Flora, Fauna, Topography & Weather, by Paul Veverka (c) 2017
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Extracts from the book “Blantyre Explained” by Paul Veverka.
Blantyre Temperatures – The climate of Blantyre and the West of Scotland in general is milder than that of Eastern Scotland due to the stronger maritime influence, as the prevailing winds blow from the sea. The warm Gulf Stream also has a strong influence on Western Scotland. January is the coldest month with mean daily minimum temperatures between -3.4 and -0.9 °C. July and August are the warmest months in the region with daily mean ranging from 14.6 °C to more than 18.5°C.
Blantyre Sunshine Stats – The number of hours of bright sunshine is controlled by the length of day and by cloudiness. In general, December is the dullest month and May or June the sunniest. Local topography also exerts a strong influence and in the winter deep glens and north-facing slopes can be in shade for long periods.
Blantyre Rainfall – tends to be associated with Atlantic depressions or with convection. The Atlantic depressions are more vigorous in autumn and winter and most of the rain, which falls in those seasons is from this source. In spring and summer, convection caused by heating of the land can form showers inland in the region. Average annual rainfall totals range from less than 1000 mm to 3500mm. autumn and early winter are the wettest seasons, especially from October to January, and spring and early summer is normally the driest part of the year, especially from April to June.
Blantyre Snowfall – snowfall is normally confined to the months from November to April, however snow rarely lies at lower levels outside the period December to March. On average, the number of days with snow falling in the Blantyre area is about 20.
Blantyre Wind Stats – West Scotland is one of the more exposed areas of the UK, being close to the Atlantic. The strongest winds are associated with the passage of deep depressions close to or across the UK. The frequency and strength of depressions is greatest in the winter half of the year and this is when mean speeds and gusts are strongest. November to March have the highest mean speeds with June to August the lightest winds.
With thanks to Scott F at the Met Office for his assistance.
Copyright notice: All articles may be printed off for offline use copyright free. Where any of these images and words are intended to be published online or in books, please contact me first for permission. These are Blantyre Project words and are not permitted in any form or derivative to appear on other websites or books.