Tewkesbury Weather
John Dixon
Tewkesbury Weather - Statistically Speaking
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It is our great talking point but do our impressions agree with statistics?
As you see, my friend Peter has a lovely garden in the Oldbury – and he also regularly collects, and presents to me, weather statistics.
Each month I will update the Rainfall and Temperature Statistics and offer my Monthly Reflection on how the statistics underline or undermine our impressions.
John's October 2024 Reflections
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I concluded that December 2023 had been certainly wet and was getting wetter into 2024: October 2024 may surprise you statistically as it had rainfall below average except on the 8th when we had a third of a month’s rain in one day. That was related by the height of the water in the Vineyards but we hope it did not affect materially our friends who are now back in their homes. There was no ‘Indian Summer’ high pressure in October, but we are suffering from anticyclonic gloom.
Rainfall: October rainfall tends to be variable – in the previous 4 out of 5 Octobers it has been wet. Now the water reserves are declining.
Temperature: It has been very much a ‘just under average’ month. We did reach freezing point on a few mornings at the start of the month when we had sunny and showery days but the maximum of 57oF [14oC] was inferior to the September maximum of 70oF [21oC]
Conclusion: It still might be unfashionable to say it, but the lawns look very healthy - and still need cutting! The elevated levels of water in Vineyards may be related to the height of our main rivers. Nor do we know from the BBC the long-term effects on our farmers. We can only hope that the gloom lifts soon.
[See 'Read More' for German Anti-Cyclonic Gloom!]
John's September 2024 Reflections
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I concluded that December 2023 had been certainly wet and was getting wetter into 2024: September 2024 will not surprise you as the wettest since Peter has maintained his records since 2000. The amount of rainfall was four times the monthly average! This is surely in line with BBC figures. Did summer reoccur as an “Indian Summer”, that I remember when I was working?
Rainfall: September tends to be a wet month and September 2024 has been the wettest month since Peter’s records started in 2000. Sunday 8th, Friday 20th and Monday 23rd each had nearly an average month’s worth. The water reserves are definitely full!
Temperature: We did have a bit of an Indian Summer. The maximum of 70oF [21oC] marked the beginning of the month and we did have a week of warmish weather in the middle of the month before the wettest day on 20th with a thunderstorm. The mornings enjoyed average temperatures, but the afternoons were 6oF cooler. By the end of the month, however, we had slid back to 48oF [8.9oC].
Conclusion: It might be unfashionable to say it, but the lawns look very healthy - and still need cutting!
We understand our friends in Abbey Terrace and Back of Avon have resumed their lives in their own homes and we can only hope that recent rain has not caused undue worry. Perhaps we have been fortunate that recent rain has not cause a dramatic rise in the levels of the main rivers to add to local run-off. Nor do we know the long-term effects on our farmers.
John's August 2024 Reflections
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I concluded that December 2023 had been certainly wet and was getting wetter into 2024, temperatures were again below average until summer seemed to arrive on 17 July, stayed that way until the end of the month - but then was only periodic in August. Will summer reoccur as an “Indian Summer” in September, that I remember when I was working?
Rainfall: August tends to be a dry month [really!] and August 2024 has been the second driest month since Peter’s records started in 2000.The BBC hinted at rain, but rarely did it fall - except we often seemed wake up to just a damp and disappointing morning.
It may be as well that we started to conserve water, having opted for a water meter despite having a large garden to tend. Hence the adapting of “trugs”, bought for ferrying garden detritus to the wonderful [but too small!] brown bin, to harvest rain. Mornings have not been too occupied but occasionally there is enough for compost bins! We did not succumb to the temptation to replenish dwindling rainwater reserves. We had a surprise Sunday the 8th with 30mm of rain – more than the whole of August!
Temperature: The BBC has claimed that our August was cool though some parts of the world had excessive temperatures. In contrast with June, the temperature did not reach 80oF [27oC] with warmest temperatures of 76oF [24.4oC] on 9-13 August, with hottest on 12th when Cambridge had the record temperature of 34oC [95oF]. Except for those few days, the temperatures slid back to the 60oF. The BBC’s Storm Season started on 22nd – and Peter noted “windy” several times.
Conclusion: The BBC reported on a disappointing summer – the harvest is almost now finished, and we fear that the yields are depressed which will, no doubt, impact on our lives, as farmers and consumers.
I am sure many of us are also disappointed by our summer – what has surprised me is that, each night on the BBC, we see weather charts which showed our weather affecting our campsite in France. In the “good old days” we could be pretty certain that, once we travelled south of the River Loire, the weather would improve. This year it sems like the ‘Jet Stream’ [ a term of which I had never heard until recent years] has moved south to change traditional weather patterns. May be this is a result of global warming - but not in the way we originally hoped that we would enjoy perpetual Mediterranean sunshine.
John's July 2024 Reflections
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I concluded that December 2023 had been certainly wet and was getting wetter into 2024, July temperatures, like June’s – were below average until summer seemed to arrive on 17 July and stayed that way until the end of the month. Rainfall was average. Will summer last into August?
As usual July, we were camping for SW France in the expectation of warm, if not hot, weather – it seemed to have mirrored your experience this year, but with no worrying heat.
Rainfall: July 2024 had average rain, and it was ironic that the first weekend in July was very wet with you – as it was here! Thereafter Peter noted that mornings were cloudier with sunnier weather in the afternoons – as it was with us. When we drove back on 29 July it was as humid with us.
Temperature: In contrast with June, your temperature did not reach 80 oF [27oC] with warmest temperatures of 78 oF [25.6oC] on 18-19 July. Except for the last 5 days the temperatures oscillated back to the 60s.
Conclusion: The BBC reported on the harvest and, as I feared, the bad weather at different times has affected the quality. In France, we were very disappointed with the amount if sunflowers in the fields this year – especially when we need their oil to compensate for losses elsewhere.
We have to admit that this summer in Aquitaine has been disappointingly inconsistent – until it was time to pack up! August, so far, only appears to be “mixed”.
John's June 2024 Reflections
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I concluded that December 2023 had been certainly wet and was getting wetter into 2024, June temperatures - with one exception - have been just below average but at least it was a dry month. We are still asking - with some desperation? – when, if ever, will summer begin? Maybe at the end of the month, we could be a little more optimistic?
We await the verdict of the press in June 2024.
As usual in mid-June, we depart for SW France in the expectation of warm, if not hot, weather.
Rainfall: June 2024 was the 4th driest since 2000 with only rain on a few days - bidding us farewell on 15-16 June, we have never met such torrential rain driving south but it, at least, stopped at Bordeaux. Rain again fell on you on 30 June and we understand that the first weekend in July was very wet with you - as it was here!
I noticed that Peter commented windy and breezy quite often.
Temperature: Afternoon temperatures did reach a maximum of 80oF [27oC] on 26 June and we hoped you could enjoy that day. It then stared at 60oF+ for the rest of the month - except on the last rainy day.
Conclusion: The BBC only pontificated on the drier June and the deluge on first weekend of July. One hopes that the farmers had been able proverbially “to make hay” in late June.
We have to admit that this summer in Aquitaine has been disappointingly inconsistent. Yesterday was “perfect” but today is only sunny periods at best. So we share your optimism - and hope!
John's May 2024 Reflections
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I concluded that December 2023 had been certainly wet and was getting wetter into 2024, but there has not been much winter cold – that was to change in the New Year! Little has changed by the end of May except that the mornings were getting a little warmer. May, as with February-April was consistently wet as the farmers claim, and I find it generally cool. When will the cool and wet Spring end – when, if ever, will summer begin? Not on the “Glorious First of June” [which, in any case, was a naval battle in 1794 against Revolutionary France!]
We await the verdict of the press on May 2024 – certainly there seems not much cheer for farmers nor those flooded out of their homes in January – who are still drying out with British resilience.
Rainfall: May 2024 was the 6th wettest since 2000 - you will perhaps be surprised that May 2007 was the wettest May, followed by June and a cataclysmic July! Interestingly, most of the rain fell on only 2 days – 20 units on 3 May and 30 units on 22 May - a day of a special visit to a garden centre! The 26-29th were also wet. We noticed that May Showers started early this year on 20 March, and they are still with us into June!
Temperature: Afternoon temperatures did reach a maximum of 73oF [23oC] on 12 May but Peter noted “AM sunny, PM cloudy, shower, which was pretty typical The afternoons were a little warmer than average, but should we be cheered that mornings were quite significantly warmer - so we ought to be gardening at 07.00!
Conclusion: The BBC has yet to pontificate except to insist that we are suffering from climate change, and one still has real fears for farmers’ predicament. Not surprisingly the grass has been growing all too well and finding a dry day for mowing can be difficult. Next month I shall be commenting on Peter’s statistics for the Oldbury, and I shall be camping in France – but I am not sure that it has been much better weather in May than ours. We shall see! Peter’s May garden looks pretty – but rather lush!
Warmest Spring ever?
John Dixon
John's April 2024 Reflections
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I concluded that December 2023 had been certainly wet and was getting wetter into 2024, but there has not been much winter cold – that was to change in the New Year! Little has changed by the end of April except that the afternoons were getting a little warmer. British weather in April inspired a poet - but I am not sure we have been inspired by this prolonged wet and cold spring. When will it end – and improve?
We await the verdict of the press on April 2024 – certainly there seems not much cheer for farmers nor those flooded out of their homes in January.
Rainfall: April can be a wet month as with half of the years – and 2024 was the 4th wettest since 2000, attaining twice the average rainfall. 2020-22 April was a dry period unlike he last two Aprils. It is noticeable that the April of the notorious 2007 was the dryest for the two decades of record keeping.
Interestingly, most of the rain fell in the first two weeks of the Month – except it ended with a flourish on Sunday 28th with a quarter of the month’s rain.
[People living in Abbey Terrace are still forced out of their homes: Mr and Mrs Adrian Shelley, Mr and Mrs W O’Leary as did our committee member, Hannah. We send our best wishes in the hope that the Environment Agency devise a long-term scheme to protect them henceforth – the MP signalled that he is aware of all except one.] We noticed that April Showers started early this year on 20 March, and they are still with us into May
Temperature: I have regretted the cool month but, statistically, temperatures were just average in the mornings [with only three below] but slightly below for the afternoons. Peter’s descriptions involved “bright, sunny and showers” but the east wind reminded me of my youth in Lincolnshire, which has suffered this month. Afternoon temperatures did reach a maximum of 60oF [15.6oC] from 11-13 April - 5 degrees above the maximum of March.
Conclusion: The BBC has yet to pontificate except to insist that we are suffering from climate change, and one still fears for farmers’ predicament.
It was difficult this month to find dry spells for painting fences and cutting the grass – will we obey the plea to have “no mow May”? Thanks again to Peter’s cheering us with his flower photographs – blue in flowers is surely not depressing!
John Dixon
John's March 2024 Reflections
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I concluded that December 2023 had been certainly wet and was getting wetter into 2024, but there has not been much winter cold – that was to change in the New Year! Little has changed by the end of March except that the afternoons were getting a little warmer
The news told us that it is the wettest February, Peter certainly agreed that in his corner of the Oldbury, it is by far the wettest since his recordings started in 2001 – and March kept up the trend by being the second wettest March
Rainfall: Except for 2020-22 March is consistently a wet month 12 years above average – 13 years below average.
There was rain on 16/31 days with the highest of 13mm [29 mm in February’s wet day] on 28 March. The wet end of 2023 continued to a climax of 12mm on Tuesday 2 January – and since then the flood plain has been very wet, and occasionally some roads.
[People living in Abbey Terrace are still forced out of their homes: Mr and Mrs Adrian Shelley, Mr and Mrs W O’Leary, as did our committee member, Hannah. We send our best wishes in the hope that the Environment Agency devise a long-term scheme to protect them henceforth.] We noticed that April Showers started early this year on 20 March, and they are still with us into April
Temperature: Statistically temperatures were average, but the first week had below freezing temperatures and the 2 March reached only freezing point in the afternoon. Afternoon temperatures did pick up in the second half of the month with a maximum of 55oF [13oC] on the 19th.
Conclusion: The BBC has yet to pontificate except to insist that we are suffering from climate change, and one fears for farmers’ predicament.
We did, however, struggle to find two drier days to be able to cut the very long grass – water butts are consistently full to overflowing. Thanks to Peter’s cheering us with his 'Winter Aconites [with a bee!]'
John Dixon
John's February 2024 Reflections
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I concluded that December 2023 had been certainly wet and was getting wetter into 2024, but there has not been much winter cold – that was to change in the New Year! The news tells us that it is the wettest February, Peter certainly agrees that in his corner of the Oldbury, it is by far the wettest since his recordings started in 2001.
Rainfall: February is on average our ninth wettest month since 2001 – but how will it rank in 2024? In 2024 these are February rankings: 10 years above average – 15 years below average, including a mere 6mm in 2023. [Click on READ MORE below for full tables.] There was rain on 13/29 days with the highest of 29 mm on 8 February. The wet end of 2023 continued to a climax of 12mm on Tuesday 2 January – that was half the rainfall for a wet December. Flooding took place after c4-5 January, following 3 days of rain. At least these people living in Abbey Terrace suffered: Mr and Mrs Adrian Shelley, Mr and Mrs W O’Leary as did our committee member, Hannah. We send our best wishes in the hope that the Environment Agency devise a long-term scheme to protect them henceforth. There is anecdotal opinion that the EA had a plan which disappeared in the period of the pandemic – that needs to be followed up. I then recorded “Apart from 2 days, the rain stopped but then the ‘bleak midwinter winter’ descended”. It turned into February’s ‘sodden mid-winter’.
Temperature: Both morning and afternoon temperatures were above normal, respectively 111% & 108% respectively. There were only 9/29 mornings of freezing point and below with the coldest temperature being 25oF on the 24thin the midst of a cool spell of a week. Peter did describe 15 days on variants of sunny, but some days were windy or showery. January had ended with “the winter then ended less bleak with a high of 44°F [6.7°C] but it was ‘dull’.” Thus, with the exception on nine days, it carried on – ‘warm and wet’ which is how we characterised Mediterranean climes when at school.
Conclusion: The BBC[1] concluded that England and Wales had their warmest February on record this year, the Met Office said on Friday. The average temperature for England was 7.5oC, with an average of 6.9C in Wales - 45oF and 44oF and 44.3oF here. The UK as a whole saw its second warmest recorded February – the Oldbury agreed in 2024, l 2022 and 2019 which was similar to 2012. [Click on READ MORE below for full table.] The BBC “Farmers say they are losing crops to floods while less frost hurts the growth of trees like apples and pears.” – we certainly had the floods, but will we benefit from the nine cold days? The last cold winters seem to be 2015, 2013 & 2018 and mornings in 2019. The BBC: “The provisional statistics are in line with long-term projections of warmer, wetter winters due to climate change.” That's still below February 1998's figure of 6.8C. But in a clear indicator of the recent impact of climate change, four of the UK's 10 warmest Februarys since 1884 have all come in the last six years - 2024, 2023, 2022 and 2019. I think we can hesitantly agree? We did however find two drier days in that week to be able to cut the very long lawns and start to restock the compost bins. We also are delighted, as was Peter, with the cheer brought by late [2023] or early [2024] flowering Christmas Roses.
[1]By Kate Stephens & Ben Rich BBC Climate &Science and BBC Weather
John's January 2024 Reflections
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I concluded that December 2023 had been certainly wet and was getting wetter into 2024, but there has not been much winter cold – that was to change in the New Year!
Rainfall: There had been a 50% increase on the January average after two drier previous Januarys. It was not realistic to judge by the calendar month - or even the year - as the weather does not respect that. The wet end of 2023 continued to a climax of 12mm on Tuesday 2 January – that was half the rainfall for wet December. The rain stopped on the Friday as I flew off to Tenerife, when friends in Tewkesbury were suffering from the flood, I am sad to add. [People living in Abbey Terrace suffered: Mr and Mrs Adrian Shelley, Mr and Mrs W O’Leary as did our committee member, Hannah. We send our best wishes in the hope that the Environment Agency come it with a long-term scheme to protect them henceforth.]
Apart from 2 days, the rain stopped but then the ‘bleak midwinter winter’ descended.
Temperature: Statistically the temperatures were ‘average’. On the 5th the morning temperature dropped to freezing point but after a day’s respite the temperature descended to 14 & 17°F on the 18-19th, [the worst being -10°C] and Peter’s descriptions at least merited ‘cloudless’. The coldest morning then rose to the coldest afternoon at 28°F [-2.2°C]. The winter then ended less bleak with a high of 44°F [6.7°C] but it was ‘dull’.
Conclusion: The wet lawns do not merit comment, but the last weekend was good for putting compost around the roots of the roses and, as Peter has shown, the snowdrops are delightfully cheering in 2024 and the cyclamen reassuringly reappear.
The BBC was hardly more reassuring: “The year 2023 has been confirmed as the warmest on record, driven by human-caused climate change and boosted by the natural El Niño weather event.” We might have been better off in Scotland!
John Dixon
John's December 2023 Reflections
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December has been certainly wet and getting wetter into 2024, but there has not been much winter cold.
Rainfall: Rain fell on 15/31 days in the month, and damp mornings were still noticeable. Most of the rain came in two periods – the beginning and end of the month. The 4th and 5th were particularly wet and there was a 50% increase on the December average after two drier previous Decembers.
[P.S. Sometimes periods in history are arbitrary and the weather bids no notice – since the beginning of January, we suffered 23mm of rain, with its terrible consequences for many local people. This is a quarter of the total rain for the whole November 2022.]
Temperature: As the BBC has claimed, it was a warm month, with the mornings particularly warm. The was a paucity of “bright” days.
Conclusion: Although now drenched, the lawns have taken the hint and have not required being cut since the 25 November.
Peter has brought us cheer with his winter shrubs - especially the Skimmia. Let us hope January and 2024 brings us more cheer.
John Dixon
John's November 2023 Reflections
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November has been certainly drier, but we shall all beware that winter first arrived a week ago on 25 November 2023.
Rainfall: Rain fell on 13/30 days in the month, and damp mornings were noticeable. Most of the rain came in showers. It was much drier than October and drier than November 2022.
Temperature: Both sets of temperatures were showing below average temperatures with mornings decidedly cool even in advance of 25th. The highest temperatures in the afternoon was 50oF [10oC] and much cooler than October – on the 18th it was a rainy day, while the 23rd was the start of a sunny sequence of days.
Conclusion: As the weather turned wintry, the lawn was cut – for the last time in 2023?
John Dixon
John's October 2023 Reflections
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We can agree with the BBC that this October has been very wet, although we were spared the effect of Storm Ciarán, on the whole.
Rainfall: Rain fell on 11/31 days in the month. We had most persistent rain on 11-13th and 18-21st. We had nearly 50% more rain than average on a par with 2019-2020 and a little more than 2022.
Temperature: Both sets of temperatures were very average with only two mornings [15-16th, both “sunny” days] reaching freezing point. Only 4 days reached or exceeded 60o [15.6oC] with the highest on the 8th with 64oF [17.7oC].
Conclusion: The BBC today [8 Nov 23] has reported on the warmest October since 2011. In the Oldbury, 2017 and 2022 were the warmest especially in the mornings. The last three Octobers have been warmer than average – which will, of course, affect the ‘average’. Our October, therefore, showed us steadily following national trends. Notably, the lawns are looking very healthy and we wonder when we will no longer need to cut them!
John Dixon
John's September 2023 Reflections
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The BBC has been telling us that it was a warm September and I think we can agree in Tewkesbury! It also stated that rain has been in sporadic showers - and that is true. We are also being promised a warm October in parts – but we shall see.
Rainfall: Our experience was similar to the BBCF: this month’s rainfall was average, but the rain was sporadic coming in heavy showers.
Temperature: Both sets of temperatures were warm with the coldest morning being 36oF with a week’s high of 70oF+ [21oC] from 3-10 September, with three days of 78oF [26oC] - until 16 September when they started to slide with “windy” days. However, we ended the month again on 70oF [21.1oC]
Conclusion: We hope the famers have been successful with their harvest - but certainly the lawns are very green with a weekly cut being demanded which is late in the year. Peter’s photos are, again, delightful - with a hint of menace!
The Warmest September on Record - in Oldbury, Tewkesbury? Click for analysis.
John Dixon
John's August 2023 Reflections
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I think all will agree that there appears to have been little summer in August 2023 – although today, 1 September, and future forecasts might cheer us.
July was indeed a let-down in the UK, but August has also been disappointing – except lawns and weeds are blossoming!
Rainfall: The last three Augusts have yielded less than half the average rainfall - and that has been a consistent trend during the 23 years of Peter’s records.
Temperature: Both sets of temperatures were only average with a high of 74oF [23oC] on 10 August and then above average temperatures - until 25 August when they started to slide. Let us hope it is only a blip!
Conclusion: At least our farmers seem to have been able to harvest their crops, but we do not know about the quality.
Peter’s photos are, again, delightful – with a hint of Autumn but hopefully a pleasant one?
John's July 2023 Reflections
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According to the Daily Mail [2 Aug 23] July 2023 was the “Sixth soggiest since 1836”. Unfortunately, Peter’s records do not go back that far but his camera is consistent in its theme!
June 2023 had seemed a much better month than May – but I suspect that July has been a let-down. I have to confess that I learned about this from a campsite in SW France. Apart from one week, it was warm but not too hot as further south. We did have some rain and, interestingly on 9 July we had a storm at dinner time, which we called the Tempest - dinner was washed out!
Rainfall: Peter’s records only go back 23 years to the Millenium and July 2023 was the 4th wettest – with the worst the infamous 2007! It was, however, way drier than the sodden July of 2007 – it had only half of that month’s biblical deluge.
Temperature: You will not be surprised that it was a cool month, with temperatures 10% down on the average. The maximum temperature reached only 76oF compared with the 80oF [27oC] in June. That day proved very interesting with a very warm morning the day after your own deluge on the 8 July. Peter noted “showery” each day, but the temperatures fell away to their coolest of 56oF on 14 July – the eve of St. Swithin’s Day. The infamous rhyme: “if thou dost rain for forty days it will remain … if thou be fair, for forty days 'twill rain nae mair”. Swithun, who died in 863, was an Anglo-Saxon bishop of Winchester and is only historically famous for this prediction. This ‘red letter’ day is still remembered by the pessimistic British. Peter described a “gale” that day, it included the highest amount of rain. We can only hope the pessimists will be proved wrong.
Conclusion: The only encouraging image of returning on 31 July was that grass was so green – especially compared with 2022 but the state of the fields was worry. The day before we travelled through Northern France where the harvest was nearly finished. Lawns are indeed growing rapidly but we should worry about the month ahead for the sake of our local farmers.
Peter’s photos are, again, delightful – but very ironic!
John's June 2023 Reflections
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The lockdown started 3 years ago but concern over Covid seems to have dissipated at last?
June 2023 has seemed a much better month than May – I hope not too hot at times!
Rainfall: June has reverted to normal and has seemed again drier that average – with only 2019-2020 wetter - although June can prove a variable month. Showers and thunderstorms brought the rain in 3-4 day clutches. It was way drier than the sodden June of 2007.
Temperature: It has proved a much warmer month than May with only 4 days below 60oF and June has boasted the warmest mornings and afternoons since Peter started keeping these digital records in 2012. You will not be surprised that the maximum temperature reached 80oF [27oC] on the last Saturday of June – although Peter noted it was “windy”.
Conclusion: We have thankfully lost the Arctic High replaced by low-pressure warm winds from the South [although I miss the reassurance of the BBC weather charts]. The lawns had been demonstrating drought conditions, but we wonder what will follow in July.
For the last two weeks, I have been in SW France with what seems similar weather but, as I write on 1 July, it is raining, and the rest of the week does not look more encouraging! I hope you enjoyed your late June’s weather.
Peter’s photos are, again, delightful!
John's May 2023 Reflections
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The lockdown started 3 years ago but concern over Covid seems to have dissipated at last?
May 2023 has seemed a strange and frustrating month, as we have had sunshine but too much of cold wind and cloud from the North-East.
Rainfall: May 2022 seemed to have been dubbed the new April, but this year showers ended on 10 May with no rain since then [except strange drizzle first thing on some mornings which only once registered]. We only had half the average May rainfall – in fact only two months have been dry in 2020 and 2016. If it is any consolation 2007 was the wettest May since this millennium.
Temperature: It looked like a summery month, but it certainly did not feel it. Statistically it was an average month. It only exceeded 60oF on five days in the last week - but it ended very cool. The maximum was 64oF [18oC] as opposed to 62oF in April.
Conclusion: We have learned a meteorological lesson in May 2023. Usually, we look forward to High Pressure which usually brings warm weather. However, that is only when the Azores High to the south sends over warm weather – and this month we had an Artic High, sending wind from the northeast. My spring-time youth in Grimsby was blighted by this same blanket of cloud – while 30 miles to the west it was warm. I always though Tewkesbury was in the West – but not last month!
My other worry is that it is the start of a summer drought, although so far, the lawns have been content.
Peter’s photos are, however, very cheering!
John Dixon
John's April 2023 Reflections
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The lock-down started 3 years ago! And we still hear of others who are suffering from Covid and really bad colds!
It has been a strange season’s weather. We recorded last month as “the worst year - and over twice the monthly average! It certainly seemed that way on the evening of Friday 31st and as I wrote on 10 May at 16.00 it is dark and still raining! The Daily Mail of today is also puzzled [see Read More below]:
Rainfall: Sadly [perhaps?] I still cannot be pessimistic of another month of drought. As with March, it was a strange month with it seeming to rain a little at daybreak - with stronger rain later.
We did not have quite March’s record rainfall, but we still had half as much rain as average. Yes, the soil is very damp, and the lawns are well recovering after last summer’s drought. The previous three months of April were still below average. Once again, a statistical check reminds us that April has often been a dry month, the most parched April came in the infamous 2007!
Temperature: It will be no surprise that the afternoons were cool, as with 2021. We reached 50oF [10oC] occasionally and it was only 30 April that we reached a mercurial 62oF! [17oC] Much better than the warmest March day of 12oC! The mornings seemed average but there were 7 mornings of below freezing point – with the coldest being 26 [-3oC ].
Many of we gardeners have remarked on loosing shrubs this winter to frost – from 25 February until 10 March we had a run of cold mornings with the worst being 24oF [-4.5oC] on 11 March after which it relented.
Conclusion: So, when will a properly Spring arrive? – but the lawns and weeds are at least thriving.
John Dixon
John's March 2023 Reflections
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The lock-down started on 23 March 2020 – now 3 years ago! And we still hear of others who have Covid!
It has been a strange month’s weather. We know it has been wet and the BBC still emphasizes that it is to a record amount. In the 20 years of Peter recording rainfall, it is the worst year - and over twice the monthly average! It certainly seemed that way on the evening of Friday 31st with the level of the Swilgate today confirming that.
Rainfall: At long last I cannot be pessimistic of another month of drought, although the Daily Mail says we have not succeeded in replenishing reservoirs. It was a strange month with it seeming to rain a little at daybreak - with stronger rain later. We only had two peaks around Thursday 9th and then on Sunday 26th, which wasted a day’s gardening. But at least, for the time being, the soil is very damp. Will the lawns now recover after last summer’s drought? The previous three months of March were below average. Once again, a statistical check reminded me that the wettest March before 2023 came in 2007!
Temperature: The mornings seemed and were milder although the first 10 days hovered just around freezing point with a colder day on Saturday 11th. The afternoons seemed to agree with the miserable sentiment by being below average. The warmest reached was a mere 53oF [11.7oC] on 22nd.
Conclusion: Although March felt very depressing, dare we be more optimistic about the lawn in summer? [They still have not really recovered because of moss.]
John Dixon
John's February 2023 Reflections
A Carpet of CrocusesClick Image
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The lock-down started on 23 March 2020 – almost three years ago! But we cannot forget that ‘flu is now striking people and just bad colds are sapping friends’ energy - and we hear others have Covid!
Temperature: February was statistically average but there were ten days of frost in early morning. It was cheering that so often Peter’s description was often “cloudless” and “sunny”. The coldest morning was milder than in January. Five afternoons were quite warm for the time of year.
Rainfall: We, like the BBC, feel that it was a worryingly dry month - and statistically it way below average. Rain only fell - a very little - on three days of the month. The winter months of Dec-Feb was way below average. Very worrying for the 2023 summer and inevitably the lawns have not recovered since last summer’s drought.
Conclusion: I am now pretty sure that the rain is not compensating for the summer drought which is very worrying. The Arctic High is now back with us for March.
John Dixon
John's January 2023 Reflections
Genuine old-fashioned Winter!Click Image
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The lock-down started on 23 March 2020 – nearly 3 years ago! But we cannot forget that ‘flu is now striking people and just bad colds are sapping friends’ energy and confining them to their houses.
Temperature: January was statistically average but the photograph sums up the weather from 16-31 January 2023 which did bring us two week’s surprisingly cold weather. It was cheering that so often Peter’s description was “sunny”. The coldest morning plumbed the depths of 14oF [8oC] below freezing: but still surely nothing to compare with 1963 or 1982? Three afternoons reached 7oF [4oC] below freezing – and the coldest day was also “foggy”.
Rainfall: I felt it was a worryingly dry month but statistically it was average. Rain fell in the start of the month, but only noteworthy and “windy” 10-12 January.
Conclusion: I am still not sure that the rain is compensating for the summer drought as we have noticed the wet still does not permeate deeply beneath the surface of soil.
The Siberian High continues to make us think but, as the newspapers compare 2023 with 1973, we can only hope that we have enough wind to power our turbines and avoid blackouts this winter? So far so good but the coal fired stations are standing by.
Thank you to Pete.
John's December 2022 Reflections
Genuine old-fashioned Winter!Click Image
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The lock-down started on 23 March 2020 – nearly 3 years ago! But we cannot forget that Covid is striking people and there is also flu and just bad colds which are sapping friends’ energy and confining them to their houses. Many of us are hopefully having simultaneous Covid4 & Flu jabs at the moment!
Temperature: December did bring us a week’s surprisingly cold weather as is pictured here but it is interesting that only three days had temperatures, only 1oF degree above freezing point. The coldest morning was only 4oF below freezing: surely nothing to compare with 1963?
Rainfall: for the month it was below average such sunny cold weather might not expect to bring rain but there was a little on most days. The period leading up to Christmas Day was rather wet; especially on the Day itself.
Conclusion: I am not sure that the rain is compensation for the summer drought as we have noticed the wet does not permeate deeply beneath the surface of soil.
The BBC is reporting that the warmth of years is increasingly worrying. Unfortunately, Peter has only been recording temperatures on this computer since 2011. That year was the warmest since then with morning and afternoon temperatures of 48oF and 60.3oF [9oC and 16oC]. The coldest was 2013 with 39.3oF and 50.7oF [4oC & 10.7oC] whilst the 11-year average was 41.8oF and 52.8oF [5.4oC & 11.6 oC] – QED to the BBC?
The Siberian High certainly made us think but as the newspapers compare 2023 with 1973, we can only hope that we have enough wind to power our turbines and avoid blackouts this winter?
Thank you to Peter for recording these statistics or over a decade.
John's November 2022 Reflections
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The lock-down started on 23 March 2020 – 2 and a half years ago! - and, life is almost back to normal, and Covid seems to be fading here – at the moment! Many of us are hopefully having simultaneous Covid4 & Flu jabs at the moment!
Temperature
November, according to the BBC, was a very warm month still, thanks to the jet stream passing from the Azores south-west to north-east. In the Oldbury it was average temperatures – and less warm than last year. However, at the end of the month, a Siberian High was beginning to settle, presaging a cold December; 6 mornings were at freezing point or below. From 11-14 Nov, however, we had afternoon temperatures of 50+
Rainfall
It was evident that we had a wet month, but it was only average and drier than a year ago. We did see the Swilgate rise at the end, and we have now had three wet months after the summer drought – many of the lawns are recovering, but not those on slopes.
Conclusion
At the end of the last two months, I concluded: “We shall have to wait whether autumn rain compensates.” Maybe now we can be more optimistic about rainfall. Peter’s autumn shrubs look healthy and providing plenty of bird food. However, both Peter and I have commented that there are not many birds around. Is that your opinion?
We now have another concern, which Peter cannot measure. With the arrival of the Siberian High, will we have enough wind to power our turbines and avoid blackouts this winter?
John's October 2022 Reflections
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The lock-down started on 23 March 2020 – two and a half years ago! - and, life is almost back to normal, and Covid seems to be fading here – at the moment! Many of us are having simultaneous Covid4 & Flu jabs at the moment!
Temperature:
October, according to the BBC, was a very warm month, thanks to the jet stream passing from the Azores south-west to north-east. In the Oldbury it was 2oF warmer and even more so in the afternoon. I think that we appreciated – but worried about - that warmth
Rainfall:
I was depressed at the middle of the month on 14 October – as was the Daily Mail: On that day, the overdue rains came – until that date we had 11 units and after that 89. We should not care about lawns, but even now there has been little recovery. Last year we had below average rain from August to Sep-tember last [except November and February] so we can only hope that the rain will now continue [but not too much to threaten floods, of course.]
Conclusion:
Last month I concluded: “We shall have to wait whether autumn rain compensates.” We shall have to wait and see but, as I write this on 3 November, it is raining heavily and the Swilgate is rising discerni-bly. Sadly, it looks as though Peter’s Peony is autumnal and we can only hope that the experts are too pessimistic.
Dire Drought Warning [Daily Mail]
John's September 2022 Reflections
Amaryllis BelladonnaClick Image
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The lock-down started on 23 March 2020 – 2 years ago! - and, life is almost back to normal, and Covid seems to be fading here – at the moment! I had simultaneous Covid4 & Flu jabs yesterday!
Temperature: September seems to have been a typical monthbut there was nowhere near enough rain to end the drought. Yet, it was 10 degrees cooler.
Rainfall: I have been on the Danube for the past two weeks and the shock was that the grass was so green – yet we return to the scorched lawns of the UK.
Conclusion: Last month: “We shall have to wait whether autumn rain compensates.” Still not yet.
John's August 2022 Reflections
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The lock-down started on 23 March 2020 – 2 years ago! - and, life is almost back to normal, and Covid seems to be fading – at the moment!
Temperature: We are told that July had demonstrated record temperatures and we knew that from our own experience. August was almost as hot on average as July - 69.8 oF v 70.3 oF. The hottest afternoon temperature was “only” 84 oF as opposed to 94oF – 34.4oC. The average temperature of 69.8 oF was the hottest since Peter started his records for us in 2011. The BBC highlights 2018 as being excessive but 2022 was 4 oF warmer. There was a spell of 80 oF + from 11-14 August.
Rainfall: That can be a problem as such heat can generate heavy rain and the 16th brought an excessive shower which caused damage to our vulnerable Town Museum nearby in Barton Street:
“Excessive moisture continues to be an issue in the Museum. Following the heavy rain on the 18th August, I mopped up three litres of water from inside the tarpaulin on the top floor. Our dehumidifiers have been working hard too. Following a meeting of the Collections Committee this week, we decided to move the dehumidifiers to different locations, to see if that helps.
The mopping up fell to Chairman, Joanne Raywood and volunteers. Thanks to you all.
Conclusion: [last month: “We shall have to await whether autumn rain compensates.” Not yet: the rest of us should be concerned as the rainfall was only 34% of normal. Peter’s Hydrangea hints of Autumn but we need a wet one as in 1976.
John's July 2022 Reflections
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The lock-down started on 23 March 2020 – 2 years ago! - and, life is almost back to normal, although numbers are reported to be rising again. We ended our full season meeting in public. Operations are still being cancelled because a surgeon has the lurgy; one member has returned from hospital with it!
Temperature:
After a disappointingly cool Spring, July had demonstrated record temperatures as you all know. Our campsite was the same, but we are saved by trees and a swimming pool – nor were we threatened with the reported fires. Our hottest day coincided with yours on 19 July with 94oF – 34.4oC. That was excessive but we have probably forgotten similar temperatures in 2018 which was hotter on average! So far August [9th] can be written in similar terms.
Rainfall:
Despite his delightful photos, Peter, the gardener, informed me of his worrying lack of water. We had only 14” – but possibly more worrying is that April was just as dry as was January and almost March with only February and May giving average rainfall.
Conclusion:
We shall have to await whether autumn rain compensates.
John's June 2022 Reflections
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The lock-down started on 23 March 2020 – 2 years ago! and, life is almost back to normal, although numbers are reported to be rising again. We ended our full season meeting in public.
Temperature:
After a disappointingly cool Spring, statistically, June was officially an average month. The mornings were cooler, with 42oF the coolest but a 81oF was almost “hot” and “cloudless” – unfortunately rain followed as we packed our car for a camping holiday in France. When we arrived SW of Bordeaux it was the end of a heatwave, and it was rather uncomfortably hot. Fortunately, a week of nice English temperatures followed, and the month ended with the English cool you were experiencing.
Rainfall:
Peter, the gardener, ended his emailed report to me rather gloomily: “The garden is in desperate need of the rainfall which they keep forecasting and which keeps missing us”. Your June rainfall was 75% of the average with only two days of serious rain – ironically on Jubilee Sunday [memories of our Queen and Prince Philip stoically putting up with the rain on the Thames in 2012] and our holiday packing day!
Conclusion:
We can only wish ourselves a warm July - with not too much summer rain!
John's May 2022 Reflections
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The lock-down started on 23 March 2020 – 2 years ago! - and life is almost back to normal, although some are struck down. We now meet in public as we end our full season.
Temperature:
After a miserably cool April, statistically May was officially an above average month, but I did not feel that! The mornings were much less cool, with 40oF the coolest but a 69oF was the warmest for 2 years – although typically the sun was followed by ‘showers’.
Rainfall:
May seems to be the new April of this age – it seemed quite a rainy month, but it was still just below average. Rain fell on 13 days with a rainy 4 days in the middle of the month. Inevitably Peter’s frequent comment was ‘rain later’ and the morrow was a rainy day but at 65oF.
Conclusion:
Whatever the statistics say, I thought it was a showery cool month – as we would expect in an April of our youth.
As always, Peter’s Garden shows more – ghostly - cheer!
John's April 2022 Reflections
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The lock-down started on 23 April 2020 – 2 years ago! – and, as I reflect on 1 May 2022 in Tewkesbury, we really do seem to be emerging from the Covid nightmare. We continue to meet in public contentedly - but nervously as people are still catching Covid albeit in a milder variant.
Temperature:
I shall remember it as a miserably cool month [except for a few days before Easter when we reached 64oF!] Statistically it was officially an average month, but the frequent cool breeze did not convince us it was spring. We have been led to believe that High Pressure is a good sign – but only when it is named the Azores High and certainly not when it is 'Arctic' as it has been most of the time. The only consolation was that it was worse last year! The mornings were rather cool, if not cold, with 7 days below freezing point – with a return to that on 30 April!
Rainfall:
After a dry March, April was a 30% of the average with only 3 days with a little rain. What does this foresee of the future, as lawns are already showing signs of stress?
Conclusion:
We were promised great warmth for Easter – but it only occurred for a few days before the Bank Holiday.
As always, Peter’s Garden shows more cheer!
John's March 2022 Reflections
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1 April 2022 in Tewkesbury, we really do seem to be emerging from the Covid nightmare. We continue to meet in public contentedly - but nervously as people are still catching Covid albeit in a milder variant.
Temperature
It was an average month, but the frequent cool breeze did not convince us it was spring. We did have a very nice, spring-like, five days from 22 March and the highest temperature was 58oF. Peter’s comment was either “cloudless or sunny”. The mornings were rather cool, if not cold, with nine days at freezing point or below – with 25oF the coolest! It was, therefore, cooler than February.
Rainfall
In March it was a little below average, although we had a very wet day in the middle. It was a “breezy” month.
Conclusion
It was not, therefore, a very pleasant spring month but the grass started to make its demands for attention. We are promised great warmth for Easter!?
As always Peter’s Garden is so cheering and looks lush in its verdure!
John's February 2022 Reflections
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The lock-down started on 23 March 2020 and, as I reflect on 1 March 2022 in Tewkesbury, we really
do seem to be emerging from the Covid nightmare. For February, we met in public contentedly.
Temperature: In theory it was a warmer month than average, but the frequent cold wind did not
convince us. The highest temperature was 52oF on 16 February, but Peter noted: “rain early, sunny,
gale”. At least, the temperature was always above freezing. In the mornings there were only 9 days
when the Temperatures only reached freezing point or missed it.
Rainfall: It was a relief at least that there was plenty of rain to fill the water butts – over twice the
average and the rain was accompanied by “gale”!
Conclusion: It was not, therefore, a very pleasant month with little chance to mow grass
As always Peter’s Garden is so cheering!
John's January 2022 Reflections
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The lock-down started on 23 March 2020 and, as I reflect on 1 February 2022 in Tewkesbury, we seem to be emerging from the Covid nightmare. We resumed Zoom meetings in January but for this month, 17 February, we intend meeting in public.
Temperature:
The Daily Mail is informing us that we are experienced a sunny month – I was lucky that I spent two weeks in Tenerife with sun – and some wind! The highest temperature here was 50oF on 1 January and was downhill after that. In the middle of the month 3 days did not rise about freezing point record temperatures. In the mornings there were 19 days when the Temperatures only reached freezing point or missed it - 25F was the lowest temperature.
Rainfall:
It was evident from water butts that there had been little rain and Peter confirms that we only had 13 units – only 20% of the average. There was no rain at all from 12 January through to the end of the month.
Conclusion:
So Peter’s photographs summarise the month - this January was very dry and “dull” was the lost common comment – with fog and, cheerily, even hoar frost for three days in the middle.
January 2022
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John's December 2021 Reflections
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The lock-down started on 23 March 2020 and, as I reflect on 1 January 2022 in Tewkesbury, we are not sure if we are retrogressing to the previous Covid nightmare or surviving it - this time the enemy is still the Omicron Variant. We actually met in public from September to December 2021 and it was so good to be among members again. However, we still have no certainty for Spring 2022 meetings.
Temperature
The BBC is informing us that we are experiencing record temperatures. 16.3C has been quoted – or 61F. This was evidently not reflected in the Oldbury as our December was an average month and only reached 50F in the afternoons on the last two days. In the mornings there were nine when the temperatures only reached freezing point or missed it. None were cold with 25F the lowest temperature. On three of those days the temperature did not surpass freezing point. I only remember cleaning my windscreen once.
Rainfall
December was an average month with the most rain on Christmas Day – but it had cleared up to permit a traditional afternoon walk. Rain occurred almost daily at the beginning and end of the month and on 12 days in the middle, there was no rain.
Conclusion
So this December, like November, did not resemble those of my youth – they were nowhere near as cold. Is that significant?
Thanks to Peter – your bright flowers are really cheering.
John's November 2021 Reflections
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The lock-down started on 23 March 2020 and, as I reflect on 10 December in Tewkesbury, we think that we are retrogressing to the previous Covid nightmare - this time the enemy is the Omicron Variant. We actually met in public from September to November 2021 and it was so good to be among members again. However, we have no certainty for Spring 2022 meetings.
Temperature
November in Tewkesbury was an average month but much cooler than the unseasonably warm October. In the mornings, the first 4 were at freezing point or below and the last week was even colder. The afternoons were cool and only reaching 52oF twice. The last three days were only at freezing point – perhaps, more like a traditional November but still warmer with little frost.
Rainfall
October was a wetter than average month with a very wet last three days. Rain almost disappeared in November, appearing on only 4 days and that was very little. There have been only two very wet Novembers since the year 2000.
Conclusion
So this November resembled those of my youth – but nowhere near as cold. Is that significant?
Thanks to Peter – your flowers are really colourful and let’s hope the birds had a feast!
John's October 2021 Reflections
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The lock-down started on 23 March 2020 and, as I reflect on 3 November in Tewkesbury, we think that we are emerging more confidently from this Covid nightmare. We actually met in public in September and October 2021 and it was so good to be among members again.
Temperature:
October in Tewkesbury mirrored the warm temperatures we heard on the news. It was one degree warmer than average in the afternoon – but two degrees warmer in the morning. We did not benefit from higher temperatures than 61F after the first week; much less than the 70F maximum in September. On 19th the morning reached 55F, more than the average for the afternoons!
Rainfall:
It was a wetter than average month with a very wet last three days
Conclusion:
So I shall remember a warm and wet October, leaving lawns looking lush and in need of further cutting!
Thanks to Peter – your flowers are really artistic!
John's September 2021 Reflections
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The lock-down started on 23 March 2020 and, as I reflect on 5 October in Tewkesbury, we think that we are emerging more confidently from this Covid nightmare. We actually met in public on 16 September 2021.
Temperature
September did prove a much warmer month than August – it might not have been the classic “Indian Summer”, but I cannot complain. We enjoyed 4 days of 70F + at the beginning of the month with a high 0f 77. Otherwise, we had 20 days of 60F+ - giving an average of 62F – way above the usual. The mornings were also above average.
Rainfall
Conversely, it was a very dry month with most of the rain on two days only. So far in October we seem to be compensating with some heavy rain.
Conclusion
So, I shall remember a pleasant September although the lawns were struggling.
Thanks to Peter – your flowers are a happy memory of this September.
John's August 2021 Reflections
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The lock-down started on 23 March 2020 and, as I reflect on 2 Sept in Tewkesbury, we hope that we are emerging tentatively from this Covid nightmare. We shall now meet in public on 16 September 2021.
Temperature
The photographs do not record my memory of a grey and cold month. Even the lawn is not growing much. We have 6 days of less than 60oF and that trend is continuing as the schools go back. Dare we hope for a “traditional” September ‘Indian Summer’? The warmest day reached 68o F, but Peter commented “bright, shower later”. It is the coolest August since 2014.
Rainfall
Statistically August is a dry month and this one was third driest since 2000 with 2005 and 2003 the driest. 2020 was exceptionally wet, the same as 2004
Conclusion
In my mind it has been a miserable August and now I have turned daytime heating on. The lawn is just looking a little straggly and it is almost impossible to clear weeds from the bone-hard soil. Is optimism our only luxury?
John's July 2021 Reflections
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The lock-down started on 23 March 2020 and, as I reflect on 2 Aug in SW France, we know we have been locked down over a whole year. We hope that we shall now meet in public in September 2021, but our meetings until May continued to be held ‘virtually by Zoom’ – now attracting 40 computers!
Temperature
July is often our warmest month but, in this case, although the temperature in the afternoons stayed above 16oC [60oF] every day except two, you had a ‘heatwave’ of eight consecutive days above 70oF [21oC] from 16 July with a maximum of 28oC [82oF] on 22 July.
Rainfall
Statistically July is an average or below average month [except notoriously!] for 2007. This July was slightly above average with most rain at the beginning of the month, with a flourish at the end of the month.
Conclusion
We did manage to escape to France with very few British which is bad news for our campsite. I think our weather mirrored yours as not as good as usual here, but we did share the ‘heat wave’. Before leaving we must pass a test and, at the moment, stay in self-isolation because of this ridiculous Amber+ status. The French Isle of Réunion is thousands of miles away near S Africa – the French are still more worried about our Delta Variant. [The news from Tewkesbury has been disappointing – what is going on?] There are rumours that our government might see sense and promote France back to amber again which will be good news for us.
John's June 2021 Reflections
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The lock-down started on 23 March 2020 and, as I reflect on 9 July, we know we have been locked down over a whole year. We hope that we shall now meet in public in September 2021, but our meetings until May continued to be held “virtually by Zoom” – now attracting 40 computers!
Temperature
June did not seem to be “flaming” although temperatures were average and slightly better than in 2020. Morning temperatures were not cool, and the afternoons saw us reach 70F+ on 5 days but the second half of the month was less agreeable.
Rainfall
Gardeners will not be happy that we only had a quarter of average rainfall after a very wet May but dry March and April.
Conclusion
June was therefore an average month in temperature but rather too dry in terms of rainfall.
I did manage to escape to France despite all the expensive hassle, but the weather there has been less warm than we hoped. Messages from home suggest that you have suffered rain and wind which will be reflected in next month’s figures. We wonder also if we are in for a heatwave – we shall see!
John's May 2021 Reflections
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The lock-down started on 23 March 2020 and, as I reflect on 1 June, we have been locked down over a whole year. We realise that we shall not now meet in public until September 2021, but our meetings continued to be held “virtual by Zoom” – attracting an average of 40 pcs!
We now await in trepidation 21 June then any restrictions should end – but already we have been prevented from travelling to many countries.
Temperature
The good news of course is that May has been a warm month – but not according to the statistics! The first weeks had temperatures as in April about freezing point but then gradually climbed.
The afternoons were still below average – and our May really did resemble Aprils I remember from youth – “May Showers”! 22/32 days were classed as ‘sunny’ or even ‘cloudless’. We at least reached 63F [17C]. It was, however, the least warm May since Peter’s records started in 2011.
Rainfall
The media has told us that May has proved a very wet month – and Peter agrees with them. There was rain on 21 of the 31 days. So, gardeners have had the rain they desperately needed, allied to warmer weather. May is traditionally quite a wet month - but 2021 was not the wettest since Peter has been keeping records in 2003. Once again, the record wettest month goes to 2007. That infamous year: after a dry April, a very wet May was followed by a wet June and, of course July – so be warned!
Conclusion
Robert Browning may have changed his poem Home Thoughts from Abroad: “Oh, to be in England Now that May is there”. I think we felt more optimistic this May.
However, I have been persuaded to revisit my poor knowledge of poetry: The proverb "March winds and April showers bring forth May flowers", was first recorded in 1886, and the shorter version "April showers bring May flowers". That is better!
So, this cold and dry Spring has finished - and we have also had the good news is that the pace of vaccinations has kept up to target. We await with bated breath 21 June but travel to France is increasingly unlikely.
As always, Peter’s Iris is very cheering. John
John Dixon
John's April 2021 Reflections
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The lock-down started on 23 March 2020 and, as I reflect on 3 May, we know we have been locked down over a whole year. We realise that we shall not now meet in public until September 2021, but our meetings continue to be held “virtual by Zoom” – now attracting 40 pcs!
Temperature
The media has told us that April has proved a very cold month – and Peter agrees with them. Temperatures have sunk to freezing point or below on 17 mornings, with only -4 the coldest. The average morning temperature was 30.4F [-1C]. At least the daytimes were above that point all day, but the average was 48F [9C] – and 20 days were classed as ‘sunny’ or even ‘cloudless’. Snow was recorded on two occasions. However, no one will be surprised that he commented on the “cold wind” for five days. We at least enjoyed three days at 58F [15C] – but May Day was no better. It was indeed the coldest April since Peter started his records in 2011.
Rainfall
Gardeners know that we are desperate for rain, following on from an excessively dry March and allied to the cold temperatures. 12 below average years since 2000 – but it was the 4th coldest April with 2007 being the driest – be warned! The lawns are just about surviving but not growing profusely at all.
Conclusion
Robert Browning wrote in Home Thoughts from Abroad: “Oh, to be in England Now that April's there”. I always assumed that he was nostalgic for April Showers but there was no mention of rain in the poem. I would bet that few of us were moved to poetry in April 2021.
How long will this cold and dry Spring continue? The only good news is that the pace of vaccinations kept up to target. We await with bated breath more normalcy after 17 May, but the behaviour of the French over vaccinations keeps a visit to the caravan in the warmth of the French summer still in doubt.
As always, Peter’s photographs do not lie - on the days on which they were taken.
John
John Dixon
John's March 2021 Reflections
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March has still been dry and cold; not what I remember of Spring – well cold and wet!
The last two days teased us with the hope of a warm Spring!
The lock-down started on 23 March 2020 and, as I reflect on 1 April, we know we have been locked down over a whole year. We realise that we shall not now meet in public until September 2021, but our meetings continue to be held “virtual by Zoom” – both well attracting an average of 33 pcs and up to 39 pcs in March.
Temperature
March has again proved a very cold month – as now seems the norm. Temperatures have sunk to freezing point or below on 11 mornings, with only - 2 the coldest. At least the day times were above that point all day – and quite a few afternoons were classed as ‘sunny’. The tease came right at the end with 62/17! [As I write on 3 April, however, we await on Arctic blast on Easter Monday!]
Rainfall
March has not been as wet as February, but it is as worryingly dry as it has been cold. The lawns are happy but not growing profusely. I am sure that March in my youth in Grimsby was wet.
Conclusion
A cold and dry March with a very unwelcome north or easterly wind which will continue over Easter – but the pace of vaccinations keeps up to target. We await with bated breath more normalcy after 12 April, but the behaviour of the French over vaccinations puts a visit to the caravan in the warmth of the French summer in doubt. As always, Peter’s flowers are cheerfully optimistic.
John's February 2021 Reflections
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The lock-down started on 24 March 2020 and, as I reflect on 1 March, we know we have almost been locked down for a whole year. We realise that we shall not now meet in public until September 2021, but our meetings continue to be held “virtual by Zoom” – well attended, attracting an average of 33 pcs and up to 39 pcs in February.
Temperature
February has again proved a very cold month – but less so than last. There has been no more snow, but it has sunk to freezing point or below on 14 mornings, with -10 coldest. For a whole week, however, it stayed at or below freezing point all day - although 3 of them were classed as sunny. The maximum was again only 47oF [8.5oC]. February just about reached to be an average sort of month!
Rainfall
February has not been as wet as January, but it has still been very wet in two prolonged periods. It is only now that the floods are receding. The lawns are still soggy but have experienced their first cut of 2021. However, the November-January period has been even wetter than usual and the wettest since 2013.
Conclusion
A cold and wet February in so many ways – but the sunny days provide optimism to accompany the increasing pace of vaccinations, from which most members will have benefitted, and a Road Map to follow, very slowly but surely? Peter’s lovely carpet of flowers points the way forward.
John's January 2021 Reflections
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The lock-down started on 24 March 2021 and, as I reflect on 1 February, we are in Day 343 of an almost total lockdown in Tier 4!]. On Boxing Day, we entered Lock-down III in Tier 3 closely followed by Tier 4 on 31 January because of negative statistics even in this area. We realise that we shall not now meet in public until Easter 2021 at the earliest but, this Autumn, our meetings have been held “virtual by Zoom” – both well attended attracting an average of 33 pcs, and we shall continue to meet virtually in the Spring from 25 February 2021.
Temperature January has proved a very cold month – matching the mood. Cold enough for 25mm snow of Sunday 24th. It has sunk to freezing point or below on 18 mornings - and stayed there on 7 afternoons and the maximum was only 47oF [8.5oC]. January was definitely a below average sort of month! The Daily Mail reported this week that it was nationally the coldest January weather for some time. I can agree that, in the Oldbury, the afternoons on average were coldest, at 35oF, since Peter started his records in 2012.
Rainfall January has not been as wet as December, but it has still been very wet. This makes river flooding inevitable and it has been worrying since at least 22nd January [Storm Christophe] with no respite in prospect. The town is almost cut off by floods again – and the lawns are exceedingly soggy!
Conclusion A Miserable January in so many ways – although some would welcome the rare and real snow. The floods are worrying into February and the only optimism is the increasing pace of vaccinations for those over 70. We shall have to wait and see if sunlight - and some freedom - follows.
John's December 2020 Reflections
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Peter's Photos from 2020
The lock-down started on 24 March and, as I reflect on 1 January, we are in Day 312 of an almost total lockdown in Tier 4!. On Boxing Day, we entered Lock-down III in Tier 3 closely followed by Tier 4 on 31 December because of negative statistics even in this area. We realise that we shall not now meet in public until Easter 2021 at the earliest but, this Autumn, our meetings have been held “virtual by Zoom” – both well attended, attracting an average of 33 pcs, and we shall continue to meet virtually in the Spring from 28 January 2021.
Temperature December has proved a very cool month – matching the mood with pubs restricted. It has sunk to freezing point or below on 10 mornings. These levels were also reached on 6 afternoons and the maximum was only 46oF [8oC]. December was a below average sort of month, while the year was slightly above average in the morning and below in the afternoons.
Rainfall December has been a very wet month [with 2 exceptions] since 2012 and following relatively dry Novembers. It was the wettest December since Peter started collecting data in 2003. Not surprisingly, as in February, the town was briefly cut off by floods. The lawns are exceedingly soggy! The year like 2019 saw above average rainfall - with a wet February [floods which caused the loss of a meeting], August and October.
Conclusion Still Gloomy in so many ways – but at the end of the month there were two glimmers of hope with a vaccine. We shall have to wait and see if sunlight follows.
John's November 2020 Reflections
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Temperature
In many ways November has proved a dry but gloomy month – matching the mood with pubs restricted. It has sunk to freezing point on 5 mornings but in the last week it hovered on freezing point for two days. It did reach the dizzy height of 52oF [10oC].
Rainfall
Unlike last year, December has resumed its characteristic as being dry. [The lawns are still looking happy if rather soggy!]
Conclusion
Gloomy in so many ways –but today was announced a glimmer of hope with a vaccine. We shall see if sunlight follows.
John's October 2020 Reflections
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Temperature
Now autumn is upon us and did we have a statistical Indian Summer? Not really. Morning temperatures continue to be cooler but there has been no frost yet. The best afternoon temperature we managed was 57 down from 70 in mid-September. Unlike that month, October has been exceedingly wet. The statistics are a little incomplete at the beginning of the month as Peter had to go into hospital but returned home to this weekend of rain. I am so pleased to report that Peter is making a very good recovery and he has continued to send us his readings. We trust now he will progress to a complete recovery.
Rainfall
Peter sadly missed the wettest day in meteorological history: it was the “wettest day on record for the UK, with enough rain falling to more than fill Loch Ness”! The month, however, continued as it began. [The lawns are still looking happy if rather soggy!] October 2019 was equally wet – and November was only marginally less wet!
Conclusion
We can be certain that this lock down will not be as sunny as the first.
John's September 2020 Reflections
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Rainfall
September has been dry – until October commenced. [The lawns are looking happy at least!] We seem to alternate these days between wet and dry Septembers.
Temperature
Temperatures are gently falling – but no frost yet
Conclusion
Semi-Locked down Autumn is now upon us, seems to be over- to what can we look forward?!
John's August 2020 Refelections
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The lock-down started on 24 March and, as I reflect on 2 September, we are in Day 194. THS has lost all meetings this half season and we shall not now meet in public until January 2021 at the earliest. In the Autumn, our meetings start on 17 September and will be “virtual by Zoom”. I managed to escape to France on the 2nd and, as Autumn begins, still feel very safe on our woodland campsite SW of Bordeaux, but we accept that we shall be quarantined on return once again in the garden! It has been extremely hot here – over 40oC - but highest temperatures are now down to early 30s. Living close to nature one is aware of the sun’s habits and it is clearly rising later and setting earlier. In the Oldbury, August seems to have been a little disappointing, with a lot of rain and wind. We anticipate having to tame a wild garden during our second lock down.
Rainfall
August has been twice the average in terms of rainfall. As befits summer, the rain followed a hotter spell with a thunderstorm on 12 August [beginning of grouse shooting?] followed by 10 days of wind and showers. More followed in the lead to the Bank holiday – but that at least was dry.
Temperature
It was however a cool end of the month with the hottest day of course preceding the storm and that was 32oC [88oF]. It has been an average August again. Mornings have been quite warm until that last week, but afternoons have been average.
Conclusion
Locked down Summer seems to be over – with fond-ish memories of April and May!
John's July 2020 Reflections
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In the Oldbury, July had not been such a splendid month, but the rain was very welcome for gardeners. The lawns, however, are once again showing signs of distress.
Rainfall
July has lately tended to be a little below average in terms of rainfall – although the average of 67 has been inflated by the catastrophic storm of 20 July 2007. Rain this month has been sporadic, but most fell on 7-10 July.
Temperature
Similarly, it has been an average month again. Mornings have been above freezing point by a long way, but afternoons have been modest except the month ended with a flourish on 30oC [85oF].
Conclusion
So again, it has been a month with little to excite or to help sustain us as the lock down eases a little.
John's June 2020 Reflections
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Rainfall
Back to average rainfall, while last June was even wetter. The rainfall mainly fell as heavy thunderstorms over three days Tues-Thurs 16-18 June.
Temperature
It was very much an average month for June but what was quite interesting is that the mornings were warm: on 26 June it was 15.5oC [60oF]. The hottest day was the day before on 25 June when mercury reached the dizzy height of 28oC [82oF].
Conclusion
So little to excite or to help sustain us as the lock down continues.
John's May 2020 Reflections
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Rainfall
At 3 units only, it is not the driest month on record [since 2000] that ‘honour’ goes to April 2007. It is not the first time this year that I have been forced to compare our figures with that year of infamy.
Temperature
We cannot argue with the national weather broadcasts about our May. We reached 20oC [68oF] on VE Day and +1 and again in last week of May [and 1st day of June – for once “Glorious” [The Glorious First of June 1794, (known less gloriously in France as the Third Battle of Ushant) was the first and largest naval action between the French and British fleets during the French Revolutionary Wars [before Napoleon and Trafalgar]. The hottest day was Wednesday 20 May when mercury reached the dizzy height of 21.1oC [72oF]. On the other hand, I hope gardeners were not caught out with 4 mornings at freezing point or below in the weekdays from 11-15 May. Afternoon temperatures since that week were disappointing as well.
Conclusion
Peter does not have the technology to measure sun, but we can agree with the weather forecasters’ superlatives. I am sure that we can agree that in the while the weather has proved that every Covid cloud does have a silver lining.
John's April 2020 Reflections
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Rainfall
We cannot reflect as Browning did – Oh to be in England now that April’s here! – not if we were seeking showers. For those, we really had to await until the very end of the month
Temperature
April was in the most part very warm – we a spell from 8-12 April. 4 of those being 66.7oF [19.4oC] On the other hand we did have 4 mornings at freezing point or below. The days did however warm up!
Conclusion
I start as last month - the lawns are still looking the best for many years – but for how long? English April waited until May to arrive for a short spell - but we did, however, have a lovely month to cherish amidst the Covid-19 gloom. The ‘Silver Lining’?
John's March 2020 Reflections
March 2020 has seemed drier and cooler than a very wet February, with no storms causing flooding, although water from the February floods lingered a long time. That crisis has, of course, been replaced by Covid-19 and THS has lost the March meeting and, perhaps, more in future. The lock-down started on 24 March and, as I reflect on April Fool’s Day, we are in Day 9. The lawns are now able to be mowed.Rainfall
March 2020 experienced below average rainfall, after a very wet winter. Since 2007 most Marches have had average or below average rainfall. This winter it has seemed as that it rained every weekend – and the wettest period came in the weekend of 14-15th.
Temperature
March had slightly below average temperature in the morning and afternoon. We had 6 days of below freezing but they coincided with warm and sunny days, which we really enjoyed at the start of isolation. The maximum temperature was 54oF [12oC] in those lovely days.
Conclusion
The lawns are still looking the best for many years – but for how long? The end of the month took us to dry days with a very cold wind form the North east – just as I remember March in Grimsby We did, however, have a lovely week to cherish but now we have more to worry about than weather.
John's February 2020 Reflections
February 2020 seemed a very wet February, with two storms which have led to the flooding of the major rivers – with the town disrupted 18-20 February causing the rare cancellation of the THS meeting on the 20th.
The lawns are lush but too sodden to mow!
Rainfall
February 2020 experienced just under twice the average rainfall, in a very wet winter - but two winters have been wetter in 2013-2014. Most of the rainfall between 13-16 February with Storm Dennis following Ciarra.
So for this part of Tewkesbury the BBC is not quite right to claim it is the record worst February – it is the 2nd worst after 96mm in 2014. The infamous year 2007 yielded 88mm in the same month [that year every month from Feb-Jul was well above average - but we had an exceedingly dry April].
Temperature
February had slightly above average temperature in the morning and afternoon, with the warmest weather when it rains! The maximum temperature was 47oF [8oC] during both storms.
The mornings were slightly above average, with the lowest 24oF [-4oC] on our rare 3 sunny days.
Conclusion
The lawns are looking the best for many years – but sodden, in need of cutting! The farmers’ fields are of course very wet with standing water in places
Still very little cold and bright weather to lift the spirits during the depressing and worry repetition of storms?
John's January 2020 Reflections
January 2020 seemed a pretty dull, average January, with just a little winter cheer in a brief cold snap, which Peter recorded.
I was out of the country from, the 7-21 enjoying the sun and dry weather of Tenerife – although our departure was saluted by rare rain.
Rainfall
January 2020 experienced just under average rainfall, in a wet autumn experienced since June 2019 [except for the relatively dry July]. Most of the rainfall between 11-16 January.
The last 4 months have been wetter that average – but the winter 4 months of 2019 were much drier.
Temperature
January had slightly above average temperature in the morning and afternoon, but a cold spell followed the wet with cloudless skies and cold temperatures recorded on the weekend of the 18-19th. The maximum temperature was 47oF [8oC] .
The mornings were slightly above average with the lowest 22oF [-5.6oC] .
Conclusion
No winter drought - this year! The lawns are looking the best for many years – but now in need of cutting when it is dry enough!
Very little cold and bright weather to lift the spirits?
John's December 2019 Reflections
December’s rain confirmed that this year, four months since September have been the wettest autumn since 2012. The third wettest autumn in the past two decades was 2006 which preceded July 2007!
Rainfall
December 2019 had average rainfall and was only half of October & November - the lawns are still looking better than for years.
Temperature
December followed the example of the two previous wet months by being much cooler than average. The beginning of the month was sunny and therefore yielded temperatures below freezing point but thereafter stayed mainly above. Only 4 days exceeded [40 oF] with the warmed being 46 oF [8 oC] on a day described by Peter was “dull, drizzle, windy”. Not very appealing!
We continue to have very few days reminiscent of my youth, which were dry and cold with blue skies, uplifting the spirits. Quite the contrary!
Conclusion
It continues, therefore, to be a very wet late autumn – since Peter started collating records in 2003: Ten autumns above average and eight below – is it a trend?
John's November 2019 Reflections
Last month the Daily Mail apparently says that the floods of the moment are as bad as 2007: maybe that was not an exaggeration [although the autumn of 2007 was one of the driest]. There were 223 units of rain in July 2007 following 4 very wet months [but an exceptionally dry April]. This year three months since September have been the wettest autumn since 2012.John's October 2019 Reflections
The Daily Mail apparently says that the floods of the moment are as bad as 2007. I hope that is an exaggeration. There were 223 units of rain in July 2007 following four very wet months [but an exceptionally dry April]. This year, three months since June have been wet months, the exception being July.
Rainfall
October 2019 had half as much rain as July 2007 but half as much again than average. No wonder the lawns are looking better than for years.
Temperature
October is remembered as the start of autumn. The last three years have seen a cooler than average October. We have experienced three days at freezing point or below and since the middle of the month afternoon temperatures have been declining. The maximum temperature was [55oF] [13oC] at the Equinox [21st] as opposed to 67oF [19oC] in September. The mornings were hinting of winter with 29oF [-1.6oC]. Time to have moved the geraniums indoors and fuchsias should follow very soon - although they are at their best now.
Conclusion
A very wet late summer.
John's September 2019 Reflections
September 2019 seemed to be a good Indian summer interspersed with a lot of rain. However it turns out that statistically it was an average September. The impression was, however, still not wrong.Rainfall
September 2019, like August, attained twice the average amount of rain, concentrated mainly during the last 8 days. Again it was much less wet than June 2019. So once again, the pattern of summer drought has been alleviated!
The last 4 months have averaged 91 mm of rain – but the winter 4 months of 2019 yielded only 37mm. So those who claim that it is the pattern of winter drought which is our current problem have a valid point this year certainly. This autumn, however, has been much wetter than 2018 – so fingers crossed for a trend?
Temperature
September is remembered as a pleasantly warm and wet month. The month started off with warm weather and continued from 10-15th and then 19-22nd. However the maximum temperature was 67oF [19.4oC] at the Equinox [21st] as opposed to 78oF [26oC] in August and 84oF [29oC]. The mornings were benign with 36oF [2.2oC] the coolest on only two occasions; it was a little cooler than August on average but no threat to the geraniums.
Conclusion
No summer drought - this year!
September was the wettest since 2008.
As a teacher, my memory of September is of cool mornings but of frustrating sunny days – I was not disappointed but the gardener was relieved that it was wetter.
John's August 2019 Reflections
Aug 2019 was very much like the Augusts I remember from my childhood in the 50s and 60s - an average month in terms of temperature [cool!] but with above average rainfall. This summer we attended two landmark occasions in a garden, where we had to exhibit British stoicism.
Rainfall
August 2019 attained over half as much again the average amount of rain, concentrated mainly from 8-11 August and Wednesday 28th. But it was much less wet than June. So once again, the pattern of drought has been alleviated!
Temperature
August was a disappointment compared with July for sun-worshippers and was much less humid. Thank goodness our last landmark occasion in a garden came on the Bank holiday Sunday [25th] when temperatures peaked at 78 oF [26 oC] [cooler than July hottest day of 84 oF [29 oC].
Conclusion
What summer drought?!
August has seemed to be so very wet – but, until this year, it has been below average since 2014.
As a teacher, my memory of September is of cool mornings but of frustrating sunny days - what will 2019 bring?
John's July 2019 Reflections
July 2019 was an average month in terms of rainfall and temperature but the word humid predominates!
Rainfall
July attained the average amount of rain, concentrated mainly from 19-20 July and Tuesday 30th. So at again, the pattern of drought has been alleviated but it much drier than June.
I was in SW France near Bordeaux for the first three weeks, we had no rain.
Temperature
July 2019 was actually cooler that 2018’s record temperatures – but was so uncomfortably humid as we all know. In Peter’s shaded garden, the highest temperature was 84oF [29oC] on 25 July in a four-day spell. It was the second hottest since 88oF [31oC] on 1 July 2015.
At our campsite it was still very hot - but we have not suffered the excessive temperatures which made headlines further south. The tent was usually out of bounds 10-7pm with temperatures of 45oC! [113oF]
Conclusion
Again we obtained relief from the drought but it was sad to hear that flooding ruined the hard work of the volunteers at the Victoria Pleasure Gardens in June but caused such hard work watering in July.
And August seems to be so very wet – will it be statistically? It has been below average since 2014.
John's June 2019 Reflections
June 2019 was a varied month on averages – highest rainfall since …. 2007! But is it good enough long term to avoid a summer drought?
Rainfall
June attained twice the average amount of rain, concentrated mainly from 10-14 June. So at last, the pattern of drought has been alleviated. June usually vies with October and November as our wettest months.
In the 20 years since Peter’s records began in 2000, 2007, 2012 & 2012 have had rainfall above average – but only since 2007!
[As I write I am in SW France near Bordeaux and, in three weeks, we have only had one night’s rain.]
Temperature
June 2019 saw below average temperatures, although even in Peter’s shaded garden, 70oF was only exceeded four times with the hottest day yet on 30 June at 81oF.
It was a good month to put out bedding plants since the lowest temperature was 39oF
[At our campsite it has been very hot - but we have not suffered the excessive temperatures which made headlines further south. The tent is usually out of bounds 10-7pm with temperatures of 45oC! – 113oF]
Conclusion
Definitely a relief from the drought but one hopes that flooding has not ruined the hard work of the volunteers at the Victoria Pleasure Gardens.
John's May 2019 Reflections
May 2019 was a month of averages – better than 2018 but it is good enough long term?
Rainfall
March was only one of the five months in this year when the average has been just about reached. So despite May showers, the pattern of drought has not been alleviated, especially between June 2018 & February 2019.
Although this May was just under average, in the twenty years since Peter’s records began in 2000, twelve past Mays were average or above.
The wettest weeks were the first two and that which fell was described by Peter as “showery”, although there was “rain” especially on 8-9 May.
Temperature
May 2019 suffered below average temperatures for the first two weeks and only enjoyed above average temperatures in the afternoons with cool mornings which hovered about freezing than in March and the noticeable east wind. [On 12 May the temperature dropped below freezing.]
The afternoons were cooler than average in the first two weeks but then picked, climaxing memorably in the 60s 22-27 May with hottest day of the year so far on 23 May.
Conclusion
So no real relief from the possible summer drought – and that Easterly wind would still not have helped.
John's April 2019 Reflections
April 2019 was a month of averages – better than 2018 but it is good enough long term?
Rainfall
March was only one of the three months in the last year when the average has been just about reached. So despite April showers, the pattern of drought is not alleviated.
In the 20 years since Peter’s records began in 2000, 11 of past Aprils were average or above.
The wettest week was the first and that which fell was described by Peter as “showery”, although the last weekend contained a “gale”.
Temperature
April 2019 was enjoyed just below average temperatures with cooler mornings than in March and the noticeable east wind. [6 days saw temperatures at or below freezing.]
The afternoons were cooler than average in the first two weeks but then picked, climaxing memorably in the 60s over the Easter weekend.
Conclusion
So no real relief from the possible summer drought – and that Easterly wind would not have helped.
John's March 2019 Reflections
March 2019 was a month of averages – better than 2018 but it is good enough long term?
Rainfall
March was only one of the two months since May when the average has been exceeded. So the pattern of drought is a little alleviated.
March’s rainfall amounted to 16% above average, a contrast to only one month since May 2018. Since Peter’s records began in 2000, all except two of past Marches were above average.
Most of the rain fell between 28 February and 16 March and was described by Peter as showery.
Temperature
March 2019 enjoyed less cool mornings. Only six days saw temperatures at or below freezing.
The afternoons were much less balmy than in February – but they bucked up in the second half of the month, climaxing on 51o rather than February’s 57oF on the 21st the afternoons almost reached October temperatures.
Conclusion
So a little relief from the possible summer drought – but is it enough?
John's February 2019 Reflections
RainfallThe pattern of drought has continued with a little alleviation. However, February 2019 will go down in folk memory as unseasonably warm.
February’s rainfall amounted to 71% of 'average' and it follows on from consistently below average rain from June onwards.
Since Peter’s records began in 2000, 4 out of 5 of past Februarys were below average, but at least was wetter than 2018.
The week 4-10 February experienced rain.
The winter (Dec-February has produced average rain or above since 2007 – but the 5 years have only produced 2 years of normal rain.
If the forecaster’s prediction of a very hot summer is correct, then our gardens are still much less prepared to cope than last year.
Temperature
February 2019 was the coolest in the mornings for a year. [20 days saw temperatures at or below freezing].
The coldest mornings were at the cusp of the month at 18oF.
However, it was the unique afternoon temperatures whose memory will linger – 16/28 days were above average with a very warm end of month, climaxing on a barmy 57oF on the 26th.
This is an average for September.
Conclusion
So statistically the Winter is worse than the Autumn in still not bringing the rain for which gardeners crave.
The warmth is not significant in the longer term - except as being symptomatic of the drought.
John Dixon & Peter
John's January 2019 Reflections
Rainfall
The pattern of drought has continued and maybe worsened. January’s rainfall amounted to 26% of “average” and apart from an averagely wet December, it follows on from consistently below average rain from June onwards. Since Peter’s records began in 2000, January it was the 2nd driest result, the worst being 2006.
Most of Januarys’ rain was consistently absent.
The winter (Nov-January normally produced average rain or above – but this year this winter period only produced 59% of normal rain
If the forecaster’s prediction of a very hot summer is correct, then our gardens are much less prepared to cope than last year.
Temperature
January 2019 was average and cooler than December. The coldest morning was 31st at 18oF, the day before the predicted snow fall; and 15 days had morning temperatures of freezing and below; the 31st stayed below freezing In the afternoon; the warmest was Friday 25th with 450.
Conclusion
So statistically the Winter is worse than the Autumn in still not bringing the rain for which gardeners crave.
It was rather a nondescript average month with a hint of winter at the end of the month with snow overnight on 1 February.
The only good news is that the first week of February seems to be wet – will the statistics prove it. For the first time in months water butts are full.
John Dixon & Peter
John’s December 2018 Reflections
Rainfall
The pattern of drought has continued. Although the monthly rainfall just reached 'average' it follows on from consistent below average rain from June onwards. Since Peter’s records began in 2000, December usually manages average rainfall.
Most of December’s rain was consistently showery but we had one cool dry week from 9-15 December.
Not surprisingly 2018 was a drier than average year as were 2016-2017. The driest year was 2011 with the wettest in 2012 followed by 2007 & 2014.
Temperature
December was average but still at March levels. The coldest morning was 14th at 22oF; amidst a spell of three days with sunny cold weather.
The 7am temperature only fell fleetingly below freezing point on two other days.
Conclusion
So statistically the Winter is following the Autumn in still not bringing the rain for which gardeners crave.
It was rather a nondescript average month with a hint of winter in a three day spell.
John Dixon & Peter
John’s November 2018 Reflections
Rainfall
It might have felt like a wet month but the pattern of drought continued. This is the second November in succession of below average rainfall – but this time it was only half the average - and the driest since 2010. Since Peter’s records began in 2000, November has had below average rainfall in 11 of the 19 years.
Most of November’s rain fell over the first week with a smaller rally in the last week.
Temperature
November was about 7oF cooler in afternoons and was back to March levels. The hottest afternoon was 14 November but at 42oF rather than 64oF Oct; [remembering 75-81 in June-August in this sheltered garden.]
The 7 am temperature only fell fleetingly below freezing point on four isolated occasions.
Conclusion
So statistically the Autumn is still not bringing the rain for which gardeners crave.
It was rather a nondescript but dry month.
John Dixon & Peter
John’s October 2018 Reflections
Rainfall
Compared with September 2018 with rainfall just over average, the pattern of drought continued and this is the third October in succession of below average rainfall. Since Peter’s records began in 2000, October has had below average rainfall in 8 of the 19 years.
Most of October’s rain fell over the weekend 12-15 October.
Temperature
October was about 6oF cooler in both mornings & afternoons and was back to April/May levels. The hottest afternoon was 10 October but at 64oF rather than 70oF Sept; 75 in August, 81 in July and 80 in June, in this sheltered garden.
The 7am temperature fell consistently below freezing point for the week from 25 October.
Conclusion
So statistically the Autumn did not bring the rain for which gardeners craved.
It was still a pleasant month but morning winter temperatures have set in albeit with lovely sunny mid-days.
John Dixon & Peter
John’s September 2018 Reflections
Rainfall
Compared with August, Septmeber 2018 was drier and even more below average. [The last three Septembers were above average]. Since Peter’s records began in 2000, September has had below average rainfall in only 6 of the 19 years.
Most of September’s rain fell on Thursday 20 September.
Temperature
September was cooler in both mornings & afternoons and was back to May. The hottest afternoon was 2 September but at 70oF rather than 75 in August, 81 in July and 80 in June, in this sheltered garden.
The am temperature reached freezing point on 3 occasions.
Conclusion
So statistically September did not bring the rain for which gardeners craved.
So the heat wave abated but it was still pleasant.
John Dixon & Peter
John’s August 2018 Reflections
Rainfall
Compared with July, August 2018 was wetter but still just below average. [The average has been affected by 3 very wet Augusts in 2004, 2010 & 2014]. Since Peter’s records began in 2000, August has had below average rainfall in 12 of the 19 years. 2015-2018 have been consistently below average. June-August 2018 have been below average.
Temperature
August was cooler in both mornings & afternoons but was back to June levels and hotter than May. The hottest afternoon was 2 August but at 75oF rather than 81 July and 80 in June in this sheltered garden.
The 7 am temperature was cooler on average of 50 [down from 53 in July]; similar to June.
Conclusion
So statistically the period May-August 2018 was the warmest since records began in 2011 – and similar to 2011.
So the heat wave did continue into August as the press predicted.
Will September bring much needed rain to rescue the lawns?
John Dixon & Peter
John’s July 2018 Reflections
[I was away in France for first two weeks! The first week in SW France was hot but the last week was more mixed; so over the five weeks the weather was ‘better’ in the UK!]
Rainfall
As trumpeted by national press, July 2018 followed June as being much drier than average but showers ensured it was wetter than June. Since Peter’s records began in 2000 July has had below average rainfall in 10 of the 19 years [bearing in mind that the average was bumped up in the notorious July 2007]. In the eleven years since 2007, seven have yielded below average rain.
Temperature
July brought even hotter afternoon temperatures than June with 80oF [27oC] exceeded on three days with 26 July hottest on 81oF [27.5oC] in this sheltered garden.
The 7 am temperature was on average of 53 [up from 49 in June].
Conclusion
So statistically July 2018 following June did live up to the hyped heat-wave; although the pattern was enlivened by showers.
Will the heat wave continue into August as the press predict?
John Dixon & Peter
John’s June 2018 Reflections
[was away in France for last three weeks! the first week in SW France was sunshine and showers but last two weeks were very hot with a severe storm on Sunday 1 July; so may be the weather was ‘better’ in the UK!]
Rainfall
As trumpeted by national press, June 2018 was the direst since these records began in 2000; June usually oscillates each year between above and below average but last two years have been below.
Temperature
After the May Day Bank Holiday came the warmest day of the year in this sheltered garden at 73oF [35oC]. This was beaten during the week 25-30 June with 76 on Tuesday 26th.
The 7 am temperature was on average of 49.
Conclusion
So statistically June 2018 did live up to the hyped heat-wave; the only rain was on Friday 8 June.
Will the heat wave continue into July as the press predict?
John Dixon & Peter
John’s May 2018 Reflections
Rainfall
May 2018 was a little wetter than average with sporadic heavy showers – following a trend since 2013 [except 2016]. The wettest sequence of Mays has been from 2006-2008.
Temperature
Statistically April’s temperatures were slightly higher than average with cooler mornings but warmer afternoons especially after the May Day Bank Holiday. This was the warmest day of the year in this sheltered garden at 73oF [35oC]
Conclusion
So statistically May 2018 was a not really the hyped heat-wave but very pleasant in the Oldbury with sporadic storms to enrich the garden and the lawns!
John Dixon & Peter
John’s April 2018 Reflections
Rainfall
April 2018 was wetter than average with April showers at the end of the month – and much wetter than April 2017 which was the second driest since 2007! with only 6mm. with the exception of two days during 1-23 April there was no rain but the last week of the month made up for that
Temperature
Statistically April’s temperatures were average but that disguises the lovely five days of summer – which means that the rest of the month must have been cooler than usual!
The afternoons are getting warmer – but not quite average except for those five days.
7 am average 17 days 1-17 April 38.8, pm average 17 days 47.5
7 am average 5 days 18-22 April 46.0, pm average 5 days 63.6
7 am average 7 days 23-30 April 38.3, pm average 7 days 47.4
Conclusion
So statistically April 2018 was a cool, wetter than average, month – but we did enjoy five glorious days of summer which is repeating as I write on May Bank Holiday; that is a shock!
John Dixon & Peter
John’s March 2018 Reflections
Rainfall
March showed average rainfall after two very dry Februarys in 2017-2018.
Except for 2014-5 March usual yields average rain – 2016 was wetter.
The Dec-February quarter is usually drier than the Nov-Jan quarter but this year slightly above average.
Temperature
March like February was much colder than usual but, unlike February, the average temperature at 7 am was above freezing point.
As with last month, the afternoons were a little warmer – but still below average.
Conclusion
So March 2018 was a cool, averagely wet, month – but an improvement on the very cold February.
John Dixon & Peter
John’s February 2018 Reflections
Rainfall
It was the driest February since 2003.
The years 2003-2008 had a run of dry Februarys – except 2007!
The Dec-February quarter is usually drier than the Nov-Jan quarter.
Temperature
February was much colder than usual with the average temperature at 7 am below freezing point.
The afternoons were a little warmer – but still below average.
Conclusion
So February 2018 was a cold dry month – and that was leading into the Beast From The East – what a pity it straddled two months!
We shall see when we update in mid-April.