2007 was the 4th warmest year at Durham since records began in 1850 (9.83°C), equalling the 1949 figure and a value only exceeded by 2003 (9.88°C), 2006 (9.94°C) and 2004 (9.96°C). The 12-month running mean was above 10°C from January until September; the ‘year’ from June 2006 to May 2007 was the warmest on record at 10.77°C. The mean maximum for the year (13.6°C) was the 8th highest (since 1900) while the mean minimum (6.1°C) was 4th equal highest. Remarkably, the mean air temperature did not fall below the 1961-1990 average in any month (Using the 1971-200 averages, July, August and December were below average).
Rainfall, hours of bright sunshine and wind speed were all just below average for the year as a whole. Seasonally, spring was the warmest on record and winter the 3rd warmest; there was also the 12th wettest summer on record. The Davis index of summer weather showed that Durham experienced its 12th worst summer since 1886.
Professor Tim Burt
Department of Geography
Durham University
Notable in July 2007: A Thunderstorm and torrential rain caused widespread disruption on 20th. It flooded Bowburn Community Centre and some nearby properties with water and sewage, up to 3 feet deep in the boiler room. It also flooded Durham University Library and the car park at The Gates Shopping Centre. The A177 was closed in both directions from Shincliffe to Bowburn.
