Gloomiest August on Record at Armagh

Armagh Observatory reports that the weather in August was much cloudier and much wetter than normal.

August was noteworthy by having the least number of hours of bright sunshine for at least 128 years, that is, since sunshine records began at the Observatory in 1880. The number of hours of sunshine was only 69.0, a little more than half the average figure (around 133 hours) normally expected for August.

The month was also exceptionally wet, with rainfall totaling 151.4mm (5.96 inches), nearly twice the average figure (around 81 mm) for August and the seventh wettest August at Armagh since rainfall records began at the Observatory in 1838. In order to find a wetter August we have to go back 52 years, to August 1956. The highest daily rainfall, at 32.4mm (1.28 inches), occurred on the 16th.

The mean monthly temperature was 15.5 degrees Celsius (59.9 degrees Fahrenheit), a little warmer than average. The maximum temperature recorded was 21.9 degrees Celsius, on the 9th.

These data refer to observations at Armagh Observatory, which has been recording the weather at Armagh since 1795.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT: John McFarland at the Armagh Observatory, College Hill, Armagh, BT61 9DG. Tel.: 028-3752-2928; FAX: 028-3752-7174; jmfarm.ac.uk; star.arm.ac.uk, climate.arm.ac.uk.

Last Revised: 2008 September 2nd

Go to HOME Page