Friday, March 29, 2024

New year back to normal

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Alvechurch amateur weatherman Phil Thomas records the changes.

Unusual cloud formation over Studley

Rare sight: Phil took this picture over Studley of a ‘sundog’ rainbow effect in the cloud and a ‘fallstreak hole’ (also known as a punch hole cloud) where a large circular gap forms in cirrocumulus or altocumulus clouds when the water temperature in the clouds is below freezing but the water has not frozen due to a lack of ice nucleation particles.

After one of the coldest Decembers for many years, January didn’t produce much in the way of exciting weather.

There was a cold start with a change around the 10th, a very mild period for 7-10 days and then back to a cold dry end to the month.

February to the 14th has continued in the same theme, in fact being much milder than average so far.

January Readings
Mean Max 6.4C -0.3C below average
Mean Min 1.2C = average
Mean       3.8C -0.2C below average
Rainfall 50.4mm   74.0% of average
Sunshine 60.8hrs 120.5% of average

February to the 14th:
Mean Max 10.8C   3.5c above average
Mean Min 4.9C   4.0C above average
Mean       7.9C   3.8C above average
Rainfall 9.5mm   9.5% of average
Sunshine 27.5hrs 45.5% of average

Looking further ahead is always difficult but there is always a chance of some cold and snowy weather at any time during March – although the forecast seems to be much of the same, mild with some chillier spells.

More information at https://www.alvechurchweather.metsite.com

You can now see an improved HD weather-cam, updated at one-minute intervals, at: https://www.alvechurchweather.metsite.com/webcam_alvechurch.php