East Dorset: notably dry July 2016

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Martin Rowley
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Joined: Sat Dec 12, 2015 8:32 pm
Location: West Moors, East Dorset

East Dorset: notably dry July 2016

Post by Martin Rowley » Mon Aug 01, 2016 1:30 pm

July 2016 rainfall: West Moors & Hurn (East Dorset)

For West Moors (data since 2007) = 6.1 mm, easily the driest July [ and driest *any* month ] in that 10 year record: %age based on eLTA (1981-2010) = 13%

For Hurn (data since 1957) = 12.0 mm [provisional/based on SYNOP data], the *second*-driest July in that series, replacing the 9.0 mm recorded in 1983. The driest July was that of 1999, with 6.4mm. The 12.0 mm this year represents 25% of the LTA (1981-2010).

In the Hurn (1957+) record, there were just 11 'summer' months (JJA) with lower totals; what was more interesting is that these were all in the pre-2000 part of the record; we've had to wait 17 years for a summer month as dry as this July has been - the previous longest 'interval wait' was between 1983 & 1995 (12 years).

Martin.
Martin Rowley
West Moors, East Dorset
Lat: 50deg 49.25'N, Long: 01deg 53.05'W
Height (amsl): 17 m (56 feet)
COL category: C1 overall/TRSHEUN=CC-A03-

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Nicholas Gardner
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Location: Rural riverside valley location near the village of Newton Poppleford and 2 km from the sea.
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Re: East Dorset: notably dry July 2016

Post by Nicholas Gardner » Mon Aug 01, 2016 7:44 pm

Martin, July here was the driest of any month I have recorded since setting up my station in May 2005, though a few months have come close such as September 2014 that had 9.8 mm from one thundery downpour.

This July's rainfall was just 5.9 mm.

Interestingly, my Davis tipping bucket recorder measured 6.6 mm because it seems to register 0.2 mm just before dawn from dewfall. My standard rain gauge doesn't seem to attract dewfall as well.

All change today as it has been raining since 10am and nearly 20 mm has fallen so far which is nearly half of my expected rainfall for the whole of August.
Otter Valley Weather
Near Newton Poppleford, Sidmouth - Devon
50:41N 3:17 W; 20 metres AMSL; Station Grade B-BAAA37
http://www.ottervalleyweather.me.uk

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