Weather log June 2024

Weather log June 2024

Key

WW = West Wales
Lwn = Llanwnnen
AG = Aldermans Green, Coventry
CL = Church Lawford
LL = Long Lawford
ROW = Ross-on-Wye, Herefordshire
CC = Capel Curig, Snowdonia
MH = Milford Haven
Carms = Carmarthenshire
Pembs = Pembrokeshire
Mids = Midlands
CITE = Coton-in-the-Elms, Derbyshire

EA = Environment Agency
est = estimated
inc = including
cf= compared with
srb = since records began
COL = Climatological Observers Link
PWS = Personal weather station
MO = Met Office
NRW = National Resources Wales

CC = Chiffchaff
WW= Willow Warbler
ST = Song Thrush
BB = Blackbird

Sun 2nd nice sunny day, warm Mids & S Wales, cooler exposed Cardigan Bay max Pershore 24.0c, Coventry & Mumbles 22.1c, Lwn 18.8c, Trawsgoed 17.8c, Aberporth 14.5c. Wellesbourne 14.9 hours sun, Nottingham 14.7 hrs, Lwn est 11 hours (foggy start here).

Much of early June though was cool with sunny spells, not much rain and cold enough at night for local grass frost:

Wed 5th cool night, local grass frost inc Coventry where although the air minimum was just 5.2c the grass thermometer got to -0.2c; other air min Tirabad +1.3c, Lwn 2.7c (grass min +1.0c), Shobdon 2.6c.

Some nice sunny days of late here in WW albeit cool breezes, very nice at Llangrannog Fri 7th.

Sun 9th local grass frosts again, Lwn air min 1.2c, although we do get June grass frost in about half of Junes, grass minima Pershore -1c, CL, Shobdon & Tirabad 0c; other minima Tirabad 2.2c, Pembrey Sands 3.1c, Shobdon 3.8c, mild on Anglesey (Valley min 10.8c).

Mon 10th scattered showers Mids, isolated thunder.

Tue 11th local touches of ground frost, air min Shobdon +1.4c, Tirabad 1.6c, Lwn 2.0c (no grass frost), Pembrey Sands 2.2c, Nottingham 9.2c, Aberporth 9.5c.

Thu 13th very cool day with spells of rain and drizzle for Wales and later Mids. Scolton Country Park 25.2mm wettest in UK. Maxima below 13c in places such as Lwn (12.9c).

Fri 14th showery, thunder in places.

Sat 15th torrential downpour early morning Llanwnnen gave 12mm in 45 minutes. Showery day again, hail and thunder in places. A line of thundery showers crossed the Mids affecting Coventry & Rugby just after midday, at LL lightning was overhead and described variously as a "thunderbolt" and "explosion" it was so close. The radar showed a 1 km square of 20mm accumulation over Long Lawford most of which would have fallen within 15 minutes, although this deluge missed the adjacent rain gauge network which were only in the 3- 6mm range (KN 5.4mm just a mile from LL).

First half of June has been very cool with rainfall variable; sun rather dull to average. Llanwnnen rainfall slightly above average thanks to the 12mm downpour early 15th.

Quite a notable cool spell for June 3rd to 13th (11 days), here at Lwn mean temperature to 15th just 11.0c and so the coolest such June spell of the past two decades, with no day over 17c and 5 nights below 5c. Note: the last really cool whole month of June was back in 1991 when mean maxima just 16.2c at Coventry and Llanpumsaint (Carms) recorded -1.7c on the 4th that month. Further back in June 1972 Birmingham did not manage 20c all month! Coolest June of the past two decades here at Lwn is 2008 (13.1c) so it would take a very warm second half to top that this year.

Rainfall totals June 1st to 0900 16th:

Mona 15.8mm (dry)

CC 54.4mm (rather dry)

Trawsgoed 50.2mm (rather wet)

Aberporth c 31mm (average)

Llanwnnen 41.0mm (average)

Pembrey Sands c 27mm (rather dry)

MH 20.2mm (dry)

Nottingham c 46mm (wet)

Coleshill 24.6mm (average)

Coventry 21.8mm (rather dry)

CL 10.0mm (very dry)

Pershore c 13mm (very dry)

Hereford c 18mm (rather dry)

Sun 16th end of the prolonged cool spell (below 17c since 3rd) max 17.7c here today.

Wed 19th first day of June to top 20c with max 20.6c here today, last 20c back on May 21st (max 20.4c).

Thu 20th widely warm sunny periods, Maxima Hereford & Llanwnnen 23.8c, Pershore 23.1c, CITE 23.0c, Coleshill & Nottingham 22.1c, Trawsgoed 20.8c, Aberporth 18.0c.

Fri 21st still warm and sunny most of Mids, cloudy, cooler some rain WW, maxima Wellesbourne 22.9c, Lwn 16.8c in contrast.

Widely warm/ very warm towards month end:

Sun 23rd warm or very warm Mids with sunny periods, WW rather cloudy near average/ rather warm: maxima CITE 25.6c, Hereford 25.4c, Coventry 25.3c, Nottingham 24.8c, Shawbury 24.0c, Lwn 19.7c, Trawsgoed 19.3c, Aberporth 17.4c.

Mon 24th still rather cloudy mid & SW Wales, sunny spells elsewhere, warm or very warm Mids, rather warm WW, maxima Nottingham & Wellesbourne 26.0c, Coventry 25.5c, Shobdon 22.6c, Trawsgoed 21.9c, Lwn  21.4c, Aberporth 17.3c.

Tue 25th warm night parts of Mids, minima Nottingham 15.5c, Coventry 15.1c, MH 14.4c, Shobdon & Trawsgoed 10.9c, Lwn 10.2c. By day sunny and hot much of Mids and SE Wales, WW merely warm as cloud eventually cleared pm; maxima Pershore College 29.0c, CITE & CL 28.5c, Hereford 28.4c, Nottingham 26.8c, Shawbury 25.7c,Tirabad 24.5c, Lwn 22.4c, Pembrey Sands 21.7c, Aberporth though just 16.3c; Usk max 27.7c warmest in Wales.

Wed 26th widely very warm/ hot: Astwood Bank (Worc) 29.0c, Hereford & Pershore 28.7c, Coventry 27.8c, CITE 27.5c, Llanwnnen 27.3c, Trawsgoed 26.6c, Nottingham 26.4c, Aberporth 22.0c (in spite of occasional sea mist), Aberdaron 19.9c; Cardiff Bute Park max 27.8c hottest spot in Wales.

Thu 27th much cooler though still rather warm Mids: maxima Wellesbourne 22.7c, Coventry 21.4c, Nottingham 20.6c, Lwn 18.0c, MH & Pembrey Sands 178.2c, CC 14.7c. Aberporth sunniest in UK today with 13 hours cf just 3.5 hours (estimated) here inland.

Sun 30th cool/ very cool to end June, maxima CC 14.1c, Aberporth & Trawsgoed 14.4c, Lwn 14.5c, Shawbury 14.7c, Market Bosworth 15.1c, Pembrey Sands 15.9c, CL & Coventry 16.4c, Pershore 18.8c.

Nature notes

Sat 1st dozen or so screaming Swift around dusk, plenty of House Martin & Swallow too. Willow Warbler singing in the churchyard which is unusual as tend to be down by the river.

Tue 4th 4 mile evening walk from the forestry around Mynydd Pencarreg: a cool early Summer evening with little bird song, Laburnums at peak bloom, still some Hawthorn with full blossom and still a few Bluebells out up here; half dozen Willow Warbler singing, Redstart heard, Skylark; at the end of the walk a Grasshopper warbler in the usual field as it was getting dark past 2200. temperature 6c at 2215.

Sun 9th first Swift egg shell on the ground, hall east end front window.

Mid month: Bird song has been much more subdued than in a typical June could be the cool breezy weather, Chiffchaff still going well though end of garden! Grass growth seems to have slowed thankfully. Quite a few dead or near dead Ash trees around now (would estimate 10-20% completely dead or soon to be dead), such a shame, the ones that are close to death (like one in our garden) are only able to put out small leaves while the healthy ones a few yards away full of lush branches with big leaves. Very few insects, bees or butterflies about (there were more in May which was warmer).

Wed 19th Newquay: Swifts blocked by scaffolding Pier old warehouse building. I saw Swifts in the vicinity 1800 so went to look and they were trying to access nest holes on the harbour side near the corner. A man behind me was filming them as he too was aware of this problem. We saw one successful entry but this took them maybe half dozen attempts and so they are at risk of colliding with the poles and the chicks may not be getting fed. The man said the scaffolding went up the other day and he had contacted the scaffolding company, the owners (council) and also the BTO. He said the scaffolders were due to come tomorrow, so I advised that they should remove the cross rails and kick board at minimum and preferably the platform boards too. He works on the 'Wildlife Tour' boat trip and had to go to this now. I then notice someone had stuck a note to the pole with a diagram drawn stating that the 'Swifts cannot perch or hop into their nest and need 4 metres clearance to fly in'. I decided to phone the scaffolders too, the man said they would come tomorrow but was concerned if the work could be carried out (leaky roof) with rails removed. I said that several people were aware of this issue and that the only people not yet contacted were the police as they were likely to be committing an offence. Will monitor tomorrow on the webcam to see if they address this and the man said he will look out for the scaffolders

Also Newquay fewer House Martin nests than last year when half dozen on one house in Marine Terrace alone, this year so far just the 2 on that house with maybe half dozen more scattered about the parts of the town we covered. Briefly sited a couple of Dolphins 1800 too. Several Chiffchaff singing.

Thu 20th Newquay update been checking the Newquay Dolphin webcam than pans around most hours to the building and to my surprise the scaffolding which had been up still to 1100 had all gone by 1300! Thanked the scaffolding company.

Fri 21st 2 egg shells on the ground near the far corner west side of church hall.

Sun 23rd attended a 'Nature Trail' event organised by the Church which was nice if flower orientated, the secretary of the Church is a keen birdwatcher, I enquired as to the fate of the hall which is no longer in use (used to be for Youth Club and as a Polling Station) he said it will be put up for sale 'but don't worry the Church moves very slowly'.

Mon 24th evening Llanybydder several Swift over the car park seen to enter the former warehouse; Rhydybont chapel 3 or 4 Swift 2 of which seen to enter nest holes simultaneously (one in the NW corner and one a few metres along and both into small holes little more than an inch into the slanting wooden soffit boards.

Forestry dusk: had a walk from the main gate, several CC, WW, ST and BB singing. After sunset awaited a Nightjar by the usual place (slope on NW edge) and felt dubious as to whether they would still be nesting here as the conifer regrowth is now thick at over 10 years. Just past 2200 distant churring so walked back along track towards it some 300 metres. Stopped and listened for 5 minutes it was within 100m calling from a tree besides the track. It then alighted across the ride. Returned to the usual area but nothing so I guess they may now be using one of the extensive areas cleared of larch in 2020? Last of the Laburnums fading to seed.

Wed 26th a garden first Crossbills flew overhead (heard not seen).

Wed 26th Newquay: plenty of House Martin ever present through the 5 hours we were there, young fledglings practicing their flights. Chiffchaff singing loud and purposeful near the Sea Food factory. On the cliff top a few Chough, Whitethroat, also Kittiwakes around Bird Rock below. Half dozen distant Dolphin. Several swift briefly about then towards dusk around a dozen over the town, hoped to see activity over the Pier building but none, they were mostly above the town, saw one enter a gable end in Park St (viewed from adjacent car park) entered a gap between the chimney breast and roof.

Fri 28th southern forestry vicinity (circumnavigation of cleared scrubby area adjacent south side): Reed Buntings calling, also Linnets; lane back and Meadow Pipits and a Skylark (could not see it), then towards Caermalwas family of Swallows swooping over the fields with their young which are rather buff. 2 orchids further back along this wild lane.

Dusk Family of House Martin feeding above the gardens. Many Hirundine young airborne this past week.

Sun 30th squashed dead bird middle of the road near end of hall, think a Swift but not certain as poor condition. Only the second such road fatality noticed in 10 years, other fatalities in that time a dead bird on pavement opposite hotel, while over 15 years ago adult got stuck entering a nest hole perished, additionally perhaps half dozen chicks fallen to ground, so not so bad overall. One Swift made entry whooshing close to my head in to hole towards centre of hall. Dozen or so Swallows inc recently fledged chick over village some seen entering church tower where there are nests and have been in the past. No bird song at all dusk.

Month end: Bird song really dropped off second half of the month, disappointing as it usually quite good even into July. Chiffchaff at end of garden still going quite well although not as continuously as much of April & May! Not heard a single Grasshopper so far this Summer, usually very active on sunny days. Most insects notable by their absence this Summer so far.

 

June 2024 summary

Cool WW, rather cool Midlands; very dry to average rainfall; sunshine around average

First half very cool, last third warm: here at Llanwnnen the coolest June srb 2006 (beating 13.1c mean in June 2008). Nearer average parts of Mids. 

Most places a dry month, much of the Midlands and SW Wales less than half the average; Church Lawford had a very dry June. Just a few spots up to average .

Many places June sunshine around (within 15%) of average.

Rainfall totals June 2024

Capel Curig, Snowdonia 69.4mm (dry)

Mona, Anglesey 30.8mm (dry)

Trawsgoed, Ceredigion 57.0mm (rather dry)

Aberporth, near Llangrannog c 40mm (rather dry)

Llanwnnen 46.0mm (56%)

Pembrey Sands, Carms 35.8mm (dry)

Milford Haven, Pembs 28.0mm (very dry)

Nottingham (Watnall) 47.0mm (rather dry)

Shawbury, Salop c 47mm (near average)

Coleshill c 25mm (very dry)

Coventry, Bablake School 23.0mm (39%)

CL, Warks 11.8mm (21%)

Pershore, Worc 13.2mm (very dry)

Shobdon (Herefordshire)  31.0mm (dry)

King's Newnham EA gauge (near Rugby) 14.6mm 

National Resources Wales (NRW) rain gauges June 2024

Llyn Cefni, Ynys Mon 22.8mm (very dry)

Bethesda Quarry (Gwynedd) 58.2mm (dry)

Cwm Dyli (Snowdonia) 123.2mm (dry)

Abersoch (Llyn Peninsular) 29.0mm (dry)

Corris (near Machynlleth) 90.8mm (rather dry)

Bow Street (near Aberystwyth) 44.6mm (dry)

Pontrhydfendigaid (near Tregaron, Ceredigion) 60.2mm (rather dry)

Rhos Ymryson (near Gorscoch and 5 miles NW of Lwn) 54.2mm (dry)

Cellan (2 miles NE of Lampeter) 51.8mm (dry)

Pencader (Carms) 50.0mm (dry)

Abergorllech (Brechfa Forest, Carms) 48.8mm (very dry)

Rhydargaeau (Carms) 55.8mm (very dry)

Garnswllt (near Ammanford, Carms) 35.6mm (very dry)

Felinfoel (near Llanelli, Carms) 36.2mm (very dry)

Ferwig (near Cardigan) 31.2mm (very dry)

Maenclochog (near Preselis, Pembs) 67.6mm (dry)

Tenby (Pembs) 30.2mm (very dry)

Bolton Hill (near Haverfordwest, Pembs) 27.8mm (very dry)

COL stations rainfall June 2024

Llansadwrn 48.9mm (66%)

Ludlow, Salop 32.7mm (48%)

Alvechurch, Worc 31.1mm (44%)

Warstock, Brum 26.8mm (37%)

Cosby, Leic 24.7mm (38%)

Hinckley 20.4mm

Towcester, Northants 28.2mm (49%)

Sunshine totals June 2024

Aberdaron  225 hours (average)

Aberporth 183.4 hrs (near average)

Llanwnnen estimated  149 hours (92%)

Nottingham 161.5 hrs (average)

Shawbury 160.6 hrs (near average)

Coventry, Bablake School 207 hours (108%)

Shobdon, Herefordshire 169.3 hrs (average)

COL stations sun

Ludlow 146.9 hours

Alvechurch 147.5 hrs

Cosby 204.0 hrs

Towcester 226.3 hrs 

Weather log May 2024

Weather log May 2024

Key:

WW = West Wales

Lwn = Llanwnnen

AG = Aldermans Green, Coventry

CL = Church Lawford

LL = Long Lawford

Cov = Coventry

Nott = Nottingham

ROW = Ross-on-Wye, Herefordshire

CC = Capel Curig, Snowdonia

MH = Milford Haven

Carms = Carmarthenshire

Pembs = Pembrokeshire

Mids = Midlands

CITE = Coton-in-the-Elms, Derbyshire

COL = Climatological Observers Link

PWS = Personal weather station

MO = Met Office

NRW = National Resources Wales

EA = Environment Agency

est = estimated

inc = including

cf= compared with

srb = since records began

wrt = with respect to

Unsettled start to May, cool for WW but some warmth parts of Mids:

Thu 2nd slow moving warm front advecting warm air across central UK with WW on the cool side of it. The warm air aloft brought rain and thunderstorms in places (especially parts of WW and S Mids; here at Lwn a dull, misty, damp day, and so rather strange for a Summer- type storm to pass close by to the north amidst the murk, with some loud thunder cracks around 1.20pm as the line of thundery showers tracked just east and north of Lampeter and onto Newquay on the coast, giving 20mm according to the radar in just one hour near Llanarth. Just bits of drizzle here at Lwn, no lightning seen (closest sferics 4 miles north near Temple Bar). Very cool with all the cloud and damp for SW Wales, in contrast warm sunny intervals for far N of Wales and N Mids: maxima Scolton Country Park 9.8c (about 6c below the early May norm), MH 10.3c,  Lwn 11.6c, ROW 13.1c, Trawsgoed 13.2c,  Pershore & Shobdon 14.4c, Coventry 17.7c, Mona 18.5c, CITE 20.8c. Hawarden in Flintshire (NE Wales) had a very warm 22.8c today (about 6c above average).

Sun 5th near 20c parts of Mids and N Wales today with sunny spells (Aberdaron 13.3 hours was sunny), contrasting a front slowly edging north made it a rather cool and damp day S Wales. Maxima Porthmadog 19.8c, Newport (Salop) 19.7c, Coleshill & Coventry 19.4c, Trawsgoed 18.1c, Lwn 17.7c (max before noon before cloud), Shobdon 17.2c, MH 12.6c.

Mon 6th Rather a warm Bank Holiday Mids, showers and thunderstorms in places, Astwood Bank (Worc) caught 14.8mm under these. CITE max 21.2c warmest spot in the UK.

Tue 7th generally rather warm with sunny spells, heavy showers over some Welsh hills; however cool and misty parts of Cardigan Bay; contrast stark between inland Llanwnnen (max 21.6c) and coastal Aberporth (max 12.2c) just 20 miles west. Other maxima ROW 22.1c (warmest in UK), Usk in SE Wales also 21.6c was warmest in Wales today; Shobdon 20.1c, Trawsgoed 18.1c, CL 17.0c.

Wed 8th a cloudier and cooler day WW but warm sunny spells Mids (Coventry 9 hours); maxima Wellesbourne (Warks) 22.1c warmest spot in UK, Coventry 22.0c, CITE 21.7c, CL 20.9c, Shawbury 20.7c, Lwn 19.2c, Trawsgoed 16.8c, Mumbles 13.7c, Aberdaron 13.1c.

Thu 9th warm sunny periods more widely, Pershore max 24.0c, Cov 23.5c, Nott 22.5c, CL 22.3c, Lwn 22.1c, Shawbury 20.7c, Mumbles 20.4c, Trawsgoed 19.6c, Valley 15.2c.

Fri 10th widely very warm for May,  Llanwnnen 26.2c in our rather sheltered garden; officially though ROW 24.5c (warmest in UK), Cardiff Bute Park, Coleshill, Hereford & Nott all 24.1c, Trawsgoed 24.0c, CL 22.9c, Mumbles 20.5c, Pembrey Sands 20.0c.

Overnight remarkable Aurora display, however nothing like the iPhone photos as viewed with the naked eye here! Nonetheless spectacular shimmering curtains and pillars of diffuse light much of the sky 2300 to 0100 observed with large bright bluish sky to north. 

Sat 11th another warm/ very warm day with sunny periods: Llanwnnen 25.9c, Gogerddan (near Aberystwyth 25.1c, Trawsgoed 24.2c, ROW 23.6c, Pershore 23.5c, Aberporth 23.0c, Nott 22.8c, CL 21.6c, MH 19.6c.

Sun 12th warm or very warm again, thunderstorms affected central and E Wales and the W Mids pm, thought I heard a distant rumble here at 1400, checked and nearest sferics 15- 20 miles east with towering Cumulonimbus visible. Maxima Pershore 26.2c, CITE 26.0c, Coventry 25.6c, Lwn 24.4c, Shobdon & Trawsgoed 24.1c, Mumbles 17.7c. Cooled off across WW later.

Wed 15th plenty of bright and rather warm weather around, scattering of showers and local thunder; Rugby caught a little storm mid evening with torrential rain (Bilton PWS 9mm in half hour), it then tracked between Bedworth & Nuneaton with thunder and lightning observed from Coventry although most of the city missed the rain.

First half of May warm with variable rainfall with parts of Mids and N Wales very dry but parts of S Wales wet; rather dull to average sunshine-wise.

Rain totals May 1st - 0900 16th:

CC 39.0mm (dry)

Trawsgoed c 28mm (rather dry)

Aberporth c 28mm (near average)

Llanwnnen 26.6mm (dry)

Milford Haven 43.2mm (rather wet)

Mumbles 56.4mm (very wet)

Nottingham c 15mm (very dry)

Coleshill c 13mm (very dry)

Coventry 10.4mm (very dry)

Church Lawford 17.6mm (dry)

Pershore 33.2mm (rather wet)

Shobdon (Herefordshire) 25.8mm (average)

Thu 16th showers or longer spells of rain for N Mids in particular, thunderstorms affected Snowdonia & areas close to S Wales coast afternoon. Almost an inch in places. PWS (Davis) near Pembroke Dock 40mm in under 2 hours.

Fri 17th warm sunny intervals and a few showers; maxima CITE 22.2c, ROW 22.1c, Pershore 21.9c, Nottingham 21.7c, Lwn 21.4c, Coventry 20.7c, Pembrey Sands 19.7c, Aberporth 15.6c.

Sat 18th another warm day, thundery showers affected parts of W Mids, mid & S Wales, very locally 1 to 2 inches. most of Pembrokeshire stayed dry. Heard a rumble from Carmarthen early evening. Max temps ROW 22.6c, Shobdon 22.1c, CITE 21.8c, Pembrey Sands 21.0c, CL & Lwn 19.5c, Aberporth 13.4c cool and misty however.

Sun 19th turning into a decent warm spell now, sunny widely, maxima widely above 20c...Pembrey Sands 24.1c, ROW 23.2c, CITE 22.7c, Lwn 21.9c, Coventry 21.5c, CL 21.1c, while at a misty Aberporth just 13.7c.

Mon 20th warm for Wales cooler Mids, maxima Lwn 23.3c, Gogerddan 22.6c, Trawsgoed 21.8c, ROW 20.3c, CITE & Mona 19.3c, Pembrey Sands 18.5c, Shawbury 17.3c, Nottingham 16.7c.

Tue 21st rather warm West Wales, thundery showers mostly affected the Cambrians, Snowdonia and the Swansea area, just isolated ones further west, a few sferics near Carmarthen (people in Carmarthen would have been able to hear hear thunder for 3 out of the past 4 days now); 1 to 2 inches locally according to the radar. Midlands mostly dry, sunny intervals with around average temperatures.

Wed 22nd a low pressure reached the UK from the east bringing a very wet day for the Midlands and N Wales, a little rain only for SW Wales; 24 hour totals to 0900 - Coleshill (MO) 55mm with EA gauges as follows: Birmingham Airport 51.1mm, Warwick Racecourse 38.3mm, Corley 34.4mm, Bablake, Coventry 23.6mm. Further rain through the afternoon Midlands with Coleshill up to about 60mm by 1800GMT. Most of the Mids over an inch today, over 2 inches also for parts of N Wales. All this rain putting a different slant on what was looking like a rather dry month for a change. Wellesbourne (Warks) 63.8mm (2100) officially wettest spot in the Mids today, with CITE 39mm wettest in the E Mids. Radar suggested accumulations above 100mm close to the N Wales coast in the Llanfairfechan/ Penmaenmawr area however local PWS only 30 - 40mm.

Sun 26th showery, hail and thunder in places, here at Lwn rather loud rumble 1410 from a cell 5 miles SE, then a few hours later a couple of more distant rumbles again SSE (note none of these evidenced by sferics).

Nature notes:

Fri 3rd first Swift observed from garden just briefly this dull damp afternoon.

Sun 5th single Swift again briefly morning then flew overhead with more leisure and lower down.

Early May: Holly flowering  with still with hundreds of red berries from last Autumn, a Blackbird was feeding off them a few days ago when it was very cool. Also Ash starting to flower and Apples blossoming. Hoverflies during calm sunny spells.

Mon 6th pair of screaming Swift towards the church. House Sparrows fledging from their nest within the insulation edge east side of house.

Tue 7th A Swift seen above Lampeter Hight St while driving.

I have had slight hay fever already = the earliest in my life.

Tue 7th Tregaron Bog: nice day, first Cuckoo heard as soon as got out the car then calling most of the next hour or so, quite close at first but then more distant towards the river (did not see it). Other: plenty of Willow Warbler singing along with quite a few Chiffchaff, some Blackcap, a Garden Warbler, Sedge Warbler. A couple of mysterious bird off the boardwalk heading back, unassuming short song bursts to each other, warbler like but they were hidden away in the grass or shrubs. They were where the Reed Buntings usually to be found (which are easily identified and visible but none this afternoon), also a Heron.

Driving back through Llanddewi Brefi just past the school a pair of Swifts one of which seen to enter a gable end hole on one of the two large houses on the right. As usual a great May Bluebell showing along the back lanes from Tregaron to Lampeter.

Sat 11th Aberystwyth: GSW drumming Arts Centre really loudly. Swift heard screaming from Buarth area not seen, suspect they nest in some of the buildings which are quite old. Laburnums flowering already Llanbadarn Road.

Around 20 House Martin above using the modern flats opposite the Welsh Government buildings. Had a look and they are actively nest building also evidence of former nests in the apexes totalling at least a dozen in the colony?

Sun 12th Heard a Cuckoo call briefly this afternoon which was a shock as never heard within 4 miles of Llanwnnen! Did not hear again and so either rapidly passed through or somebody was mimicking one or playing a call? Mystery.

Horse Chestnuts out in Lampeter by the schools.

Tue 14th southern forestry: Willow Warblers singing, Wood Warblers, Tree Pipits, a few Chiffchaff, Stonechat, Whitethroat (heard). The area felled recently has log piles the tree rings of which are over 80 years (thus dating from the original 1930s forestry?). Found even older ones on a large stump close on 100 years old!

80 year old log

Rhydybont chapel 2 Swift screaming as driving back.

Aberduar chapel 3 Swift observed there 10 minutes.

Station, Llanybydder 1 or 2 Swift only there 5 minutes.

Mid month garden Bluebells going over, countryside ones at peak. May blossom, Ash leafing,  Oak and Sycamore fully in leaf. 

Local laburnums in bloom.

Sat 18th Carmarthen: 3 Swift town centre late afternoon then a couple over Morrisons. 3 or 4 Chiffchaff singing from scrubland adjacent Morrisons.

Driving back Llanybydder 8pm about 10 Swift above and adjacent the car park, one seen going up to a hole in the old warehouse/ mill. 

Hay fever quite bad today, never used to get it until June.

Sun 19th Forestry a nice warm evening: 2 or 3 Cuckoos: one calling quite persistently from across the road into the 'southern forestry' then a non calling bird (female?) alighted on a tree just 40m ahead of the main upper track we scared what with Dexter having a go off the lead and it flew past even closer mobbed by a small bird. Then another was calling just beyond NE corner of forestry and so birds heard a mile apart means either the same bird covering it's territory or possibly 2 different males (not heard simultaneously however suggest the one). Other birds: dozen WW, a Wood Warbler, half dozen Chiffchaff, Whitethroat, Tree Pipit I think? Half dozen Newts in the deeper semi- permanent 'puddle along the southern ride back to main road, unlikely to be able to stay there as it always dries out in Summer for weeks at least. Small bird feeding a chick I think were Goldcrests? Laburnums just starting to flower up here which is the earliest seen.

Llanybydder driving back: 

3 screaming Swifts above the hall between the 2 chapels (don't think they nest in it) it was mentioned on Facebook that this hall has funding for renovations so I suggested Swift provision but the lady said 'only enough for the renovations'.

Aberduar chapel: half dozen or so screaming Swifts.

Old station: 3 screaming, one made entry to one of the small holes 3 feet below the roof line (nest height no more than 3 metres is low).

Old mill/dairy/ warehouse also known on the NMR as 'Felin Isaf Milk Cooling Centre' or the former 'Felin Isaf Woollen Mill'; 10 or so again in the car park vicinity.

Mon 20th Longwood another fine warm day: Chiffchaff & Willow Warbler around 20 singing birds of each just a couple actually seen (no binoculars), saw a couple of female Pied Flycatcher each at different nest boxes; also heard Garden Warbler and Blackcap half dozen (a couple seen), a few Wood Warbler heard, 3 or 4 Tree Pipit seen parachuting, also plenty of Blackbird and Song Thrush in song. Elder now in flower.

Wed 22nd  Lampeter 4 Swift above Bridge St teatime. 5 House Martin nests completed Harford Square, there have been nests under the sloping eaves at this location for at least 3 decades, and so some tolerant householders (nests spread across the front of 3 neighbouring properties). Not spotting many Martin nests elsewhere in the town though and much fewer Swallow nests around the Uni than usual when locate usually a dozen or so.

Fri 24th Aberaeron: 5 House Martin nests, most by the harbour. Several House Martin and a Swift by the harbour then half dozen HM above the Craft Centre early evening; plenty of Foxgloves out (but first ones I have seen, i.e. none seen inland as yet).

Sat 25th Chiffchaff from trees by the end of the garden has been at it virtually non- stop the whole of April & May! I wonder if this is one of a pair does it help with the feeding or perhaps a single bird trying in vain to get a mate? Foxgloves out in the village especially the churchyard; there are now some completely dead ash trees with no leaves in and around the village, also quite a few close to death with just a few leaves showing.

Mon 27th Forestry (south side): Laburnums magnificent up the lane past Caermalwas Fach. This house and its land were bought by Carmarthenshire Wildlife Trust a few years back purportedly so they could farm the land sustainably for wildlife, etc, house up for sale a month ago now sold but not the land as far as I can tell, they were trying to get funding to make the house fit for a tenant farmer. The Laburnums at this point overhang the dilapidated outbuildings and interleaf the large Sycamore and Horse Chestnut of the yard, one tree fallen over but supported by a barn roof continues to add to the remarkable display. I am guessing the trees will be cut down what with the new owners. Other obs: Willow Warblers, Chiffchaffs, Meadow or Tree Pipits (I am never sure which). Bubbling Cuckoo alighted at the top of a nearby tree presumed a female but later down the track faintly heard the more familiar call. Hawthorn only just coming out up the lane, Rowan in flower.

Fri 31st driving a small bird went on the edge of the road towards Llanrhystud just ahead thought it was a Sparrow it only just got out of the way in time as I slowed and most surprised that it was a Redstart!

Aberystwyth: Dozen or so House Martin over the river and their colony nearby (at least a dozen nests); 5 Swift over the river by Morrison evening. Met a lady in the café who lives in Aberystwyth and has Swift boxes up currently unoccupied.

Month end: Ash mostly in full leaf- disease permitting. Bluebells almost all over excepting still some showing in well shaded areas.

May 2024 summary

Warm WW and very warm Midlands; variable rain; dull to average sun.

CET was the second warmest May (only 1833 warmer). Coventry had its warmest May on record (back to 1892). Here at Lwn warmest May since 2008. This was down to the very mild nights rather than especially warm days (although Lwn did record 26c mid month). Not perceived as a good May however what with the cloud and damp. 

No air frosts for the third successive May (record such run) although we are not out of the woods even in June (3 occurrences in the past 18 years).

Eleventh month on the trot that the EWP (England & Wales Precipitation) mean above average, here at Lwn however rainfall was below average and the first sub 100mm month since last July.

Rainfall totals May 2024

Capel Curig, Snowdonia 166.2mm (average)

Mona, Anglesey 71.4mm (near average)

Trawsgoed, Ceredigion 72.0mm (average)

Aberporth, near Llangrannog c 35mm (dry)

Llanwnnen 59.8mm (76%)

Pembrey Sands, Carms 56.2mm (rather dry)

Milford Haven, Pembs 68.4mm (average)

Mumbles, near Swansea 87.6mm (wet)

Nottingham 88.2mm (very wet)

Shawbury, Salop c 90mm (very wet)

Coleshill 103.6mm (twice average)

Coventry, Bablake School 69.8mm (125%)

CL, Warks 70.0mm (123%)

Pershore, Worc 76.6mm (wet)

Shobdon, Herefordshire 62.8mm (average)

King's Newnham EA gauge (near Rugby) 64.4mm

National Resources Wales (NRW) rain gauges 

Llyn Cefni, Ynys Mon 68.6mm (average)

Bethesda Quarry (Gwynedd) 129.4mm (average)

Cwm Dyli (Snowdonia) 213.6mm (wet)

Abersoch (Llyn Peninsular) 50.6mm (average)

Corris (near Machynlleth) 134.6mm (average)

Bow Street (near Aberystwyth) 72.4mm (average)

Pontrhydfendigaid (near Tregaron, Ceredigion) 89.0mm (average)

Rhos Ymryson (near Gorscoch and 5 miles NW of Lwn) 86.4mm (average)

Cellan (2 miles NE of Lampeter) 61.2mm (rather dry)

Pencader (Carms) 65.2mm (dry)

Abergorllech (Brechfa Forest, Carms) 88.0mm (average)

Rhydargaeau (Carms) 86.4mm (average)

Garnswllt (near Ammanford, Carms) 65.6mm (rather dry)

Felinfoel (near Llanelli, Carms) 84.0mm (average)

Ferwig (near Cardigan) 45.0mm (dry)

Maenclochog (near Preselis, Pembs) 86.8mm (average)

Tenby (Pembs) 76.4mm (wet)

Bolton Hill (near Haverfordwest, Pembs) 66.0mm (average)

Note additional local variation in the Cambrians inland from Aberystwyth with Cwm Rheidol 61.0mm while just 5 miles SE Pwll Peiran 164.6mm no doubt due to local thunderstorms.

COL stations rainfall May 2024

Llansadwrn 87.6mm (129%)

Ludlow, Salop 79.8mm (125%)

Alvechurch, Worc 85.7mm (130%)

Warstock, Brum 98mm (153%)

Cosby, Leic 86.5mm (150%)

Towcester, Northants 70.1mm (116%)

Sunshine totals May 2024

Llanwnnen estimated 129 hours (71%)

Nottingham 126 hrs (dull)

Shawbury 156 hrs (rather dull)

Coventry, Bablake School 160.5 hrs (84%)

COL stations sun

Ludlow 148 hours

Alvechurch 117.6 hrs

Cosby 165 hrs

Towcester 155.1 hrs

Spring 2024 summary

Dull and wet/ very wet but warm

Dullest & wettest Spring here at Llanwnnen.

Warmest Spring since 2011 at Llanwnnen (10.1c) due to very mild nights (+1.8c wrt 2006-24) with days nearer average.

Coventry had its equal warmest Spring (10.8C) since before 1892 (equal with 2011).

Coventry the dullest spring (395.6hr) since 1991 (347.2hr).

Rainfall totals Spring 2024

Capel Curig 716.4mm (very wet)

Trawsgoed c 289mm (rather wet)

Aberporth c 245mm (wet)

Llanwnnen 388.7mm (154%)

Pembrey Sands c 307mm (wet)

Mumbles c 319mm (very wet)

Nottingham 246.8mm (very wet)

Coleshill 268.6mm (very wet)

Coventry, Bablake School 246.6mm (159%)

CL 225.0mm (145%)

Pershore 233.2mm (very wet)

Shobdon 270.4mm (very wet)

Kings Newnham, near Rugby (EA) 226.2mm

Weather log April 2024

Weather log April 2024

Key

WW = West Wales

Lwn = Llanwnnen

AG = Aldermans Green, Coventry

CL = Church Lawford

LL = Long Lawford

ROW = Ross-on-Wye, Herefordshire

CC = Capel Curig, Snowdonia

MH = Milford Haven

Carms = Carmarthenshire

Pembs = Pembrokeshire

Mids = Midlands

CITE = Coton-in-the-Elms, Derbyshire

COL = Climatological Observers Link

PWS = Personal weather station

MO = Met Office

NRW = National Resources Wales

EA = Environment Agency

est = estimated

inc = including

cf= compared with

srb = since records began

Unsettled weather continued start of April, plentiful rain for parts of Wales in particular:

Thu 4th Pershore College 19.8mm (wettest place in UK). Many NRW gauges across S Wales over 25mm inc Abergorllech 26mm and Pencader (both Carms).

Fri 5th Rather warm sunny intervals Mids and E Wales, maxima Cardiff Bute Park 18.1c, Pershore College 17.9c, Coventry 17.3c, Market Bosworth 17.0c, Shobdon 16.8c, Trawsgoed 14.3c, Lwn 13.8c, CC 11.7c.

Sat 6th Warm for April for the Midlands and parts of N Wales, ironically as named storm Kathleen brought strong winds in the west; minima Pershore 12.9c, Coleshill 12.4c, Trawsgoed 11.7c, Shobdon 11.2c, Lwn 10.6c, CC 10.2c. By day maxima Nottingham 18.3c, Wellesbourne 18.1c, Coventry 18.0c, Market Bosworth 17.9c, CC 16.7c, Trawsgoed 16.4c, Lwn 14.9c, Aberdaron 12.6c. Derek Brockway said that a PWS at Llanfairfechan on the Conwy coast recorded max 20.3c during the early hours a result of the Foehn winds no doubt. Kathleen unremarkable away from exposed locations (71 mph gust CC), generally highest gusts 40 to 50mph inland. 

Sun 7th 25.5mm measured 0900 here at Llanwnnen was the second wettest April day here (30.2mm in 2019). 1 to 2 inches of rain parts of WW this weekend, rather wet for parts of the N & W Mids, but mainly dry much of the Mids bar the odd shower.

First week: 90mm here at Lwn for the first week of April, already well above the whole month average (61mm here and 77mm historically at Lampeter). In contrast, although still above average, just 21.4mm at Church Lawford. Pencader (NRW) 9 miles SW of  here is above 120mm! Never seen it so wet and muddy in April!

Mon 8th the wettest April day here since records began 2006, 30.5mm most of which fell 04 - 0900 Tue 9th. Previous record wettest April day 30.2mm 2019. 112mm past 6 days (3rd - 8th) on par with the wettest weeks here (not on the scale of the 150mm in just 3 days in Oct 2018 though). Local rivers in spate, Grannell bank high, Dulas in the Uni spilled over across adjacent footpaths, while most of the Co-op car park under water (90%) with water touching the corner of the store by the Dulas. It had just begun to recede late afternoon when we were there from a slightly higher peak. Teifi into flood plains. Radar suggested around an inch fairly widely WW with a couple of inches for Snowdonia (CC 40.2mm officially wettest in UK).

Towards mid month drier and warmer, especially Mids:

Thu 11th Warm sunny intervals Mids, WW still mostly overcast with some rain or drizzle; it was a very mild night widely above 10c, lows Nottingham 12.0c, Trawsgoed 11.9c, Shawbury 11.8c, Market Bosworth 11.4c, Llanwnnen 11.1c, Valley 9.6c. Maxima Coleshill 19.9c, Coventry 18.9c, Nottingham 18.5c, Shobdon 17.4c, Trawsgoed 15.3c, Lwn 13.7c, Aberdaron 11.2c.

Fri 12th warm sunny periods Midlands, mild sunny spells mid and S Wales along with a good drying breeze. Maxima Cardiff Bute Park 20.8c, Pershore College 19.6c, Pershore 19.5c, Coventry 18.7c, Shawbury & Shobdon 17.9c, Nottingham 17.2c, Trawsgoed 16.1c, Lwn 14.9c, exposed Aberdaron just 10.8c.

Mon 15th active squall line passed through early in the day bringing several damaging tornadoes (N Mids), hail and thunder in places. Much cooler, at Lwn max 9.9c coolest day of the month to date.

First half of April: very mild, dull and wet; W Wales & Marches wettest. At Llanwnnen it is already the wettest April of the past 2 decades. Historical wettest hereabouts is 1920 with 221mm at nearby Falcondale, Lampeter.

Rainfall totals April 1st to 0900 16th:

CC 203mm (very wet)

Trawsgoed 89mm (very wet)

Llanwnnen 135.2mm (twice April average)

Pembrey Sands 80mm (very wet)

Mumbles 64mm (wet)

Nottingham 36mm (rather wet)

Coventry 46.2mm (very wet)

CL 40.2mm (wet)

Pershore 43mm (very wet)

Wed 17th some rain or showers about, local thunder N Mids, max 9.2c Llanwnnen the coolest day for 3 weeks contrasting with 14.4c at Pershore the warmest spot in the UK (Aberporth just 8.2c).

Thu 18th widespread frost with fog in places; here at Lwn min -2.2c the first air frost of the month; other minima Tirabad (near Sennybridge) -3.4c, Trawsgoed -1.8c, Shawbury -1.6c, CC & Pershore -1.3c, Coventry +1.4c (grass frost), Mumbles 4.2c.

Sat 20th it has been a mainly dry few days now, just a trace here at Lwn past 3 days and nice and sunny today. Overnight was a widespread frost, down to -2.5c here (also Tirabad -2.3c, Shawbury -1.6c, Coventry +1.8c with a grass frost, Aberdaron 5.8c). Est sun 12 hours here at Lwn (sunniest day since last September); others Aberporth 13.2 hrs (sunniest place in UK), Wellesbourne (Warks) 9.5 hrs, Nottingham 9.1 hrs.

Sun 21st much of Mids sunny, Nottingham 11.3 hrs, Coventry 9.5 hrs, Aberporth 7.1 hrs, Lwn est 2.5 hrs.

As of 25th Llanwnnen highest reading of the month to date just 14.9c (on 2 days), while in the past 20 years April has not failed to reach 16c (lowest absolute max 16.3c in 2012 and 16.4c the following year being the coolest). Still a chance of 16c by month end? In contrast the Midlands has had a few warm days this month with Coventry 18.9c on the 11th. 8 successive dry days now at Lwn making it the longest dry spell since last September (also 8 days).

Sun 28th Midlands widely around an inch falling last night into the morning, in contrast largely dry WW with the fronts on this occasion further east. Sutton Bonington (Notts) 27.6mm wettest in Mids (to 2100), Coventry 22.6mm (0900 BST).

A wet final 2 days to April for WW while much of the Midlands dry, bright and rather warm! Widely 1 or 2 inches last 2 days WW.

Mon 29th Llanwnnen 22.6mm (to 0900 30th).

Tue 30th Scolton Country Park (Pembs) 41.4mm (wettest place in UK); cool and wet WW, cloudy dry Marches, in contrast rather warm and sunny much of Mids; maxima Nottingham 19.7c, CL 19.2c, Coventry 18.8c, Shobdon 15.0c, MH 11.3c, Lwn 10.8c. Coventry 12 hours sun, 0 hours much of WW.

Nature notes

Chiffchaff end of garden singing much of the time start of month; also a Blackcap on and off.

Beginning April: Forestry good view of a Goshawk for a change it was at closest 40 metres and unhurriedly flew into trees.

Wed 3rd Aberaeron first wild Bluebells out especially path besides Craft centre down to river; Wood Anemones out look like they might be over next visit in a fortnight or so; first Red campions;  Plenty of Chiffchaffs in song. Cormorant really close fishing in the river at 20 metres watched it catch plenty of Eels.

Thu 4th Lampeter Uni, plenty of Bluebells out now. Rooks have 30 plus nests several babies fallen to their deaths even before the strong winds arrived.

Sun 7th Neuadd lane, Lwn hints a few Bluebells about to flower, on the other hand Lesser Stitchworts going to seed (although apparently they can re-flower through the Summer). A few Chiffchaff singing on a windy afternoon.

Tue 9th Uni: could not see any fallen baby Rooks following the recent high winds and heavy rain surprisingly, one nest had come down but no chicks evident (unless eaten by something).

Thu 11th Chiffchaff at end of garden sings stridently and persistently past week or so in spite of often poor weather!

Fri 12th remarkably dried out enough to mow the lawns (just 2 days ago waterlogged quagmires).

Sat 13th Carmarthen thought I may have heard a House Martin but just one note and not seen. First ones are back at Bow Street.

Sun 14th midday first 2 Swallow flew over the garden twittering away.

Mon 15th 3 more Swallow flew over.

Tue 16th Forestry near Llanybydder, 2 Willow Warbler singing. Skylark (could not see it) along the lane.

Wed 17th Neuadd lane, Llanwnnen: Jack-by-the-Hedge out and much Greater Stitchwort, most Celandines going over, just a few Bluebells out along the lane. Hedgerows fairly well in leaf bar Beech. Grannell lane a few Wood Sorrel, perhaps snatch of Willow Warbler?

Jack-by-the-Hedge

Thu 18th WW heard from back garden.

Fri 19th drove to Aberystwyth, Oak, Sycamore and Beech coming into leaf. Grey Wagtail in the storm ditch behind Morrison by the river. Also the first Orange Tip butterfly.

Sat 20th GSW drumming occasionally so far this month.

Mon 22nd possible H Martin Lampeter just a glimpse, may have been a Swallow.

Tue 23rd several Swallow over the garden along with about 4 more more at the Uni this afternoon.

Wed 24th Aberaeron Bluebells and Great Stitchwort all around now. Quite a few Chiffchaff in the woodland; Spotted Orchids out well at riverside picnic area. Dipper flew along the river at close quarters, Heron as often fishing towards the bridge. Cribyn a definite House Martin as driving home this evening. 

Late month: Hazels in our hedgerows have been reluctant to leaf and have only just appeared. Quite a few Swallows back around their old nest sites in the village.

Thu 25th Lampeter Teifi walk: No Sand Martins (often would be seen here as nest in the banks), floods of early April would have washed out any nests but still plenty of time for them. Speckled Wood butterfly.

Sun 28th southern forestry: half dozen Willow Warbler, particularly heard along the small valley along the western edge, also several alarmed Stonechats here (appeared quite dark in silhouette. Also a Tree Pipit (?) quite close up, Chiffchaff or two.

First Swift back at Bow Street (near Aberystwyth)..

Month end some Copper Beech, Sycamore and Horse Chestnut in full leaf.

April 2024 summary

Rainfall varying from rather to very wet (much of WW very wet); average or rather mild; West Wales dull or very dull, Midlands dull or rather dull.

Over twice average rain parts of WW and where little over half average sun in places; after a very mild first half the cool second half made it close to average overall.

Wettest April here (178.6mm) at Lwn srb 2006 beating 127.5mm (2012) - well over twice the average. Historically April 1920 221mm at Falcondale, Lampeter still the wettest and seems to be the only April exceeding 200mm locally Also very wet was April 1998 when Lampeter Uni had 186mm, and so there have been a few wetter Aprils in this area than this one.

A remarkably and perhaps unprecedented wet 10 months here now, with 1742mm the July 2023 to April 2024 total, this being more than the wettest year (1737mm in 2020). It has been consistently wet with no large monthly totals, each month receiving over 100m, the wettest December with 225mm.

Estimated sunshine 81 hours was little over half average and the dullest April here (estimations only since 2014).

Near average in terms of recent 21st century April's but compared with those of the 20th century averages it would be classified a mild one. A signifier of mildness being lack of frost (no air frost at Coventry all month). In spite of the relative overall mild it was distinctly cool by day for WW though, nothing above 15c at Llanwnnen. April had not failed to attain 16c prior to 2024 here (max 16.3c in 2013 being the previous lowest maximum for the month). Also a very mild first half was followed by a cool second half (coolest second half for 33 years at Coventry) this quite rare given April sees rapidly rising temperatures on average as the month progresses.

Rainfall totals April 2024

Capel Curig, Snowdonia 254mm (163%)

Mona, Anglesey 84.4mm (rather wet)

Aberdaron, Llyn Peninsular c 120mm (over twice average)

Trawsgoed, Ceredigion 105mm (wet)

Aberporth, near Llangrannog 100mm (very wet)

Llanwnnen 178.6mm (248%)

Pembrey Sands, Carms 108mm (wet)

Milford Haven, Pembs 107mm (wet)

Mumbles, near Swansea 88mm (rather wet)

Nottingham 74mm (wet)

Shawbury, Salop c 75mm (wet)

Coleshill c 80mm (very wet)

Coventry, Bablake School 80.6mm (155%)

CL, Warks 73.8mm (148%)

Pershore, Worc 68mm (wet)

Shobdon (Herefordshire) 79mm (wet)

King's Newnham EA gauge (near Rugby) 73.6mm 

National Resources Wales (NRW) rain gauges April 2024

Llyn Cefni, Ynys Mon 91.2mm (wet)

Bethesda Quarry (Gwynedd) 171.0mm (very wet)

Cwm Dyli (Snowdonia) 308.2mm (very wet)

Abersoch (Llyn Peninsular) 131.4mm (wet)

Corris (near Machynlleth) 208.4mm (very wet)

Bow Street (near Aberystwyth) 72.2mm (rather wet)

Pontrhydfendigaid (near Tregaron, Ceredigion) 127.8mm (wet)

Rhos Ymryson (near Gorscoch and 5 miles NW of Lwn) 167.4mm (twice average)

Cellan (2 miles NE of Lampeter) 160.0mm (very wet)

Pencader (Carms) 215.4mm (over twice average)

Abergorllech (Brechfa Forest, Carms) 191.8mm (twice average)

Rhydargaeau (Carms) 170.4mm (very wet)

Garnswllt (near Ammanford, Carms) 141.6mm (very wet)

Felinfoel (near Llanelli, Carms) 128.8mm (very wet)

Ferwig (near Cardigan) 95.4mm (wet)

Maenclochog (near Preselis, Pembs) 192.0mm (twice average)

Tenby (Pembs) 134.0mm (over twice average)

Bolton Hill (near Haverfordwest, Pembs) 116.8mm (wet)

COL stations rainfall April 2024

Llansadwrn 91.0mm (139%)

Ludlow, Salop 70.3mm (121%)

Alvechurch, Worc 90.0mm (150%)

Warstock, Brum 84.4mm (146%)

Cosby, Leic 80.4mm (162%)

Hinckley 77.4mm 

Towcester, Northants 68.7mm (130%)

Sunshine totals April   2024

Valley 138 hrs (dull)

Aberdaron 139 hrs (dull)

Aberporth 115 hours (dull)

Llanwnnen estimated 81 hours (55%)

Nottingham 108 hrs (dull)

Shawbury (100 hours (dull)

Coventry, Bablake School 139.5 hrs (88%)

Shobdon, Herefordshire 10 hrs (dull)

COL stations sun:

Ludlow 87.8 hrs

Alvechurch 114.5 hrs

Cosby 138.6 hrs

Towcester 124.8 hrs

Weather log March 2024

 Weather log March 2024

Key:

WW = West Wales

Lwn = Llanwnnen

AG = Aldermans Green, Coventry

CL = Church Lawford

LL = Long Lawford

ROW = Ross-on-Wye, Herefordshire

CC = Capel Curig, Snowdonia

MH = Milford Haven

Carms = Carmarthenshire

Pembs = Pembrokeshire

Mids = Midlands

CITE = Coton-in-the-Elms, Derbyshire

COL = Climatological Observers Link

PWS = Personal weather station

MO = Met Office

NRW = National Resources Wales

EA = Environment Agency

est = estimated

inc = including

cf= compared with

srb = since records began

A rather cold and unsettled start to Spring with snow in places:

Fri 1st rain turned to sleet or snow parts of Wales overnight into the morning with coverings, chiefly for high ground. SW Wales most affected, several inches for the Preselis, and also lower down across west Ceredigion and Carms (coverings at Brynhoffnant & Synod Inn on the coast road), while photos near Llandysul looked a few inches). Wintry showers by day with further local snowfalls; here at Lwn some sleet and wet snow early morning and late afternoon, no coverings. Radar suggested 1 to 2 inches rain equivalents across much of Pembrokeshire and west Ceredigion with Whitechurch 28.8mm officially wettest in UK. Maxima 5 to 8c generally so not that cold.

Sat 2nd snowfalls affected Marches, mid and SE Wales today (looked like 2 or 3 inches in Herefordshire), also coverings near Monmouth and Chepstow. The Pembrokeshire 'Dangler' stream of showers from the north though gave mostly rain there today. Ceredigion in a dry, bright gap between theses precipitation zones. Maximum Lwn 6.0c below any day of February.

Drier and brighter, particularly WW end of first week:

Mon 4th widespread frost, minima Shobdon -4.0c, Tirabad -3.3c, CITE -2.8c, CL -2.2c, Llanwnnen -2.0c, Aberdaron 5.2c.

Wed 6th widespread frost night, minima Llanwnnen -3.8c (colder than any official UK station and colder than anything in February gone); other minima Tirabad (Sennybridge) -3.2c, Hereford & Pershore -2.6c, Coventry -0.7c, Mumbles 3.6c. Mild sunny day WW, more cloud Midlands where cooler; maxima Porthmadog 14.2c (warmest in UK), other Trawsgoed 13.3c Lwn 12.2c, Pembrey Sands 12.1c, ROW 11.8c, Pershore 11.5c, Aberdaron 10.0c, Coventry 9.8c. Sun Aberdaron 9.7 hrs (sunniest in UK), Llanwnnen est 9.5 hrs, ROW 5.1 hrs,  Nottingham 4.0 hrs, Coventry 1.8 hrs.

First week relatively dry Midlands, e.g. Church Lawford just 4mm 1st to 8th a big contrast to February. Not to last however with the rains returning second week:

Sun 10th cool and wet day Mids, WW mainly dry, quite mild; Winterbourne, B'ham 21.6mm wettest in UK.

Wed 13th wet much of WW, over an inch mid & N Wales widely, with CC 93.6mm (2100) wettest in UK. Much of Mids mainly dry and mild, as high as 14c at Shawbury.

Fri 15th rather warm with sunny intervals and a few showers for the Midlands, maxima Coleshill 16.4c, Coventry 15.4c, Lwn 13.3c, Trawsgoed 12.6c, CC 9.7c. More cloud WW.

Mid month: A mild, dull and rather wet first half to March.

Rainfall totals March 1st to 0900 16th

CC 176.4mm (wet)

Trawsgoed 46mm (rather wet)

Llanwnnen 68.0mm (wet)

Pembrey Sands 48.0mm (rather wet)

MH 45.6mm (rather wet)

Mumbles 51.0mm (wet)

Nottingham 35mm (rather wet)

Coventry 35.8mm (rather wet)

CL 29.8mm (rather wet)

Pershore 33.4mm (wet)

Shobdon 56.6mm (very wet)

Sun 17th rather warm Midlands with sunny intervals, max Hereford 16.5c, Coleshill 16.3c, Nottingham & Pershore 16.1c, Shawbury & Shobdon 15.3c; much of WW a mild day Trawsgoed 14.0c, Lwn 13.4c, Aberdaron 10.6c.

Wed 20th rather warm day SW Mids, maxima Pershore 16.8c, Hereford 15.5c, CL 14.3c, Nottingham & Shawbury 13.4c, Trawsgoed 13.8c, Lwn 13.7c, Aberdaron 10.3c.

Mon 25th wet day for WW, an inch or 2 in places, parts of Pembs especially wet (Scolton Country Park 28mm wettest in Wales).

Wed 27th showers, wintry in places, here at Lwn a heavy sleet and wet snow shower dropped the temperature to 2.6c at 1615 (from max 8.6c earlier).

Thu 28th rain turned to snow in many parts of Wales overnight giving coverings quite widely even to quite low levels, Here at Lwn heavy wet snow around midnight put down a 1 to 2cm slushy covering  over many surfaces but this had mostly gone by mid morning so did not count as a day of snow lying. It was the deep low with light winds that caused the evaporative cooling process dragging down colder air to the surface hence the snow. Parts of Ceredigion such as Penuwch had a couple of inches as did higher parts of Swansea, with 15cm reported to have fallen in the Brecon Beacons in just over one hour around midnight. Showery by day with hail and thunder in place especially S Mids, also reported from Coventry area mid afternoon with 1cm hail in places in the city.

Last few days milder, brighter and somewhat drier.

Nature notes

Early month: still plenty of Snowdrops on the go. Since the first shows end of January Celandines have only gradually been coming into bloom with many yet to open. Blackbirds gathering nest material and I think building in our hedgerow (most years have at least one nest). GSW heard drumming from back garden.

Hedgerows coming into leaf on drive to Carmarthen (typical for March; loads of Snowdrops lining the road and Daffs was lovely.

Sat 9th severe pruning of the holly tree which has had and still has the most berries ever seen on it, that there were still many hundred berries left on shows what a mild Winter it has been with few eaten by the birds, still hundreds remaining after the prune.

Mid months several reports of Chiffchaffs singing past week in Ceredigion.

Willows leafing in Lampeter Uni.

First Stitchworts.

Mon 18th Aberystwyth by the river Morrisons: 3 or 4 Chiffchaff singing nicely along with a couple of Blackcaps; first heard this year. Blackthorn flowering and Hawthorn coming into leaf.

Tue 19th Chiffchaff singing for a short time end of gardens, also a GSW drumming well.

Wed 20th first few Bluebells out in garden, this is the earliest for them to be flowering here, usually not until April.

Thu 21st first Lampeter Chiffchaff, singing by the river on the path towards Co-op (always seems to be the first one same location). 

Fri 22nd managed to cut both lawns with a drier interlude, back lawn still quite muddy though.

Sun 24th local lanes, 3 or 4 Chiffchaff singing well. No wild Bluebells in flower as yet, no Snowdrops left now.

Month end Daffs across the road mostly over, they have done well out for a over a month. Snowdrops all over as they should be by now.

Sun 31st first Bats end of garden.

March 2024 summary

Very mild and wet/ very wet; sunshine  dull to average

The run of wet months goes on that's 9 on the trot now (averaged over England & Wales), also 9 on the trot over 100mm here at Lwn (note not all above average however). Another well above average month temperature- wise 1 to 2c above average for March. Coventry October 2023 to March 2024 had 635mm the most the city has had in a 6 month period (srb 1870), similarly (although only over 2 decades) here at Lwn the same period wettest with 1107mm.

Rainfall totals March 2024

Capel Curig, Snowdonia 296.2mm (rather wet)

Mona, Anglesey 108.8mm (very wet)

Aberdaron, Llyn Peninsular 121.8mm (very wet)

Trawsgoed, Ceredigion 111.8mm (rather wet)

Aberporth, near Llangrannog c 110mm (very wet)

Llanwnnen 150.3mm (140%)

Pembrey Sands, Carms 142.4mm (very wet)

Milford Haven, Pembs 130.4mm (very wet)

Mumbles, near Swansea 143.6mm (near twice average)

Nottingham 84.6mm (very wet)

Coleshill c 85mm (very wet)

Coventry, Bablake School 96.2mm (205%)

CL, Warks 81.2mm (180%)

Wellesbourne 87.2mm (over 200%)

Pershore, Worc 88.6mm (over twice average)

Hereford 109.2mm (over twice average)

Ross-on-Wye 117mm (over twice average)

National Resources Wales (NRW) rain gauges March 2024

Llyn Cefni, Ynys Mon 113.8mm (wet)

Bethesda Quarry (Gwynedd) 164.2mm (average)

Cwm Dyli (Snowdonia) 369.8mm (very wet)

Corris (near Machynlleth) 232,4mm (rather wet)

Bow Street (near Aberystwyth) 93.0mm (wet)

Pontrhydfendigaid (near Tregaron, Ceredigion) 134.8mm (rather wet)

Rhos Ymryson (near Gorscoch and 5 miles NW of Lwn) 159.4mm (very wet)

Cellan (2 miles NE of Lampeter) 133.0mm (wet)

Pencader (Carms) 218.8mm (very wet)

Abergorllech (Brechfa Forest, Carms) 196.4mm (wet)

Rhydargaeau (Carms) 198.0mm (very wet)

Garnswllt (near Ammanford, Carms) 179.0mm (wet)

Felinfoel (near Llanelli, Carms) 161.8mm (very wet)

Ferwig (near Cardigan) 120.0mm (wet)

Maenclochog (near Preselis, Pembs) 271.4mm (twice the average)

Tenby (Pembs) 176.6mm (twice average)

Bolton Hill (near Haverfordwest, Pembs) 150.6mm (wet)

COL stations rainfall March 2024

Llansadwrn 131.1mm (167%)

Ludlow, Salop 106.7mm (196%)

Alvechurch, Worc 103.6mm (192%)

Warstock, Brum 100.8mm (189%)

Cosby, Leic 84.3mm (169%)

Hinckley 86.6mm

Towcester, Northants 85.5mm (184%)

Sunshine totals March 2024

Valley 114 hrs (average)

Aberdaron 119 hrs (average)

Aberporth 110 hours (near average)

Llanwnnen estimated  74 hrs (82%)

Nottingham 85 hrs (rather dull)

Shawbury 68.7 hrs (dull)

Coventry, Bablake School 95.6 hours (76%)

Wellesbourne (Warks) 94 hours (rather dull)

Shobdon, Herefordshire 61.4 hrs (very dull)

Ross-on-Wye 77 hrs (rather dull)

COL stations sun March 2024

Ludlow 70.4 hrs

Alvechurch 71.9 hrs

Cosby 98.6 hrs

Towcester 91.2 hrs