February 2023 – Mainly mild, little sign of ‘Winter’

March 1, 2023March 1, 2023

There was a very mild and dry start to February 2023. There was little rain before mid-month. The gale of the 16th/17th caused vibrations in the rain gauge due to the fencing it was attached to moving in the wind, causing an error in rainfall total for 17th. It is estimated that the gauge caught 8mm too much rain. The true total for the month was therefore around the 15mm mark.

As mentioned, Hurricane Otto bowled through on 16th/17th giving very strong winds. It was the first named storm of the season. Some damage occured, mainly in Scotland and North East England, with overturned lorries and some damage to gardens and houses.

The grassland temperature sum reached 200 degree days on 25th February, 4 days quicker than in February 2022. The temperature remained largely above freezing during February and there was only one day with air frost: Valentines Day 14th February when a minimum of -0.4 degC was recorded.

The overall mean temperature of 6.6 degC was a full 2 degrees above the 1991-2020 average. Mean max and min were above average by a similar degree. The warmest day was the 20th, when 15.6 degC was reached.

Air Pressure was high throughout the month. The very rare ceiling of 1050mb was broken on February 5th when 1050.2mb was recorded. This is the first time I have recorded anything this high at Gilesgate. Indeed, the average air pressure for the month was 1028.8mb.

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What are the most important things to consider when buying a weather station for the home?

February 28, 2023

When buying a weather station for the home, there are several important things to consider:

Accuracy:

The most important feature of any weather station is accuracy. Look for a weather station that provides accurate readings of temperature, humidity, wind speed, and rainfall.

Accuracy is the most important feature of a weather station because accurate weather data is crucial for making informed decisions about outdoor activities, as well as for planning and preparedness in case of severe weather. Inaccurate data can lead to incorrect decisions and potential danger. For example, if the temperature readings are inaccurate, you might not dress appropriately for the weather, leading to discomfort or even illness.

Similarly, if the wind speed readings are inaccurate, you might not be aware of dangerous winds that could damage your property or cause injury. Therefore, it is important to choose a weather station with a high level of accuracy to ensure that you have reliable and precise weather information.

Sensors:

A weather station should have sensors for all the important weather parameters, including temperature, humidity, wind speed and direction, and rainfall. Some weather stations may also include sensors for barometric pressure and UV radiation.

Sensors are an essential component of any weather station because they are responsible for collecting data on various weather parameters, such as temperature, humidity, wind speed and direction, and rainfall. The quality and accuracy of these sensors can significantly impact the overall performance of the weather station. Therefore, it is crucial to choose a weather station with sensors that are reliable, accurate, and able to measure all the important weather parameters.

Having a full suite of sensors for all the key weather parameters allows you to gather a comprehensive picture of the weather conditions in your area. This information can be used to make informed decisions about outdoor activities, crop irrigation, energy consumption, and many other applications. For example, if you have a garden, you can use the rainfall sensor to determine if your plants need watering. Additionally, if you are monitoring wind speed and direction, you can determine the best placement for wind turbines or other renewable energy sources. Therefore, having a complete set of sensors is important to ensure that you have the data necessary to make informed decisions.

Wireless connectivity:

Many weather stations now offer wireless connectivity, allowing you to view weather data from your smartphone, tablet, or computer. This can be particularly useful if you want to monitor weather conditions when you’re away from home.

Wireless connectivity is an increasingly important feature in weather stations because it allows you to access real-time weather data from anywhere at any time. With wireless connectivity, you can monitor weather conditions remotely, receive alerts for severe weather, and access historical weather data for analysis and planning purposes.

By using a weather station with wireless connectivity, you can access weather data directly from your smartphone, tablet, or computer. This can be especially useful if you want to monitor weather conditions when you’re away from home or need to make informed decisions based on the latest weather data. Additionally, some weather stations with wireless connectivity can even send you alerts when severe weather is approaching, giving you ample time to prepare and take necessary precautions.

Moreover, wireless connectivity also allows you to share weather data with others, such as family members, friends, or even researchers. By sharing data, you can contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of weather patterns in your area and help improve weather forecasting accuracy. Therefore, having wireless connectivity in a weather station can provide you with a wealth of useful information and enhance your overall weather monitoring experience.

Display:

Choose a weather station with a display that is easy to read and provides clear information about the weather. Look for a display that is backlit and can be easily read in low-light conditions.

The display is an essential component of a weather station because it provides users with immediate access to critical weather information. A clear and easy-to-read display is important to ensure that you can quickly and accurately interpret the weather data provided by the weather station.

When selecting a weather station, consider the size of the display, the level of contrast, and the font size and style. You want to ensure that the display is large enough to be seen from a distance and in low-light conditions. A backlit display is also important to ensure that you can easily read the data in low-light conditions.

Furthermore, the display should provide all the essential weather information, such as temperature, humidity, wind speed, and rainfall, in a clear and easy-to-understand format. This can be in the form of numerical readings, graphs, or charts. Additionally, some weather stations offer customizable displays, allowing you to choose which weather parameters to display and in what format.

Overall, having a clear and easy-to-read display is important to ensure that you can quickly and accurately access critical weather information. This is especially important in situations where immediate decisions need to be made based on the weather conditions, such as outdoor activities or severe weather events.

Power source:

Consider the power source of the weather station. Some stations use batteries, while others require an electrical outlet. Battery-powered stations are often easier to install, but they will require regular battery changes.

The power source of a weather station is an important consideration because it affects the station’s installation, maintenance, and overall reliability. There are generally two types of power sources for weather stations: battery-powered and electrical outlet-powered.

Battery-powered weather stations are generally easier to install since they do not require a power outlet. They are also portable and can be moved to different locations if needed. However, battery-powered stations require regular battery replacements, which can be inconvenient and add to the overall cost of owning the weather station.

On the other hand, electrical outlet-powered weather stations offer continuous power, eliminating the need for regular battery replacements. They also tend to be more reliable since they do not depend on battery life. However, they require a nearby electrical outlet for installation, which can be limiting in terms of placement options.

Therefore, when selecting a weather station, consider the power source that best suits your needs, taking into account the station’s installation location, the frequency of use, and the level of maintenance required. This will help ensure that you have a reliable and convenient source of weather data over the long term.

Installation:

Look for a weather station that is easy to install and comes with clear instructions. Some weather stations require professional installation, while others can be installed by the homeowner.

The ease of installation of a weather station is an important consideration because it can impact the accessibility and usability of the station. A weather station that is difficult to install may require professional installation or specialized tools, which can add to the overall cost and complexity of owning the station.

Ideally, a weather station should be easy to install and set up without the need for professional assistance or specialized tools. This ensures that you can quickly and easily begin using the station to access critical weather data.

In addition, an easy-to-install weather station is typically more accessible, allowing a wider range of users to take advantage of its features and capabilities. This is especially important for users who may not have specialized knowledge or technical expertise in installing weather stations.

Overall, the ease of installation of a weather station is an important consideration because it can impact the accessibility and usability of the station, as well as the overall cost and complexity of owning the station. By selecting a weather station that is easy to install and set up, you can ensure that you get the most value from your investment and access critical weather data quickly and easily.

Durability:

The durability of a weather station is an important consideration, especially if you plan to use it in harsh weather conditions or in outdoor environments. A weather station that is not built to withstand tough weather conditions can easily become damaged or break, rendering it useless.

Weather stations that are designed for durability are typically made from high-quality materials that can withstand extreme weather conditions such as high winds, heavy rain, and extreme temperatures. Additionally, these stations are often designed with protective features such as weather-resistant housing, corrosion-resistant sensors, and reinforced mounting hardware.

By choosing a weather station that is designed for durability, you can be confident that it will continue to function reliably over the long term, even in harsh weather conditions. This is especially important if you plan to use the weather station for agricultural, construction, or outdoor recreational activities where accurate weather data is crucial for safety and productivity.

Price:

Weather stations can range in price from under $50 to several hundred dollars. Consider your budget and the features you need before making a purchase. A more expensive weather station may provide more accurate readings and more features, but it may not be necessary for your needs.

The price of a weather station is an important consideration because it can impact the overall value and affordability of the station. Generally, weather stations with more features and capabilities tend to be more expensive, while simpler weather stations with fewer features tend to be more affordable.

When considering the price of a weather station, it is important to weigh the cost against the features and capabilities that are most important to you. A more expensive weather station may offer additional features such as wireless connectivity, greater accuracy, or more durable materials, which may be worth the investment if you require these features. However, if you only need basic weather information, a less expensive weather station may be more appropriate.

It is also important to consider the long-term cost of owning a weather station. A cheaper weather station may have lower quality components and require more frequent maintenance or replacement, leading to higher costs over time. A more expensive weather station may have higher quality components that require less maintenance and last longer, leading to lower long-term costs.

Overall, the price of a weather station should be considered in relation to the features and capabilities that are most important to you, as well as the long-term cost of owning and maintaining the station. By selecting a weather station that offers the right balance of features, capabilities, and affordability, you can ensure that you get the best value for your investment.

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What is Ball Lightning?

February 5, 2023

What is Ball Lightning?

Ball lightning is an atmospheric phenomenon that is characterized by the appearance of a luminous, spherical object that moves through the air.

The exact nature and cause of ball lightning is not well understood, and it is considered one of the least studied and most enigmatic meteorological phenomena. Some theories suggest that ball lightning is created by an electrical discharge in the atmosphere, while others propose that it is a plasma formation that is sustained by an unknown energy source.

Despite numerous reports of ball lightning sightings, the phenomenon remains poorly understood and is the subject of ongoing scientific investigation.

Can Ball Lightning kill you?

Ball lightning has been reported to cause injury and death in some cases, but the occurrence of such incidents is relatively rare.

Ball lightning is generally considered to be a relatively weak form of lightning, and it is thought that its ability to cause harm may depend on various factors such as its size, intensity, and proximity to people.

However, due to the unpredictable and poorly understood nature of ball lightning, it is difficult to predict when it might pose a danger to people. If you encounter ball lightning, it is recommended that you stay away from it and seek shelter in a secure location.

Is Ball Lightning similar to any other phenomenon?

Ball lightning has been compared to a number of other atmospheric phenomena, including St. Elmo’s fire, sprites, and blue jets.

These phenomena are related to ball lightning in that they are all associated with electrical discharges in the upper atmosphere, and they are often seen as luminous, transient events.

However, ball lightning is distinct from these other phenomena in several important ways, including its spherical shape, its longer duration, and its apparent ability to persist in the air even when it is not in contact with any electrical conductors.

Despite these similarities, ball lightning remains one of the most poorly understood meteorological phenomena, and more research is needed to fully understand its nature and behavior.

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January 2023 – Mild and on the dry side

February 4, 2023February 1, 2023

The first half of January 2023 saw temperatures well above average, with 5 days exceeding the 10 degC mark. The warmest day was the 4th, reaching 11.5 degC.

The 10th and 11th were wet, yielding 16.2mm of rain. The 11th turned out to be the wettest day of the month, with 11mm of rain recorded. Rain fell on 23 days, but the monthly total of 42.4mm was below average for January.

Snow fell on the morning of 16th January 2023, and a cold spell set in from 15th-22nd. Extensive frost and some light snow showers, although no significant accumulations.

The papers got hold of the threat of snow and put their usual snowmageddon spin on things. In reality a week of typical winter weather was all that was being forecast, despite the usual sensationalism of people like Exacta/Madden.

There were some moderate snow accumulations on the high ground in the west and north, as well as Wales and Northern Ireland.

There were 4 ‘Freezing Days’ during the cold spell on 16th, 17th, 21st and 22nd, but no ‘Ice Days’.

From Trevor Harley

January 2023.

The month of January 2023 had a very mild and wet first half, colder and drier second half, resulting in close to average temperatures overall nearly everywhere.

It was particularly cold in parts of Scotland midmonth. The highest temperature of the month was 15.8 degC at Dyce (Aberdeenshire) on the 24th, and the lowest -10.4 degC at Drumnadrochit on the 19th.

Overall rainfall was about average at 103% of the long-term average across the UK, although much of the rain fell in the first couple of weeks. It was wetter in the west, and drier in the northeast. 100.2 mm of rain fell at Maerdy Water Works (Mid-Glamorgan) on the observing day 11-12th.

It was a very sunny month, being the second sunniest for England (just behind the exceptionally sunny January of 2022) and third sunniest for the UK overall (also behind January 1919), at 133%, but it was quite dull in NW Scotland. The deepest snow depth was 34 cm at Loch Glascarnoch on the 18th.

There was a marked absence of very windy days, with no named storm.

https://www.trevorharley.com/2023.html

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December 2022 – Colder than average (the only one in 2022)

January 20, 2023January 1, 2023

The Weather at Gilesgate, Durham December 2022

As is so often said, December was a ‘month of two halves’.

The first half of the month was dominated by cold. It was the first and only month of 2022 to have a below average mean. It was the coldest December here since 2010. We even had an Ice Day on 13th (an Ice Day is when the maximum temperature for the day remains below freezing). Again, this last happened in December 2010.

The coldest spell of the month spanned 7th-18th. There was a small snowfall on the 8th December, mainly on high ground, but we got a covering in Durham which of course stayed around for several days, making walking about a bit of a hazard. There were 11 nights of consecutive air frosts ending on 18th.

There was then a dramatic rise in temperature as the Atlantic influence broke through, with the top temperature of the month of 12.0 degC recorded on the 19th. This meant that a white christmas was not on the cards this year.

Air pressure was falling and the month became wetter in the second half. The overall monthly mean temperature managed to claw it’s way back to 3.1 degC and the monthly total of rain at just shy of 57mm was pretty unremarkable for a December.

From Trevor Harley

The only month of 2022 that was colder than average. The first half was very cold but fairly dry though with some snow, but it became somewhat milder and more unsettled from the 18th.Overall the CET was 3.4, making it the coldest December since the exceptionally cold month of December 2010. It was a drier than average month, with 87% of the UK average, but it was wet in eastern Scotland (here) and parts of southern England. It was though a sunny month (116%), except for the far north. The maximum at Braemar was -9.3 C on the 12th; the temperature then fell to -17.3 ºC there on the 13th. In contrast the highest temperature was 15.9 at Prestatyn and Hawarden (Clwyd, both famous “hot spots” for the Fohn effect). The greatest snow depth of the month was 15 cm at Loch Glascarnoch (Ross & Cromarty) on the 15th, and the highest rainfall total in an observing day (9-9) was 150.6 mm at White Barrow (Devon) on the 18-19th.

https://www.trevorharley.com/2022.html

From Durham University Observatory

December was the only month in 2022 to record below-average temperatures. Despite this, 2022 was the warmest year on record at Durham since 1844 (10.59 °C), easily beating the previous record from 2014 (10.21 °C). The maximum temperature at Durham Observatory on 19^th July was 36.9 °C, a full 4 degrees higher than the previous record set on 25 July 2019. All in all, a year of remarkably high temperatures!

This was the coldest December since 2010, and the first December to include an ‘ice day’ (when the maximum temperature remains below zero) since 2010. The maximum air temperature on the 12^th only reached -1 °C. The next night was also very cold (minimum temperature: -6.3 °C), the equal 150^thcoldest December night since 1850 (n=5310). The mean maximum was the equal 70^th lowest since 1843 and the mean minimum the equal 55^th lowest since 1843. Despite the low temperatures, the absolute maximum on the 13^th is the 76^th mildest December day on record. As might be expected, there was the lowest December mean grass minimum since 2010. It was an average month for both rainfall and sunshine.

Emeritus Professor Tim Burt

Department of Geography

Durham University

December 2022

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Tales of The Riverbank (and more)

January 20, 2023December 12, 2022

We managed to haul ourselves out of the house today – 12th December 2022. It was bleak, about -1 degC and there had been another dusting overnight.

Starting in town, we headed south, passing the Fulling Mill and the Wear, and then over Prebends Bridge to the Cathedral.

Durham Cathedral in the mist — Durham Cathedral looms in the mist

The walk took us past the huge monolithic bulk of Durham Cathedral on the Peninsula on the other side of the river. The towers were just scraping the cloud. Our fingers had already started turning numb by then, and taking gloves off became a pain, but needs must.

Looking toward The Fulling Mill in the snow

The Fulling Mill was wearing it’s ‘snow hat’, the conditions being that little melting was happening. Little melting was happening in my soul either. The situation was beautifully bleak.

Even the logs floating in the river had a layer of snow, with just the signs of the birds feet in the snow, leaving evidence that wildlife still thrives in the river when the weather turns bleak. I have seen Cormorants here, Otters swimming and even the odd Kingfisher adding a flash of colour.

The weir, boathouses and Prebends Bridge in the snow

The boat houses and the weir looked very wintry indeed, with the usual pile of trees behind the weir to the right of the photograph. It’s a continual struggle on behalf of the Council to keep the river clear, with each spell of heavy rain bringing more flotsam and jetsam down into the city. There are three main areas it collects: (1) here, (2) on the main weir and fish ladder just up from Millburngate Bridge, and (3) on the piers in front of the ancient Elvet Bridge.

Video of the weir at the Mill

Looking back to the weir, with the Durham Cathedral in the mist — Looking back to the weir, with the Fulling Mill and Durham Cathedral in the mist

Here, looking back slightly, we can see how the Cathedral towers have started to vanish into the mist as the distance increases. The top of the central tower is almost completely gone, almost a ‘Stairway to Heaven’.

The Christmas tree inside Durham Cathedral

It was a welcome respite when we crossed the river via Prebends Bridge and walked into the South Bailey, around the back of the Cathedral (a very pretty and tranquil place) and inside the main building. The huge Christmas tree dominated and donated presents could be seen under it. All very festive in the run up to the big day. A chance to thaw out a little, and contemplate things.

The DLI Memorial Chapel inside Durham Cathedral

I always like to pop around the corner and pay my respects at the DLI Chapel. The wreathes were all still there from the previous months Remembrance Day. The ancient regimental colours protect the wooden cross and offerings below.

Plant growing on the wall on Palace Green with Durham Castle in the background

Lastly, a shot from Palace Green. Looking up towards Durham Castle, I spotted this growing out of the wall, rooted in the joint crack between the cap stones. Perhaps a learned reader might be able to advise what it is? I’m no gardener, so any help would be appreciated here.

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