Doc

I would definitely suggest going for a Davis weather station. The VP2 would be best (but probably beyond your budget - stretch if you can!). Failing that the Vantage Vue is a pretty good station and around your budget. A bit of google and you will find plenty of suppliers of these (and prices). In the past I have bought cheap weather stations but have always ended up frustrated (either by them breaking down and/or knowing the data is not accurate). Took the plunge and bought the VP2 last year. Great piece of kit!

Great pictures!

Pic of snow (sticking) at Glenshane Pass http://www.rte.ie/news/2011/1017/weather.html Was 13.1c at 15.45. Down to 5.9c at 16.45.

This will not help! Probably pie in the sky! http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-10914462

I see Altnaharra reporting -1c at 0600.

Well for Irish airspace it is.....from IAA The IAA has cleared Irish Airports to open for full operations from 1300 hrs local time today Tuesday 4th May. Dublin, Shannon, Cork, Knock, Donegal, Waterford, Kerry, Galway and Sligo may resume normal operations. Current Information from the VAAC confirms this information. We expect operations to be normal at all Irish Airports for the rest of today. Ireland will not fall within the predicted area of ash concentrations that exceed acceptable engine manufacturer tolerance levels. Our decision to close earlier today was based solely on the safety risks to crews and passengers as a result of the drift south of the volcanic ash cloud caused by the north easterly winds. The situation will be reviewed as the week goes on. Winds are forecast to continue coming from a Northerly direction for the next few days and this could lead to further problems. There will be a further update on the IAA website at 20.00hrs tonight, Tuesday 4th May, 2010.

Irish airspace to re-open at 1pm.

The Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) has informed Irish-based airlines that it is concerned that Irish Airports may be impacted by the drift south of the volcanic ash cloud caused by the north easterly winds. Current information from the Volcanic Ash Advice Centre (VAAC) suggests that a ‘no fly zone' may have to be imposed over Ireland tomorrow that may affect Dublin, Shannon and some regional airports. The IAA expects a further update from the VAAC at 20.00hrs (8pm) and will make a decision then concerning operations at Irish Airports and Irish Airspace. Over-flights of Ireland from the UK and Europe are NOT expected to be impacted tomorrow and southern UK Airports (Heathrow etc ) are not expected to be impacted. Flights originating from Irish airports may be affected. A statement on the Operation of Irish Airports and Airspace will be posted on this web site at 2030hrs tonight. Please contact your airlines website after 20.30 hrs for information on your flight.

Heard on Irish news that BA intend to land up to 12 aircraft at Shannon before 9pm (when it's due to close again) and Aer Lingus have a number of aircraft returning (empty) from around Europe but one from Tenerife with passengers all to Shannon.

The difference between sand/dust and volcanic ash is usully the ash contains mostly silica glass shards that can melt inside jet engines, causing them to stall.

Madness! One of the biggest transformations I have seen! Went to bed around 11 last night and it felt mild out, 9.2c to be exact. It was 11.2c 12 hours ago. Now moderate to heavy snow, 1.0c DP 0.5c, with about half an inch of snow on the ground!

Great pics!

I saw that Marham was reporting snow grains at 0700 this morning. I know technically not snow, but still! Could that be considered first low level snow of the winter?

Day 22 of drought here. Had to test my rain gauge - working fine! Last measured rain on Sept 8th.

No rain recorded here since September 8th. An absolute drought in meteorlogical terms.