Maz

SunSean Wow, Scottish Islands and Highlands did well in March, and the Hebrides in February too. Really shows the impact of the trough anchored to our SW so frequently during those months.

Weather-history amazing stat. Probably almost 28 dry days on the trot up to mid June. There must be a dry spell round the corner surely? At least there looks to be plenty of useable weather over the rest of the Easter weekend. Even if it is far from spectacular.

Had Worse The lightning didn't track across to Ramsbottom. Dark skies, heavy rain, hail and sleet here....the joys of Spring!!

Dangerous55019 As a winter SAD sufferer, I’m at the opposite point of the cycle. The accelerating gains in light from late January onwards, lead to those wonderful spring and early summer days… I know the dread you talk of only too well though, so you have my thoughts. At the opposite time of year (late Sept) I find it is the thought of the lack of light that drags me down, physically there is still plenty of light though. Enjoy the darkness/lightness whilst it’s there and try to compress the bad part to maximum of 3 months…that’s my aim anyway. Sort of works!!!

Nice sunny morning. Went for a walk, everyone cheerfully saying hello, spring in the air.....now its back to rain and cool (default setting since July)

Fully agree Earthshine. Last couple of years I've decided to go running (well, a slow jog!) every morning, whatever the weather. Mostly on-road during the dark months, but various farm roads and cycle trails can be done in the dark and wet too. I don't use a torch, lots of light pollution/ pre-dawn light when away from streetlights when you get used to it. Just getting outside, whatever the weather, has made a big difference for me. I'm glad of the light mornings now and slightly drier trails as I can stick off-road more. However, part of me misses the dark, it gives a comforting focus. Lots of weather changes, moonlight, owls, birds singing under streetlights etc keep the "dark" runs interesting. Getting cold and drenched gives a satisifaction afterwards!

iand61 A few miles further east and very much on the "downslope" of the hills, there has only been spits and spots around Ramsbottom. The ground has remained dry all day so far. I'm less impressed with the phenomena when snow is involved (or rather isn't involved here!), but nice to see it play out today. The radar is interesting with the obvious rain shadow to the east of the Pennines in SE Lancs, and then rain re-invigorating further west, dry again around Morcambe Bay and then re-invigorating again in the Lake District. The Met Office "deep dive" showed a similar pattern from a SSW'ly a few weeks back, with various rainfall peaks and dryer slots.

Had Worse Funnelling of wind on downslopes cause similar less dramatic, similar impacts to Helm Wind. Forecast says a light easterly breeze and cloudy. Instead we get a very gusty wind and often the cloud breaks….this afternoon for example!

A Face like Thunder foehn wind/effect is a universal impact of drying air descending lea slopes bringing higher temps, often sunshine and a gusty wind. The helm wind (and associated cloud cap) is specific to a specific location and wind direction. It is a highly specific foehn wind though.

I’ve enjoyed the weather this week. First dry few days since last June, my running trails are finally not completely muddy. Its felt like it’s meant to in very early spring. Some pleasant sun, some early frost. Still cold, but the definite promise of warmth to come. Blossom, flowers, birds etc all responding to the strengthening sun and lengthening days.

Yesterday morning and this morning, I have really enjoyed my early morning runs. Atmospheric mist, drifting around the fields and river, has been lovely. After 5 months of darkness, light is filtering in whilst im out (somewhere around 6am - 7am or so). Sadly both yesterday and so far today any clear skies above the mist has soon infilled and left grey skies. Please, just a little bit of sunshine would be nice!

Weather-history "For the region, 20th wettest summer on record (2023) followed by the 11th wettest autumn on record (2023) followed by so far the 27th wettest winter on record (2023-24) giving a whopping 1112mm since the start of July last year" ...yep, we certainly paid for the 6 weeks of bone dry, blue sky weather last May/June. Since that spell broke its been one wet spell after the other with just a few days drier here and there. The last few years do seem to have swung between lengthy wet and then dry spells, albiet with wet dominating. Fingers crossed a switch to dry again will happen soon. In NW England the period from March - June is our most reliable for dry periods. That's due to increased prevelance of E'ly regimes as winter polar vortex disipates and the jet stream tends to weaken.

damianslaw Yep, spot on. Snow all day here, but lack of intensity meant very little settled. Common occurrence here in such set ups. I notice @iand61 with more elevation and a bit further east did better. Subtract 1.5c of climatic warming and it would have been a completely different picture today.

Early March last year, and so many SE’ly frontal events previously….I know what to expect. Falling snow, never too heavy and not settling. Normally just a couple of miles away, and 100m uphill, at 250m around Edenfield for example, there’s a good covering. Annoying, but it’s so close I can do a nice run up there and enjoy the contrasts. Thats the SE’ly Manchester snow shield for you!!! Will see whether this event bucks the trend or not. More southerly or more easterly changes the dynamics, and stronger frontal uplift can help too…it’s the hope that gets me everytime!!!

Hi, I posted back at end October of the importance to me of the first day, normally in February, when I go outside and feel some warmth in the sun once again. Today was that day. Many little signs of spring too and increase in day length is really notable. The pendulum has swung….