Exceptionally mild February of 1779 and an unusual early season drought

[Weather-history]

February 1779 is the mildest February on record (at time of post) with a CET of 7.9°C

It occurred admist an unusual early season drought that gripped many parts of continental Europe.  The EWP total for the first three months of 1779 was just 44.4mm  Compare that total to the driest summer on record for the EWP with 66.9mm

14th March 1779

3rd April 1779

12th June 1779

From Europe

Naples

Cittavecchia

Smyrna

Madrid

 

Given how dry and warm February and March 1779 would suggest a prolonged spell of Bartlett high pressure. Possibly similar to what happened during February 1998

 

 

[Metwatch]

Although the year started dry, it did become wetter as spring went on, April EWP 67.2mm and May 81.0mm, so I imagine drought concerns at least for the UK wouldn't have been too high. The drier period was during Jan - March which has weaker evaporation, and the preceeding autumn of 1778 looked quite wet so looks mainly a Europe issue rather than UK. Into Summer 1780 looks much drier so maybe more issues for the UK by that time?

1780 is the 5th driest in the EWP series:

1781 was also dry with some very dry months (driest March and October on record in the same year) but by November 1781 and into 1782 it became much wetter consistently.

Edited February 25 by Metwatch