I'm not sure that the U.K has had a true metrological defined heat wave since 1976. Heat wave: "A sustained period of unseasonably hot weather". Sustained: " An unbroken extended period" So to have a true heat wave the duration must be extended, the high temperatures must continue through the night, and we must expect Summer like temperatures in Spring and Autumn, and excessively high temperatures in the Summer itself. The only real grey area here seems to be the "extended period". Weather fronts generally exert an influence for on average 6-10 days. However, four or five weather fronts dissect the U.K at various times of the year, so one alone rarely gets to call the shots for anything like that period of time. None the less, excepting that we make a special case for the U.K, it would seem that to be classified a heat wave, the high temperatures would appear to need to last for a minimum of 11 days and nights unbroken. The tabloids, news readers, and most weather presenters (less so, true forecasters) are the chief offenders in calling any two hot days in a row a heat wave.
No need to water the runner beans today. A mere 34mm of rain fell on North-West Essex between 11 am and about 4 pm today. Makes up for a parched month of March.
This thread has taken a leguminous twist. The Wikipedia page contains a Spanish allusion that I approve of very much.
Cumbria (December 2015) After gale force winds, torrential rain, serious flooding, landslips, road closeures and collapsed bridges in Cumbria (N.W. England) in December 015, then the snows came! It makes things slightly more difficult travelling around the district but, with care, most essential journeys continue. Some people in the Ullswater area managed to get their exercise on horse back (see attached photograph). Luckily most of the snow, at least on the lower land, has melted. The snow can look picturesque and of course it is brilliant for winter sports enthusiasts but it can also cause problems. Attached photographs: 1. Helvellyn from Patterdale 2. Horse riding in the snow (Matterdale, Cumbria) 3. Greystoke, Cumbria (December 2015) [There was no sign of Lord Greystoke (Tarzan): probably too cold!].
Cumbria (January 2016) Mid January and the Cumbrian fells are back to the snow covered wintry views that make for picturesque views but can make for difficult driving and walking conditions. For skiing enthusiasts, it has been really good as the Lake District Ski Club has managed to open up several pistes on Raise (part of the Helvellyn massif) which has a 360 metre button tow. Attached photographs (taken at Wharrells Hill between Moota and Bothel): 1. Skiddaw massif from Wharrells Hill 2. Wharrells Hill view towards Buttermere and Lorton fells 3. Wharrells Hill Lime Kiln in the winter sun
All of our many Ski lodges have been open for a couple of weeks now and are full of Americans taking advantage of our very low Dollar BUT - my standard Roses are in bud and should be in bloom by month's end - so the Fraser Valley could be called Shangri La... Cheers
Its dry as a cob here in Alabama. No real rain since July. Outdoor burn ban is in effect for most of the state. Its been overcast most of the day, but just enough clouds to tease us.
Never mind the election. I have snow. Lots and lots of snow. I doubt if I will get out of my side road. How will I get my paper now they don't deliver. Have I got enough bread and milk. Mike
Years ago we were surrounded by floodwater and I started baking bread and checking my stores while my husband went to the pub to assess the situation. Two hours later he returned and ate the most god awful bread without a word - funnily enough!
