Will August bring a change to the weather?
| 12:47 UK time, Friday, 31 July 2009
I'm sure most of us will be glad to see the back of July given the poor weather we've had this month. And I've come in for some stick recently because of the rain. Peter Johnson from Radio Wales called me Derek 'Downpour' Brockway the other day on Good Evening Wales. One thing you need as a weather forecaster is a thick skin and a sense of humour!
Over 180mm of rain has fallen this month, double the July average and wetter than July last year. The wettest July in Wales was in 1939 with over 240mm. While Ray Garner in Llanfynydd, Carmarthenshire reckons this July is the wettest month on record since he started taking measurements for the Met Office in 1996. Maybe Ray should consider moving!
The wet weather is taking its toll. The Brecon County Show has been for the first time in 254 years. I know that many farmers and gardeners are desperate for several days of dry weather but I can't promise that in the near future.
The honey bees are suffering too because of the rain. Carol Keys-Shaw, Secretary of advises beekeepers to inspect their hives urgently. If you find they are starving, you have to feed them a syrup which you make up from granulated sugar.
Will a change in the month this weekend bring a change in the weather? Unfortunately not. There is more rain on the way, but I can promise some dry weather and sunshine as well. Beyond that, the changeable weather is set to continue next week; so if you're off to the Eisteddfod in Bala take your waterproofs and the sun-cream as well.
One computer forecast I look at does hint at higher pressure by the middle of August bringing drier, warmer and sunnier conditions. Mind you, that is a long way off, things could change but summer is far from over yet so hopefully the bees will soon be back to their normal self and buzzing around happily again.
Have a great weekend and perhaps I will see you at the Eisteddfod next week!
Derek
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Comment number 1.
At 31st Jul 2009, lazysunlover wrote:Fingers crossed for a lovely August.Just listened to weatherman Walking . Very interesting walk ...lots of interest. Whitecastle is a lovely castle..surrounded by the moat and views for miles.....so tranquil!
Monmouthshire are very good at styles and gates
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Comment number 2.
At 9th Aug 2009, weather67 wrote:Why have you removed the monthly outlook from the weather page index?
Keep up the good work Derek I look forward to seeing you present the weather.
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