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A Winter's Tale

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Posts posted by A Winter's Tale

  1. With the meteorological winter coming to end I’ve been thinking about my favourite and least favourite winters of the first quarter of the 21st Century. 

    My memory of winner weather goes back to 1999/00 though it’s fairly patchy up to 2004/05.

    When it comes to ranking winters I consider the quality of highlights (largest snowfall, lowest temperatures, longest duration of low temperatures and snow cover, coldest month), the winter as a whole (total number and distribution of days with falling/lying snow, low temperatures and the overall mean temperature) and in the absence of seasonal winter weather I also consider sunshine, variety, interesting weather events such as storms  and very mild temperatures. 

    I’ve included cold and snowy weather outside the meteorological winter. 

    Starting in November 2010 I’ve been keeping records of snowfalls and depths. Snow depth data for nearby stations has been helpful for winters before 2010/11 - especially the early 00s.

    2009/10 - The coldest winter I’ve experienced with cold weather throughout and lasting into Spring. The cold spell of mid Dec-mid Han was very notable and snow lay on the ground for more than 20 days (the longest duration I’ve experienced) after a decent fall on 20 Dec. There was a white (and sunny) Christmas and some very low temperatures at times. The second half of winter wasn’t as eventful but remained cold with some snow (which settled at times). Snow patches lasted on Campsie Fells until early May (thanks to snow in late Mar) and the final snowfall on May 10th (latest date I’ve seen snow) ended a remarkable season.

    2010/2011 - Very cold and snowy thanks to the historic period of winter weather of late November and December 2010. This rank a the most exceptional period of weather I’ve experienced (26 Nov-8 Dec probably my favourite spell of weather). There were a couple of significant snowfalls (28 Nov and 6 Dec) with accumulations up to 25cm. Early December saw the lowest temperatures I’ve experienced while late December saw a remarkable spell of very low temperatures. There was a white Christmas before the cold conditions ended. The rest of the winter was more ordinary but there were some further snowfalls which settled and January was a seasonal month. 

    2018/19 - Cold and snowy with episodes of cold and wintry weather from late November to early April. I recorded six 2 inch + snowfalls (occurring in Dec, Jan x2, Feb, Mar) which is the highest I’ve recorded for a winter. There was a surprise last minute white Christmas and a decent snowy period after mid Jan. The highlight was the Beast from the East 28 Feb/1 Mar with the highest snow depth I’ve recorded (26cm). Combined with low temperatures, wind chill and drifting this ranks as one of the most exceptional weather events I’ve experienced. There was another snowy easterly later in March. 

    2000/01 - Cold with generally cold conditions from late December  into March. Notable cold spell late December with White Christmas, significant snowfall on 27th (around 25cm) and some very low temperatures. Some snow and low temperatures late Feb/early Mar. 

    2020/21 - Cold with generally cold conditions late December to mid February. Memorable cold spell early February with decent snowfall and some low temperatures (accompanied with sunshine). 

    2014/15 - Average temperatures, the highlight was mid Jan-early Feb with up to 20 days of lying snow as a result of two decent snowfalls. 

    2012/13 - Cold with episodes of cold weather throughout from late October lasting well into Spring. Early snow on October 26 (earliest I’ve recorded) , cold late Nov-early Dec, prolonged cold spell in January with not a lot of accumulating snow, some decent falls early Feb, fine settled conditions late Feb. Notable prolonged cold March 2013 with snow falling in many days and the latest dates I’ve recorded lying snow (28 Mar). 

    2008/09 - Quite cold with on and off periods of cold weather from late October. Some cold late Nov/early Dec, settled cold conditions late Dec/early Jan. The highlight was the noteworthy cold spell in early February which produced a couple of decent snowfalls. 

    2005/06 - Average winter with not a lot of snow. Snow late November, cold Christmas and early March with the highlight of season being the significant snowfall on March 12th (around 20cm). 

    2001/02 - Average, quite cold December, rest of the winter was milder with some days with settling snow. 

    2004/05 - Mild though there was a White Christmas, decent snowfall on Jan and some settling snow in late Feb/early March. 

    1999/00 - Quite cold and snowy December, the rest of the winter was mild with not much snow. 

    2022/23 - Average despite some notable cold weather in December. Little snow other than a decent fall in December. Snow less second half of winter, some snow in March. 

    2011/12 - Milder than average, unsettled with a couple of notable storms. Couple of decent falls in December. 

    2002/03 - Average with some snow in early Feb. 

    2023/2024 - Mild, unsettled and stormy at times. Very little snow despite two decent falls in December. 

    2021/22 - Mild, quiet December and January and very little snow other than a couple of a decent falls.

    2015/16 - Mild and very wet with little snow. A decent fall of snow in mid January and some wintry weather in April.  

    2018/19 - Mild and quiet with little snow. Some notable mild weather in February. 

    2019/20 - Mild with little snow, very wet - especially February. Snow on May 10th joint latest I’ve experienced. 

    2003/04 - I can’t remember much about this winter - it appears there wasn’t much worth remembering in terms of snow. 

    2007/08 - Mild with little snow. Some mild sunshine in February, cold conditions in Spring at times. 

    2006/07 - Very Mild with some stormy conditions and not much snow. 

    2016/17 - Very Mild and uneventful with little snow. November was cold and a snowfall on the 8th saw the earliest snow cover I’ve recorded. 

    2013/14 - Mild and very wet and stormy. Not a lot of snow and very little in the way of snow cover other than a couple of brief dustings. 

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  2. The readings for December 2022 but I’m suspicious of that particular station due to readings from May and October earlier that year. 
     

    There are some other readings I obtained from Starlings Roost Weather which may not be 100% accurate but I’ve included as date records. One example is the maximum of -0.5C at Braemar on October 31st. According to the Met office the official lowest October daily maximum is 0.4C at Glenmore Lodge on the 17th October 1973. 
     

    There are some other remarkable temperatures which appear to be valid. A maximum of -11.1C on the 14th November 1919 at Braemar is quite extraordinary. -13.9C on Christmas Eve 1860 at Glasgow is another. 

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  3. For January 2024 it appears some weather stations set new records for low temperatures aswell as record highs. 

    Record low maximum:

    Baltasound 0.1C 16th Jan

    Islay 1.8C 17th Jan

    Record low minimum:

    South Uist -5.0C 18th Jan

    Harris -5.2C 17th Jan

    Cairnwell -10.0C 17th Jan

    Baltasound -10.4C 20th Jan

    Achnagart -10.9C 18th Jan 


    Record high maximum: 

    Achfary 19.9C 28th Jan

    Kinlochewe 19.6C 28th Jan

    Achnagart 17.5C 28th Jan

    Cassley 17.5C 28th Jan 

    Loch Glascarnoch 17.4C 28th Jan

    Altnaharra 16.9C 28th Jan

    Aultbea 16.5C 28th Jan 

    Prestwick, Gannet 14.1C 23rd Jan

    Threave 12.6C 23rd Jan 

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  4. Scotland low daily maximum extremes:
     

    1 Jan -6.1 Braemar 1928

    2 Jan -6.1 Braemar 1861

    3 Jan -6.1 Braemar 1941 

    4 Jan -10.8 Braemar 1861 

    5 Jan -10.0 Edinburgh Royal Botanic 1941

    6 Jan -10.0 Dall Rannoch School 1982

    7 Jan -11.0 Dall Rannoch School 1982

    8 Jan -10.0 Lagganila 1982

    9 Jan -11.5 Grantown-on-Spey 1982

    10 Jan -13.0 West Linton 1982

    11 Jan -9.6 Bowhill 1982

    12 Jan -11.7 Braemar 1963

    13 Jan -8.9 Grantown-on-Spey 1979

    14 Jan -6.1 Balmoral 1918, 1955, Kinlochewe 1955

    15 Jan -6.6 Braemar 1955

    16 Jan -5.0 Balmoral 1940

    17 Jan -10.6 Braemar 1963

    18 Jan -4.1 Braemar 1881

    19 Jan -4.7 Braemar 2015

    20 Jan -9.5 Perth Aerodrome 1984

    21 Jan -6.1 Achnashellach 1940

    22 Jan -6.1 Paisley 1940

    23 Jan -6.7 Dumfries 1958

    24 Jan -6.6 Braemar 1958, Keith 1984

    25 Jan -8.9 Keith 1984

    26 Jan -8.8 Braemar 1945

    27 Jan -4.0 Dalwhinnie 1979

    28 Jan -3.9 Braemar 1895

    29 Jan -4.4 Stanhope Farm 1965

    30 Jan -3.6 Braemar, Galashiels 1972

    31 Jan -5.5 Dalwhinnie 2006

    1 Feb -5.6 Balmoral 1956

    2 Feb -5.5 Fettercairn 1956

    3 Feb -4.6 Lairg 1980

    4 Feb -6.1 Braemar 1912

    5 Feb -4.5 Cassley 1979

    6 Feb -3.3 Achany 1979

    7 Feb -6.7 Braemar 1895

    8 Feb -9.6 Braemar 1895

    9 Feb -10.0 Braemar 1895

    10 Feb -8.3 Braemar 1895

    11 Feb -4.4 Achentoul 1970

    12 Feb -5.7 Braemar 1895

    13 Feb -7.1 Braemar 1860

    14 Feb -5.9 Clashnoir 1979

    15 Feb -9.0 Braemar 1978

    16 Feb -6.7 Achentoul 1969

    17 Feb -7.8 Inverurie 1969

    18 Feb -6.7 Cannich 1960

    19 Feb -4.5 Fyvie Castle 1978

    20 Feb -3.3 Balmoral 1955, Braemar 1892, 1955

    21 Feb -2.8 Fort Augustus 1955

    22 Feb -6.1 Braemar 1955

    23 Feb -7.7 Braemar 1955

    24 Feb -3.3 Pitlochry 1963

    25 Feb -2.8 Balmoral 1929

    26 Feb -4.8 Keith 1986

    27 Feb -4.3 Braemar 1986

    28 Feb -4.9 Braemar 2018

    29 Feb -0.6 Balmoral 1924

    1 Mar -3.9 Corgarff  Castle 2001

    2 Mar -4.6 Cassley 2001

    3 Mar -2.4 Glenmore Lodge 1962

    4 Mar -1.7 Braemar 1862

    5 Mar -1.6 Braemar, North Berwick 1942

    6 Mar -3.3 Balmoral 1942

    7 Mar -3.6 Braemar 1858

    8 Mar -3.8 Braemar 1917

    9 Mar -3.3 Braemar 1958

    10 Mar -1.7 Stornoway 1874

    11 Mar -2.2 Braemar 1958

    12 Mar -2.2 Braemar 1937

    13 Mar -1.7 Corgarff Castle, Dalwhinnie 1996, Fealar Lodge 1988

    14 Mar -1.6 Braemar 1958

    15 Mar -2.5 Braemar 1888

    16 Mar -1.9 Braemar 1888

    17 Mar -1.2 Braemar 1979, Kindrogan 2018

    18 Mar -2.5 Clashnoir 1979

    19 Mar -0.6 Balmoral 1930, Braemar 1867, 2013, Blythe, Camps Reservoir 1980

    20 Mar -1.6 Glenmore Lodge 1980

    21 Mar -2.4 Leadhills 1980

    22 Mar -2.7 Braemar 1899

    23 Mar -1.6 Braemar 2013

    24 Mar -1.0 Leadhills 2013

    25 Mar -0.8 Leadhills 2013

    26 Mar -1.0 Braemar 1868, 1901

    27 Mar -1.9 Braemar 1901

    28 Mar -2.2 Braemar 1919

    29 Mar -0.5 Knockanrock 1985

    30 Mar -0.2 Braemar 1859

    31 Mar -0.7 Glenmore Lodge 1970

    1 Apr -1.1 Braemar 1917

    2 Apr -0.5 Corgarff Castle 2000

    3 Apr -0.6 Fealar Lodge 1990

    4 Apr 0.5 Braemar 1958

    5 Apr 1.0 Loch Glascarnoch 2021

    6 Apr 0.0 Knockanrock 1968

    7 Apr 0.8 Clashnoir 1977

    8 Apr -1.0 Dalwhinnie 1975

    9 Apr 0.1 Knockanrock 1975

    10 Apr -0.5 Clashnoir, Dalwhinnie 1978

    11 Apr 1.1 Braemar 1966

    12 Apr 1.0 Dalwhinnie 1996

    13 Apr 0.6 Corgarff Castle 1998

    14 Apr 1.0 Corgarff Castle 1998

    15 Apr 1.1 Balmoral, Gleneagles, Fettercairn, Cambs Reservoir 1966

    16 Apr 0.2 Leadhills 1986

    17 Apr 1.7 Balmoral 1928

    18 Apr 0.8 Braemar 1859

    19 Apr 0.9 Fealar Lodge 1991

    20 Apr 1.7 Lerwick 1951

    21 Apr 3.2 Braemar 1905

    22 Apr 1.9 Baltasound 1981

    23 Apr 1.1 Stornoway 1908

    24 Apr 0.0 Edinburgh Blackford Hill 1908, Leadhills 1981

    25 Apr 2.2 Baltasound 1985

    26 Apr 1.6 Knockanrock 1989

    27 Apr 0.0 Braemar 1919

    28 Apr 1.1 Braemar, Balmoral 1929, Baltasound 1927

    29 Apr 0.0 Balmoral 1945 

    30 Apr 1.5 Grantown-on-Spey 1973

    1 May 1.6 Knockanrock 1979

    2 May 2.0 Dalwhinnie 1982

    3 May 2.4 Knockanrock 1979

    4 May 2.2 Braemar 1947

    5 May 3.5 Tomatin 1982

    6 May 3.1 Cambs Reservoir 1982

    7 May 2.7 Braemar 1924

    8 May 1.6 Braemar 1917

    9 May 2.2 Braemar 1917

    10 May 3.3 Braemar 1917

    11 May 2.7 Braemar 1923

    12 May 3.9 Balmoral 1923

    13 May 3.5 Whitehillocks 1993

    14 May 2.6 Eskdalemuir 1993

    15 May 3.3 Balmoral, Braemar 1923

    16 May 2.2 Craibstone 1935

    17 May 3.9 Balmoral 1935

    18 May 5.0 Corgarff Castle, Boultenstone 1996

    19 May 4.3 Braemar 1894

    20 May 5.4 Braemar 1894

    21 May 6.0 Corgarff Castle 1997

    22 May 5.9 Braemar 1899

    23 May 4.6 Braemar 1899

    24 May 5.1 Braemar 1899 

    25 May 5.0 Balmoral 1923

    26 May 5.0 St Kilda 1985

    27 May 5.4 Tomatin 1980

    28 May 5.7 Tomatin 1983

    29 May 6.2 Corgarff Castle 1999

    30 May 5.5 Lerwick 1962

    31 May 4.9 Braemar 1902

    1 Jun 5.4 Knockanrock 1975

    2 Jun 5.1 Nunraw Abbey 1975

    3 Jun 5.2 Braemar 1888 

    4 Jun 5.8 Corgarff Castle 2000

    5 Jun 7.2 Balmoral 1935

    6 Jun 5.7 Dalwhinnie 1977

    7 Jun 7.4 Clashnoir 1977

    8 Jun 7.8 Cape Wrath 1987 

    9 Jun 7.2 Balmoral 1958 

    10 Jun 6.3 Clashnoir 1977

    11 Jun 5.9 Tomatin 1977

    12 Jun 7.0 Braemar 1882

    13 Jun 7.7 Braemar 1928, 1942

    14 Jun 7.8 Lerwick 1952

    15 Jun 6.5 Corgarff Castle 1994

    16 Jun 7.7 Braemar 1923 

    17 Jun 7.8 Braemar 1903

    18 Jun 8.8 Loch Glascarnoch 2015

    19 Jun 7.9 Balmoral 2004 

    20 Jun 8.6 Leadhills 1980

    21 Jun 8.5 Balmoral 1982, Knockanrock 1996, St Kilda 1984

    22 Jun 8.3 Braemar 1934

    23 Jun 8.3 Balmoral 1926

    24 Jun 8.9 Baltasound 1918

    25 Jun 7.7 Corgarff Castle 1997

    26 Jun 8.5 Fair Isle 1979

    27 Jun 8.3 Tomatin 1997

    28 Jun 8.9 Baltasound 1989 

    29 Jun 7.7 Braemar 1919

    30 Jun 8.0 Tomatin 1980

    1 Jul 9.1 Braemar 1997

    2 Jul 9.3 Braemar 1997

    3 Jul 9.0 Glenmore Lodge 1978

    4 Jul 8.5 Clashnoir, Tomatin 1978

    5 Jul 7.5 Clashnoir 1978

    6 Jul 8.7 Glenmore Lodge 1978

    7 Jul 8.5 Lerwick 1978

    8 Jul 8.9 Balmoral 1948

    9 Jul 8.6 Loch Glascarnoch 1993

    10 Jul 8.7 Loch Glascarnoch 1993

    11 Jul 9.4 Cape Wrath 1978

    12 Jul 9.3 Braemar 1998

    13 Jul 9.4 Blyth Bridge 1965 

    14 Jul 8.9 Balmoral 1968

    15 Jul 10.0 Cape Wrath 1962, Lerwick 1952

    16 Jul 10.0 Cape Wrath 1957

    17 Jul 10.3 Braemar 1903

    18 Jul 9.5 Cape Wrath 1979

    19 Jul 10.0 Cape Wrath 1979

    20 Jul 9.6 Clashnoir 1978

    21 Jul 10.1 Leadhills 1979

    22 Jul 9.9 West Linton 1971

    23 Jul 8.9 Balmoral 1971, Braemar 1867

    24 Jul 9.6 Lerwick 1979

    25 Jul 9.9 Braemar 1867, Fealar Lodge 1988

    26 Jul 9.6 Braemar 1902

    27 Jul 10.0 Balmoral, Braemar 1928

    28 Jul 7.8 Balmoral 1965

    29 Jul 8.0 Glenmore Lodge 1965

    30 Jul 9.6 Braemar 1866

    31 Jul 8.3 Glenlivet 1965

    1 Aug 10.3 Eskdalemuir 1912

    2 Aug 10.0 Baltasound 1964, Blackford Hill Edinburgh 1912

    3 Aug 10.0 Lerwick 1956

    4 Aug 9.7 Knockanrock 1977

    5 Aug 10.4 Braemar 1902

    6 Aug 9.4 Balmoral 1945

    7 Aug 10.2 Braemar 1902

    8 Aug 9.3 Braemar 1892

    9 Aug 9.4 Corgarff Castle 1999

    10 Aug 9.4 Braemar 1943

    11 Aug 10.0 Braemar 1904

    12 Aug 10.5 Braemar 1948, 1951

    13 Aug 8.9 Braemar 1912

    14 Aug 10.3 Braemar 1888

    15 Aug 9.4 Braemar 1962, Balmoral 1964

    16 Aug 9.0 Glenmore Lodge 1962

    17 Aug 9.4 Stenness 1964

    18 Aug 8.9 Lerwick 1964

    19 Aug 10.0 Cape Wrath 1964

    20 Aug 9.8 Braemar 1877

    21 Aug 9.1 Braemar 1903

    22 Aug 9.1 Ballater 1993

    23 Aug 9.9 Lewick 1980

    24 Aug 9.4 Balmoral 1923

    25 Aug 9.4 Leadhills 1956

    26 Aug 9.4 Stornoway 1919

    27 Aug 10.1 Fair Isle, Lerwick 1979

    28 Aug 9.1 Cromdale 2011

    29 Aug 9.4 Grantown-on-Spey, Tomatin 1986

    30 Aug 9.5 Clashnoir 1978

    31 Aug 8.5 Braemar 1881

    1 Sep 8.8 Braemar 1915

    2 Sep 5.8 Braemar 1860

    3 Sep 9.4 Braemar 1956, Tomatin 1984

    4 Sep 7.7 Braemar 1925

    5 Sep 7.5 Balmoral 1982

    6 Sep 8.3 Lerwick 1983

    7 Sep 8.2 Gartly 1985

    8 Sep 8.3 Baltasound 1964, Glenmore Lodge 1965

    9 Sep 6.8 Leadhills 1976

    10 Sep 8.0 Glenmore Lodge 1976

    11 Sep 7.5 Tomatin 1983

    12 Sep 8.6 Braemar 1876, 1887, 1903, Tomatin 1983

    13 Sep 7.2 Braemar 1913

    14 Sep 7.8 Balmoral 1918

    15 Sep 6.6 Braemar 1918

    16 Sep 6.1 Balmoral 1918

    17 Sep 6.7 Stornoway 1922

    18 Sep 6.6 Braemar 1952

    19 Sep 6.3 Fealar Lodge 1990

    20 Sep 7.7 Kirkwall 1990

    21 Sep 4.6 Glenmore Lodge 1979

    22 Sep 5.6 Balmoral 1927

    23 Sep 6.1 Braemar 1893

    24 Sep 7.1 Braemar 1893, Leadhills 1990

    25 Sep 6.5 Leadhills 1974

    26 Sep 5.5 Strathdearn Dalarossie 2007

    27 Sep 5.4 Glenmore Lodge, Leadhills 1975

    28 Sep 6.1 Braemar 1974

    29 Sep 4.4 Braemar 1915

    30 Sep 6.1 Balmoral 1954

    1 Oct 5.1 Braemar 1888 

    2 Oct 5.3 Braemar 1888

    3 Oct 4.7 Loch Glascarnoch 1994

    4 Oct 4.7 Gordon Castle 1888

    5 Oct 4.3 Braemar 1888

    6 Oct 3.1 Braemar 1888

    7 Oct 2.8 Marchmont 1917

    8 Oct 4.6 Knockanrock 1987

    9 Oct 4.7 Fealar Lodge 1987

    10 Oct 2.1 Braemar 1860

    11 Oct 2.2 Braemar 1860

    12 Oct 2.7 Braemar 1860

    13 Oct 3.8 Braemar 1932

    14 Oct 2.9 Braemar 1900

    15 Oct 2.0 Knockanrock 1993

    16 Oct 2.9 Carterhouse 1992

    17 Oct 0.4 Glenmore Lodge 1973

    18 Oct 2.0 Glenmore Lodge 1973

    19 Oct 1.7 Stornoway 1880

    20 Oct 1.6 Glenmore Lodge 1970

    21 Oct -0.2 Braemar 1859

    22 Oct 0.9 Braemar 1859

    23 Oct 1.4 Glenmore Lodge 1964

    24 Oct 1.1 Braemar 1931

    25 Oct 1.7 Balmoral 1949

    26 Oct 1.7 Wick 1948

    27 Oct 1.1 Braemar 1890

    28 Oct 1.4 Braemar 1865

    29 Oct 1.1 Balmoral 1931

    30 Oct 1.4 Auchen Castle 1992

    31 Oct -0.5 Braemar 1859

    1 Nov 0.5 Braemar 1930

    2 Nov 1.6 Braemar 1922

    3 Nov -2.2 Braemar 1860

    4 Nov -0.6 Braemar 1968

    5 Nov 1.0 Braemar 1878

    6 Nov 0.1 Dalwhinnie 1984

    7 Nov 0.0 Balmoral 1921, 1927

    8 Nov 0.0 Braemar 1927

    9 Nov -1.1 Dunning 1964

    10 Nov -1.1 Balmoral 1966

    11 Nov -1.1 Braemar 1919

    12 Nov -1.1 Braemar 1919

    13 Nov -1.1 Braemar 1919

    14 Nov -11.1 Braemar 1919

    15 Nov -1.4 Gordon Castle 1919

    16 Nov -1.1 Braemar 1955

    17 Nov -2.2 Fort Augustus 1947

    18 Nov -3.3 Paisley 1915

    19 Nov -2.2 Glasgow 1862

    20 Nov -3.3 Lauder 1962

    21 Nov -2.2 Glentress 1962

    22 Nov -4.2 Kindrogan 1993

    23 Nov -5.3 Aviemore 1993

    24 Nov -4.3 Dingwall, Kiltarlity 1993

    25 Nov -5.5 Braemar 1952

    26 Nov -2.8 Glenmore Lodge 1973

    27 Nov -4.0 Braemar 1890

    28 Nov -5.6 Leadhills 1969

    29 Nov -11.1 Braemar 1912

    30 Nov -6.7 Altnaharra 2010

    1 Dec -11.5 Altnaharra 2010

    2 Dec -7.1 Cassley 2010

    3 Dec -6.5 Fyvie Castle 2010

    4 Dec -2.6 Braemar 1879

    5 Dec -4.6 Cromdale 2016

    6 Dec -5.0 Braemar 1913

    7 Dec -8.9 Tyndrum 2010

    8 Dec -7.5 Carlisle 2010

    9 Dec -5.3 Stanhope Farm 1981

    10 Dec -4.5 Dall Rannoch School 1981

    11 Dec -5.2 Abbotsinch 1981

    12 Dec -10.1 Penicuik 2022

    13 Dec -5.9 Floors Castle 2022

    14 Dec -6.5 Tummel Bridge 1989

    15 Dec -6.5 Keith 1981

    16 Dec -11.2 Braemar 1981

    17 Dec -10.5 West Linton 1981

    18 Dec -8.9 Braemar 1859

    19 Dec -4.7 Gordon Castle 1886

    20 Dec -7.3 Threave 2010

    21 Dec -13.8 Altnaharra 2010

    22 Dec -13.6 Altnaharra 2010

    23 Dec -6.1 Tyndrum 2010

    24 Dec -13.9 Glasgow 1860

    25 Dec -12.8 Glasgow 1860

    26 Dec -10.8 Tomatin 1995

    27 Dec -13.3 Braemar 1995

    28 Dec -13.0 Balmoral 1995

    29 Dec -15.9 Fyvie Castle 1995

    30 Dec -8.8 Strathconon 1978

    31 Dec -7.4 Kindrogan 1978

     

    I omitted some date records which didn’t seem plausible or were recorded at a station (such as Dawyck Botanic Gardens) with questionable readings. 

    The date records omitted include:

    25 May 4.7* Dawyck Botanic Garden 2022

    5 Jul 7.0* Faskally 2023

    11 Jul 8.9* Faskally 2023

    5 Oct 3.1* Durris 2022

    18 Oct 1.8* Dawyck Botanic Garden 2022

    7 Dec -11.4* Dawyck Botanic Garden 2010

    13 Dec -6.0* Dawyck Botanic Garden 2022

    14 Dec -8.6* Dawyck Botanic Garden 2022

    I’ve excluded mountain stations such as Cairngorm Summit. 

    I am not 100% certain about the accuracy of all the date records but I’m confident the majority are valid. 

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  5. March 2006 was memorable for a remarkable snowfall on the 12th which was one of the largest snowfalls I’ve experienced. I didn’t get to measure it however at Bishopton the depth was 22cm - the highest snow depth in the Glasgow area since Dec 2000. The snow cover didn’t last long as milder Atlantic air arrived. The month as a whole was pretty cold - especially the first half. 

    I don’t have too many memories of Mar 2010 though I remember experiencing thundersnow for the first when driving near Fintry where a lot of snow had fallen at the end of the month. I can remember snow cover lasting into April on the Campsie Fells after a long, cold winter. 

    March 2012 was a very mild and dry month with an exceptional spell of early warmth around the 25th-28th with 20C recorded at Glasgow airport on the 26th and 27th. 

    March 2013 was a truly extraordinary month. The only days when maxima exceeded 10C were the first two days which was the last of a very fine settled spell at the end of February. Around a third of the way from the month it turned colder with snow showers arriving from the east and a depth of 2cm on the 10th. A very low temperature of -8C was recorded at Glasgow airport on 12th. This was followed by 16 consecutive days of maxima no higher than 6C from the 16th to 31st. A maximum of 1C on the 23rd was the coldest since 1980. It was a very snow period was snow falling on 13 out of 14 days from the 17th-30th. Despite this there was snow cover on only 5 days in that period with depths no greater than inch (which melted after sunrise). An inch of snow on the morning of the 28th remains the latest date I’ve recorded lying snow. The overall mean temperature at Glasgow airport was 2.6C (0.9C lower than the second coldest since 1973). With most of the cold weather occurring  after mid month it was a reminder of how winter can make its presence felt so late in the season. 

    I quite liked March 2015 which was quite mixed with some sunshine, showers and was quite chilly at times. On the 3rd snow showers from the west brought 4cm. 

    2018 is best remembered for the Beast from the east. Most of the snow fell on the 28th Feb but the depth on the morning of 1st March was 26cm - the highest depth I recorded since I started in 2010. December 2010 was the last time I recorded a similar depth. 26cm is possibly an underestimate and Bishopton recorded 46cm. The snow was very powdery and the drifts were the most impressive I’ve experienced here. The maximum temperature on the 1st was 0C at Glasgow airport - the coldest for March in over 50 years of records. Despite the low temperatures the snow melted in the sunlight which resulted in icicles. It took around a day for traffic to return on some of the main roads. The first few days were quite cloudy with some light snow in the easterly wind. The first 4 days had maxima no higher than 2c and by the 4th the depth was 17cm - the 5th day with a depth of at least 6 inches. The snow cover was largely gone by the 6th with the arrival of less cold weather though it remained chilly throughout the rest of the month. I remember some nice spells of chilly and bright early Spring conditions. On the 18th cold and snow from the east returned with a fall of 5cm. This is the latest I’ve recorded a 2 inch snowfall (2017/18 was also the only time I’ve recorded 2 inch falls in December, January, February and March). 

     

    March 2022 was a very fine month with a lot of sunshine. The nights were quite cold with plenty of frosts and a low of -7C on the 7th. The 19th-28th saw notable maximum temperatures reminiscent of 2012. 17C was recorded on the 19th, 15C+ recorded 22nd to 28th with a high of 19C on the 23rd. It turned colder at the end of the month with some snow.

  6. I don’t have many clear weather memories of February in the 00s which stand out. I have a memory of deep snow cover at my grandparent’s and then being stuck on the M8 when travelling home during what I believe was the snowfall at the end of Feb 2001. 

    I can remember the sunshine in early Feb 2008. While staying a few nights in Oban one day was warm with temperatures of around 15C and we spent the afternoon at the beach.

    My strongest memory of February weather in the 00s was 2009. It was the first time I had experienced a cold spell which lasted nearly two weeks. The snowfall on the 2nd was the largest since Mar 2006. Sadly it was all gone the following day as forecast of overnight snow ended up as rain. On the 4th a fall of snow brought a dusting. The frontal snowfall on the evening of the 8th was the most significant of the cold spell. I think there was another fall of snow around the 12th. 

    I have vague memories of Feb 2010 being generally cold with some snow at the end of the month. 

    Feb 2013 had a couple of snow falls early in the month. A north westerly brought an inch of the snow and lightning late on the 3rd. A frontal snowfall on the 8th was the largest of the winter with 8cm. The highlight of the month was the second half of the month which was largely calm, settled, dry and sunny. The transition from winter to Spring was very evident with temperates climbing during the day to after frosty nights with minima as low as -7C. Elements of both seasons was evident in terms of the quality of light with a wintry element still present but the stronger sunlight and longer daylight also becoming more clear. There were some fantastic sunsets during this period - a very fine period of late winter weather. 

    The first week of Feb 2015 had around an inch of snow cover following the snowfall at the end of January. This period was quite sunny aswell. There was an impressive sunset across Scotland on the 7th.

    2018 is best remembered for the beast from the east. Overall it was a decent winter month with a few snowfalls bringing a covering of snow earlier in the month. It was generally cold and sunny month too. The end of the month was remarkable. The snow really started to get going late on the 27th with an inch by the end of the day. It continued into the 28th and the Met office issued a red warning for heavy snow. By the end of the day the depth was 23cm and another 3cm was added early on 1st March. This depth is the highest I’ve recorded since I started measuring in 2010. Prior to 2010, the only snowfalls this century that rival 2018 were Dec 2000 and Mar 2006. The remarkable thing about 28th February was the maximum temperature at Glasgow airport was -3C. In records going back to 1973 this was coldest maximum temperature during the second half of winter. For it to happen on the final day of winter was extraordinary as well as the heavy snow and strong winds which accompanied the low temperatures. The spectacle of whiteouts, freezing cold powdery snow which drifted, and a bitter wind chill is an experience I’ll never forget. 

    Feb 2021 was a month of two halves. Initially it was quite unpleasant with a lot of wet weather as the weather started to transition to something colder. Snow from the easterly started on the 7th. 6cm fell on the 8th and the depth peaked at 11cm the following day. The following days were cold and sunny. The stronger sun reduced the snow cover somewhat however the period 8-14th February had at least 5cm of snow on the ground at some point. It would be difficult for snow to last so long in sunny conditions after this point in the winter. It was a notably cold period a daily mean of -4.5c on the 11th at Glasgow airport the lowest in available records dating back to 1973. In addition, only two days in the last 50 years have recorded lower maxima (3 days with highs of 0C) and minima (-11C on the 11th). This was a very ideal period of winter weather. If you can’t have a protracted severe cold spell like 2010 or a major snowfall like 2018 then a spell like Feb 2021 is the next best thing: a fall of 10cm, up to a week of 5cm accompanied with sunshine, daytime highs struggling to get above freezing and a sub -10c low. The month as a whole didn’t turn out too cold as the final two weeks were very mild but sunny.

    It’s difficult to choose one month as my favourite. It’s a choice between 2013, 2018 and 2021. 

  7. I can’t think of many Januaries which stand out prior to 2010. 2009 I recall was pretty seasonal - especially the first few days. 

    2010 was probably the most memorable largely because of the persistent low temperatures and snow cover during the first half of the winter. Most of the snow had fallen on 19 Dec 2009 although there was a top up early on the 5th January. The 8th January was the first very cold day I can remember with a high of -6C and a minimum of -12C at Glasgow airport. I can’t remember exactly when the snow cover disappeared but I remember it was rather sudden and unexpected. The rest of the month was generally cold with some snow. At Glasgow airport it was the coldest January since 1987 with a mean of 1.1C. 
     

    January 2013 was an immensely frustrating month. The first couple of weeks were mild before it turned colder around mid month. January 2013 remains the last time Glasgow airport had 14 consecutive days of maxima 5C or less. The lowest temperatures were unimpressive with a maxima of 1C and minima of -4C. Snow fell on 9 days but it mostly struggled to settle. There was snow cover on 4 days with a depth no greater than a slushy cm. 2013 was no 2010!

    2015 is pretty close to 2010 in terms of my favourite January. Like 2013 the first ten days were largely mild with some stormy weather at times. It started to turn colder with some snow around Jan 10th with a cm of snow late on the 13th. Then on the 16th snow showers from the west brought 6cm of snow. Around 3-5cm of snow stayed on the ground until the 23rd. From the 16th to the 22nd the temperature didn’t exceed 4C at Glasgow airport with 19th-21st the coldest days with highs of 0 to 1C and lows of -5 to -7C. The period was also accompanied with quite a lot of nice mid winter sunshine. Snow returned late on the 28th and I think I saw some lighting flashes that evening. On the morning of the 29th there was a depth of 7cm. Over an inch of snow would remain on the ground until the 4th February with the snow disappearing on the 8th. This period was also pretty sunny. From the 13th Jan to 8th Feb there were 22 days with snow cover at some point, 16 with 2cm+ and 10 with around 5cm. Definitely one of my favourite spells of winter weather. 
     

    Jan 2018 wasn’t bad either. The first few weeks were quite cold overall. At the beginning of the month it was quite settled a low of -9C on the 8th was the lowest temperature at Glasgow airport since Dec 2010. The period 15-21 Jan was pretty snowy. The 16th was very snowy with 9cm - the highest depth since 2010. Over the following days the snow cover was reduced with depths varying from 3-7cm (depending on where I measured). It was quite frustrating as the wet snow showers often alternated between melting and adding to the existing snow cover. On the 21st the cold spell came to an end with a frontal snowfall. The depth was 10cm after a fresh fall of 5cm. While not as impressive as 2018 there were 7 days with over an inch of lying snow. The remainder of the month was milder and unsettled. 
     

    January 2021 was the coldest month at Glasgow airport since Dec 2010 with a mean of 1.3C. It also saw the coldest temperature since 2010 with a low of -11C on the 9th. The cold weather at the end of December continued to the 9th Jan. It wasn’t a snowy period but a fall of snow on the 7th brought 4cm. The rest of the month saw more falls of snow but only slight coverings. The period was most notable for the absence of mild days (only 5 days with maxima 7C+). 

  8. After last night’s snow showers the snow cover this morning was the most I had during the spell after the dusting from previous falls. It was a nice spell of winter weather with crisp winter sunshine during the day, harsh frosts overnight and a dusting of snow - which is probably the next best type of winter weather after the winter wonderland scenes experienced further north. The pictures from parts of northern Scotland were really fantastic and I take it this cold spell was unusually snowy even by the highland’s standards. The next time there’s a potent northerly I might be tempted to have a weekend away in the highlands to catch the snow!

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  9. Top 30 In Scotland: 

     

    Dec 2010 -1.7

    Jan 2010 0.2

    Dec 1995 0.3

    Feb 2010 0.4

    Dec 2009 0.5

    Jan 2021 0.6

    Feb 1994 1.3

    Jan 2001 1.3

    Mar 2013 1.3

    Feb 1996 1.4

    Dec 2022 1.6

    Feb 2018 1.6

    Dec 1996 1.7

    Dec 1999 1.9

    Feb 2001 1.9

    Jan 1995 2.0

    Jan 1997 2.0

    Jan 2011 2.1

    Jan 2018 2.1

    Feb 2013 2.2

    Feb 2016 2.2

    Dec 2008 2.3

    Dec 2012 2.3

    Mar 2018 2.3

    Jan 1994 2.4

    Mar 2001 2.4

    Dec 2001 2.4

    Mar 2006 2.4

    Jan 2019 2.4

    Jan 2009 2.5

    Jan 2015 2.5

    Feb 2021 2.5

    Interestingly, despite the notable periods of weather which occurred during this months,  Dec 2000, Feb 2009 and Jan 2013 fail to make  the list and Feb 2021 will miss out should this month record a mean of 2.4 or less. 

  10. After a cold few days we are set for even colder weather to end November and December. The early winter period isn’t renowned for cold and settled conditions (it has been particularly rare in the years since 2010) so it’s refreshing for winter to start on a seasonal note for the second year in a row.

     

    Currently the cold spell appears to be a lesser version of last December with a shorter duration and it’s unlikely we’ll get back to back days of maxima widely well below freezing and minima below -10C.

    In terms of snow last December’s cold spell  was dry with most of the snow confined to northern Scotland - although I enjoyed a decent fall towards the end of the spell. This year looks largely the same with largely dry conditions and snow showers predominantly affecting northern and eastern parts of Scotland. As always with cold spells there’s the chance of surprises coming out of nowhere. Here in the Glasgow area I’ll be happy to see the first snow flakes of the season though I have my fingers crossed for at least a covering.

    The model thread has been very up and down over the last few days (what’s new) over details of the length of the cold weather and snow prospects. It does seem unlikely that the cold weather will not persist beyond Dec 5th though past experience suggests we should not underestimate the ability for cold spells to last longer than initially expected - especially with a lot of cold air across Europe.

    The fact we are experiencing this cold spell in spite of unfavourable factors boded well for later in the winter so even if things turn less cold by mid December I expect it won’t be long before we see a return of seasonal weather. 

     

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