Late July 1948 heatwave

[Weather-history]

The last few days of July 1948 were exceptionally hot as high as 35.0C at Milford was recorded on the 28th

29th saw the highest daily CET mean so far registered with 25.2C

However despite the intense heatwave, summer 1948 was generally a poor summer

From Guardian of 26th July 1948

From 27th July Guardian

28th July Guardian

29th July Guardian

30th July Guardian

31st July Guardian

[Thundery wintry showers]

1948 also had a very good spring - before 2020 it was the sunniest spring on record for the UK as a whole, now of course pushed into second place.  But yes, despite that late July heatwave the summer was wet and also ranked as the 8th dullest.

[A Face like Thunder]

'The Gay 90s' - I'm sure we wouldn't see that headline nowadays!

1948 was also known for the Tweed floods after 158mm of rain fell at Kelso on the 12th August. There was also flooding in the north Midlands, NE England, the Scottish borders and the Lothians, with 100mm or more of rain falling over an area of 2100 sq km. 40 bridges were washed away, the East coast main railway line was out of action for 3 months, thousands of livestock were lost and arable land was devastated (Philip Eden)

[SummerShower]

Yes, the (now joint) hottest CET daily mean ever recorded was set in this spell.

Also in this year 23C was reached as early as 9th March which I believe is a record for so early in the year