March Blizzard

Shobdon hit exactly 0.0C at 6am.

I'm mathematically unable to retain my crown, so I may as well be brave: 8.9C

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2753819/Does-sunshine-INCREASE-suicide-rates-Light-affect-levels-serotonin-cause-mood-swings-scientists-claim.html One for laserguy, maybe?

I struggle to put February in Spring and November in winter. November might have slightly less daylight than February but nowhere near enough to compensate for the much milder conditions typical of the month. November can be very chilly but February can be downright cold, to the point that a very cold November wouldn't be too far off an average Feb. August in Autumn doesn't look right either. In fact, the only season that I could kind of agree with is Summer.

That's incredible! I wouldn't have thought that the boundary would be so abrupt and result in such a disparity of temperatures within such a short distance.

In regards to the perception of when seasons start/finish, I think the fact that there are two different dates commonly used reflects that there is a "transition period within another transition period", if you like. If you take September 1st as the start of Autumn, you could point to the trees turning and dropping leaves, and the lower sun in the sky at midday as reasons for your decision, however others may point to summer like temperatures and the fact that most trees are still largely green as reason enough to declare it as late summer. I guess the period 1-20 September retains enough summer like qualities to pass as late summer yet also possesses enough autumnal qualities to justify it as early autumn. You could make a similar argument regarding late winter/early spring during the period 1-20 March, though using different examples as justification. I work outdoors and I must admit that despite the warmth, I can't ignore the lower sun, longer shadows and the fallen leaves around my feet. The strength of the sun,in particular, seems much weaker now. My immediate perception is more "Autumn" than "Summer".

Of course the opposite can happen in winter when a Chinook rolls into town, right?

High of 24C on Sunday...high of 2C on Tuesday. Could be a shock to the system, crazy weather!

There have already been air frosts in Northern Ireland and Scotland. I'm not sure about England and Wales.

Come on, that's like asking your average Joe if they like anything other than warm, sunny days in June. Different weather/season preference, is all.

Granted, but you could say the exact same thing about Altnaharra, that's a relatively new station, isn't it?

That's true but it's still impressive. The NI August record low is now just 0.1C warmer than the English record (-2.0C). Long standing records are still falling.

Out of curiosity what irks you more, Laserguy - daylight or warmth? Is August "preferred" to June because of less daylight, despite normally being a warmer month?

-1.9C in Katesbridge on the 24th August 2014 - a new record low temperature for the month. -18.7C in Castlederg on the 24th December 2010 - a new record low temperature for the month, and of any month. It seems Northern Ireland is the place to be for record minima lately.

That was for the 24 hour period finishing at 10pm last night - obviously the lowest temperatures would have been early on the 24th, so both figures are correct, as you will surely see on the next update. http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/weather/uk/uk_latest_weather.html

Yet again cloud spoils another potential record breaker of a night. What does it take to have a fully clear, calm night in the UK these days? They seem as rare as hens teeth!

Sennybridge now at 3.8C at 11pm. If the cloud and wind play ball sub-zero by sunrise tomorrow looks likely.

Already under 6C in a few places (Aboyne, Sennybridge) at 10pm.

I feel a bit sorry for people who experience SAD (and Laserguy!). The change in daylight hours doesn't bother me in the slightest. In fact, I quite enjoy the variety throughout the year.

Out working this morning I could see my breath - up until about 10:30, which is quite ridiculous for August!

I'll go for 13.7C, please.

We just need them to write similarly dramatic articles about relentless warmth from November to March...the reverse is bound to happen!

It's a bit warm at the moment for heating. Realistically it won't go on until October at the earliest, and even then will only be used sparingly. I work outdoors, so I can tolerate cold conditions, but that's probably also the reason I turn the heating on occasionally. Sometimes I just think "sod it" if I want to feel a bit of warmth.

Actually I do. You can't deliver post with gloves on, without great difficulty at least. I agree that those 1-4C wet and windy days are far worse than much colder but dry/calm days. The Hattersley estate in mid January on giro cheque day can be a pretty hostile, and I'm not only talking about the weather in its semi-moorland location...

I'm actually pretty good at dealing with "extreme" temperatures, even when out working in the elements and not just sat in the shade. I've worked in at least 30C (in direct sunlight) at times and while it's uncomfortable, it's still tolerable. This week hasn't been nice for me (while working) but it's nothing I can't handle. I've also worked in temperatures as low as -15C and I didn't find it too bad at all. On balance id probably rather work in the cold than the heat. Too hot to be comfortable for me would probably be around the 30C mark, too hot to tolerate would probably be pushing 40C or above, or high humidity at a lower temperature. Don't think I've yet experienced "too cold".