before a new type of weather
is established.
As
regards the long range forecast for October, there are strong indications
that the month will be dominated by easterly winds - which nearly
always means below average rainfall.
Another
month with above average temperatures, making eight for the year
so far. Both daytime temperatures and the overall monthly mean temperatures
reached the highest for September in three years.
It
was also a dry month with only 30% of the average rainfall for September.
It was the driest September recorded at Weston Park in 6 years.
There was only 1 day of the month with significant rainfall (11.6mm
on 9th) and there were 16 days without rain.
Sunshine
was again above average and the highest recorded for September in
four years. Most days had some bright sunshine although the best
of the month’s sunshine occurred mid-month.
There
were no reports this month of thunder.
Paul
Hudson
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