Monday 28 February 2011

MONDAY 28th FEBRUARY----EVENING

UPDATE @ 1630Hrs
A delightful day, with almost unbroken sunshine. Later in the day, a few cumulus clouds appeared.  In the sunshine & with light winds, it felt pleasantly warm. The maximum temperature reached 8.6 degrees.

THIS EVENING & TONIGHT
The evening will remain dry, with long clear periods & temperatures falling a degree or so below freezing. Later in the night, it will become rather more cloudy, with even a light shower possible. Temperatures will tend to recover somewhat.

OUTLOOK
TUESDAY should be mostly dry, though there is likely to be more cloud around than on Monday. Temperatures, however, may be up a degree or so on Monday, reaching about 9 degrees. WEDNESDAY to FRIDAY should be dry for the most part, partly cloudy, with near-normal temperatures.
.

MONDAY 28th FEBRUARY

HEADLINES @ 0900Hrs
A beautiful morning, but decidedly nippy. Last night saw the joint lowest air minimum temperature this month (-3.6 ). The ground minimum was easily the lowest of the month at -9.3 degrees. At 0900Hrs, it was completely cloudless, with just a light drift of air from the NNW. A perfect day for taking a stroll; perhaps the ground may be a little too firm, following the frost, for any digging in the garden!!

PITLOCHRY TODAY
 After a frosty start, it will be a dry, mostly sunny day & winds should be lighter than yesterday. Highest temperatures should reach around 8 degrees.

THIS EVENING & TONIGHT
The evening will start clear & cold, with a frost developing. During the night, cloud will increase, preventing temperatures from falling further There may be a little light & patchy rain for a short time.

OUTLOOK
A fair amount of dry weather this week, though not as sunny as today. Temperatures holding up to near or a little above normal values.

COMING UP THIS WEEK

WHAT HAS FEBRUARY BEEN LIKE?-----A full summary of the month with facts & figures.(Nexus graph for whole of February)

WHAT CONTRASTS HAS PITLOCHRY EXPERIENCED WITH MARCH WEATHER OVER THE PAST 35 YEARS.

AN ANATOMY OF A RAIN GAUGE WITH PHOTOGRAPH

                                                                                       +
THE USUAL DATA, FORECASTS, ARTICLES, COMMENTS & PHOTOGRAPHS

Sunday 27 February 2011

SUNDAY 27th FEBRUARY----EVENING

UPDATE @ 1700Hrs
It's been a dry day with some sunshine. Temperatures rose to 8.5 degrees.

THIS EVENING & TONIGHT
A mainly dry, clear evening & night, leading to a widesread frost. Lowest temperatures down to -3 to -5 & around 4 degrees lower on the ground. To date, -3.6 is the lowest air temperature this month!

OUTLOOK
MONDAY, TUESDAY & WEDNESDAY should be dry days, with the best of the sunshine on MONDAY.

SUNDAY 27th FEBRUARY

HEADLINES @ 0900Hrs
A cold bright morning, following a slight frost in the wee small hours (the ground min. was down to -6.4 ). There was also a little rain around 0500/0600 giving 0.4mms & a slight scattering of snow on the Ben.

PITLOCHRY TODAY
A mainly dry day lies ahead, with some decent spells of sunshine. Highest temperatures should reach about 8 degrees.

THIS EVENING & TONIGHT
Dry throughout the period, with long spells of largely clear sky. This means a frost can be expected, with lowest values around -3 degrees.

OUTLOOK
MONDAY is likely to be dry with good spells of sunshine. Highest temperatures will reach around 8 degrees.  TUESDAY should also be mostly dry, but with more cloud about & temperatures up to around 8 or 9.


THIS MORNING'S READINGS
The only online weather service using data recorded in Pitlochry. The data presented below comes from standard Met Office equipment however I also make use of an Automatic Weather Station.
Temperature at obs. Time today 09002.0
Maximum Temperature (last 24hrs)9.5
Minimum Temperature (last 24hrs)-1.6
Grass Minimum Temperature (last 24hrs)-6.4
Rainfall Total (last 24hrs)
0.4mms
Barometer at observation time today
1017mbs
Wind at observation time today
NW2
This month’s highest temperature to date
12.2
This month’s lowest temperature to date-3.6
This month’s highest 24hr rainfall total to date24.0
This month’s total rainfall to date 130.7mms

AVERAGES & EXTREMES  FEBRUARY
Average Max. Temperature6.1
Average Min. Temperature-0.4
Record High Temperature14.5
Record Low Temperature-12.6
Long Term Average Rainfall77.1mms
Wettest Month248
Driest Month13

Saturday 26 February 2011

SATURDAY 26th FEBRUARY----EVENING

UPDATE @ 1700Hrs
For the 4th successive day, temperatures have reached values above the average for the month. Today, the thermometer touched 9.5, somewhat down on yesterday. There was plenty of sunshine around this morning, but a build-up of cloud took place during the afternoo, with a few showers acoss the region. Nothing measurable fell here.

THIS EVENING & TONIGHT
 A dry evening (still an isolated shower around). Overnight, there will be long clear periods with a frost. Lowest temperatures will be around -2 & much lower on the ground.  More cloud, with temperatures recovering a little by morning.

 OUTLOOK
A belt of showers is likely to move through first thing, but once this has cleared, it should be dry with some sunshine & only isolated showers. Highest temperatures reaching about 8 degrees.  MONDAY looks dry with some sunshine, but TUESDAY promises to be more cloudy, with perhaps a little rain on occasions.

SATURDAY 26th FEBRUARY

HEADLINES @ 0900Hrs
 Early cloud that gave very slight rain before dawn,  is now retreating eastwards & much brighter skies are advancing from the west. There was a slight ground frost overnight.

PITLOCHRY TODAY
A cloudy start, but becoming brighter & just about staying dry throughout, with some sunshine. Winds will blow from the NW & temperatures should still be a little above average, peaking at around 9 degrees.

THIS EVENING & TONIGHT
A dry evening & night, with some clear spells. Most places will see a slight air frost, with lowest temperatures around -1 or -2 degrees.

OUTLOOK
SUNDAY is likely to have a little light rain at first, but this should clear to give a largely dry day with some sunshine. Highest temperatures should be around 8 degrees. MONDAY looks dry with some sunshine.

THIS MORNING'S READINGS
The only online weather service using data recorded in Pitlochry. The data presented below comes from standard Met Office equipment however I also make use of an Automatic Weather Station.
Temperature at obs. Time today 09004.9
Maximum Temperature (last 24hrs)12.2
Minimum Temperature (last 24hrs)3.6
Grass Minimum Temperature (last 24hrs)-0.5
Rainfall Total (last 24hrs)
1.6mms
Barometer at observation time today
1010mbs
Wind at observation time today
NW2
This month’s highest temperature to date
12.2
This month’s lowest temperature to date-3.6
This month’s highest 24hr rainfall total to date24.0mms
This month’s total rainfall to date 130.3mms

AVERAGES & EXTREMES FEBRUARY
Average Max. Temperature6.1
Average Min. Temperature-0.4
Record High Temperature14.5
Record Low Temperature-12.6
Long Term Average Rainfall77.1mms
Wettest Month248
Driest Month13

Friday 25 February 2011

FRIDAY 25th FEBRUARY----EVENING

UPDATE @ 1730Hrs
An excellent morning, with plenty of sunshine & temperatures rising to the highest value this winter ( 12.2 degrees ). A heavy shower around 1215/1230, together with further showery conditions around mid-late afternoon, left 1.5 mms in the raingauge.


THIS EVENING & TONIGHT
Still the chance of a shower, but it should become mainly dry, with some clear spells & become chilly with a ground frost.

OUTLOOK
SATURDAY will see some cloudy, showery weather for a time, but later it should become mainly dry with some sunshine. Winds will turn into the NW & it won't be as mild as today. Maximum around 8 degrees. SUNDAY is expected to be mainly dry, perhaps with an odd shower. Overnight frosts are likely.

WHAT'S COMING UP NEXT WEEK?

------- Was FEBRUARY  2011 wet/dry, cold/mild? Full summary available & NEXUS update for the whole of FEBRUARY.

MARCH  in Pitlochry----Details of mildest/coldest/wettest/ driest months in 35 years of records.

ANATOMY of a RAINGAUGE----Photo of a raingauge taken to bits.  Just HOW is rain recorded?

+ photographs, features & the usual forecasts & data for PITLOCHRY--RECORDED & PRODUCED IN PITLOCHRY

FRIDAY 25th FEBRUARY

HEADLINES @ 0900Hrs
A cold front has just gone through, but on this occasion, it hasn't introduced colder air. In fact we have the mildest morning of the month, at 9.1 degrees. There are already breaks in the cloud & Ben Vrackie is standing out clearly.

PITLOCHRY TODAY
Another good day for walking or gardening!!  There will be broken cloud & some sunshine, probably more than yesterday. There is just the chance of a passing shower (there will be a number of these over the western mountains ). Again it will be mild, with highest temperatures around 11 degrees, with a breeze from the SW.

THIS EVENING & TONIGHT
It should be dry with some cloud breaks & rather colder than last night, with lowest temperatures just above freezing, but a ground frost very likely. Towards dawn, a belt of rain will spread into our area from the west.

OUTLOOK
SATURDAY will see rain at first, but drier, brighter weather later. There may be the odd passing shower. It will be a touch cooler, as winds swing into the NW. Overnight frost.  SUNDAY will be generally dry, though the odd shower is possible. It will feel somewhat colder, with highest temperatures about 8, with some frost overnight.



THIS MORNING'S READINGS
The only online weather service using data recorded in Pitlochry. The data presented below comes from standard Met Office equipment however I also make use of an Automatic Weather Station.
Temperature at obs. Time today 0900     Highest this month9.1
Maximum Temperature (last 24hrs)         Highest this month11.8
Minimum Temperature (last 24hrs)         Highest this month5.8
Grass Minimum Temperature (last 24hrs)2.0
Rainfall Total (last 24hrs)
2.4mms
Barometer at observation time today
1009mbs
Wind at observation time today
SW2
This month’s highest temperature to date
11.8
This month’s lowest temperature to date-3.6
This month’s highest 24hr rainfall total to date24.0
This month’s total rainfall to date 128.7mms

AVERAGES & EXTREMES FEBRUARY
Average Max. Temperature6.1
Average Min. Temperature-0.4
Record High Temperature14.5
Record Low Temperature-12.6
Long Term Average Rainfall77.1
Wettest Month248
Driest Month13

Thursday 24 February 2011

THURSDAY 24th FEBRUARY----EVENING

UPDATE @ 1700Hrs
February days don't come much better than today, though some might say there wasn't enough sunshine. The highest temperature recorded was 11.8, some 5 degrees above the normal & the town's highest temperature since late October.   By late afternoon, there were more cloud breaks & some attractive altocumulus clouds in the sky.


THIS EVENING & TONIGHT
A dry evening & for much of the night, but a short spell of rain is likely towards dawn. Temperatures staying well above freezing.

OUTLOOK
FRIDAY should be another good day weatherwise, after any early rain.   There will be broken cloud & sunny spells, with only a small risk of a passing shower. Temperatures should be back in double figures again.  The WEEKEND looks promising, with sunny spells & just the chance of a passing shower. Temperatures will drop back, more towards normal & there could be a touch of overnight frost.

THURSDAY 24th FEBRUARY

HEADLINES @ 0845Hrs
 The rain expected overnight, stalled & fragmented over the western mountains, so enough clear spells here to give a surprise slight ground frost. However, it's now feeling mild (8.4 ), with some patches of clear sky. A great day in prospect for gardening or walking!!

PITLOCHRY TODAY
 Generally a fine, dry day, with breaks in the cloud & some sunshine. It will be rather breezy, but mild, with highest temperatures, locally, likely to rech 11 degrees. Dundee & some other E.coast lowland areas could make 14. All in all, one of the best days of the winter!.

THIS EVENING & TONIGHT
Mild, with broken cloud & dry through the evening & much of the night. Some rain is expected before dawn, Lowest temperatures about 6 degrees.

OUTLOOK
Rain at times for much of the morning on FRIDAY. Drier & brighter during the afternoon, with perhaps the odd shower. Still mild, though breezy. The WEEKEND should see a good deal of dry weather, with some sunshine. Temperatures will dip a little from today's values & a slight overnight frost seems likely.

THIS MORNING'S READINGS
The only online weather service using data recorded in Pitlochry. The data presented below comes from standard Met Office equipment however I also make use of an Automatic Weather Station.
Temperature at obs. Time today 08458.4
Maximum Temperature (last 24hrs)9.3
Minimum Temperature (last 24hrs)3.6
Grass Minimum Temperature (last 24hrs)-0.2
Rainfall Total (last 24hrs)
0.5mms
Barometer at observation time today
1010mbs
Wind at observation time today
variable1
This month’s highest temperature to date
9.9
This month’s lowest temperature to date-3.6
This month’s highest 24hr rainfall total to date24.0
This month’s total rainfall to date 126.3mms

AVERAGES & EXTREMES FEBRUARY
Average Max. Temperature6.1
Average Min. Temperature-0.4
Record High Temperature14.5
Record Low Temperature-12.6
Long Term Average Rainfall77.1mms
Wettest Month248
Driest Month13

Wednesday 23 February 2011

WEDNESDAY 23rd FEBRUARY----EVENING

UPDATE @ 1630Hrs
It was again a largely cloudy day, with some light rain & drizzle on occasions, but only amounting to 0.5mms. Later in the afternoon, the cloud broke somewhat, a very welcome change from the pattern of recent days. The highest temperature was 9.3 degrees, which is about 3 degrees above the February average.

THIS EVENING & TONIGHT
The evening & first part of the night should be mostly dry, with only odd scattered showers around. Later in the night, cloud will thicken as a spell of rain moves in from the west. Temperatures will remain above freezing.

OUTLOOK
THURSDAY may start with some rain & there will be more overnight, but much of the day will be dry & mild, probably one of the best days this winter. Temperatures should reach double figures.   After rain has cleared on FRIDAY, there should be broken cloud, some sunshine & the odd shower through the weekend, but daytime temperatures will gradually drop back to normal values & overnight frosts will return.

WEDNESDAY 23rd FEBRUARY

HEADLINES @ 0830Hrs
Low cloud, mist & drizzle, but at least it is MILDER(2nd highest morning temp.this month ).

PITLOCHRY TODAY
A coudy start, with occasional rain. It should be mainly dry late morning & early afternoon, before a spell of rain affects us during the mid/ late afternoon. Highest temperatures locally should reach about 8 or 9 degrees  (Dundee perhaps 11 )

THIS EVENING & TONIGHT
It should be a dry evening & first part of the night, but then a spell of rain will cross the area. Temperatures should remain above freezing.

OUTLOOK
THURSDAY should be one of the best days for some time. After any overhang of overnight rain, it should be dry, with some cloud breaks & though breezy, it will be very mild     .FRIDAY is likely to start wet, though should turn dry & brighter later. It will be cooling off a bit by the weekend, with a return of some overnight frost.

THIS MORNING'S READINGS
The only online weather service using data recorded in Pitlochry. The data presented below comes from standard Met Office equipment however I also make use of an Automatic Weather Station.
Temperature at obs. Time today 08305.4
Maximum Temperature (last 24hrs)5.4
Minimum Temperature (last 24hrs)1.7
Grass Minimum Temperature (last 24hrs)1.9
Rainfall Total (last 24hrs)
9.0mms
Barometer at observation time today
1006mbs
Wind at observation time today
S1
This month’s highest temperature to date
9.9
This month’s lowest temperature to date-3.6
This month’s highest 24hr rainfall total to date               24.0
This month’s total rainfall to date                     now 163%125.8mms

AVERAGES & EXTREMES FEBRUARY
Average Max. Temperature6.1
Average Min. Temperature-0.4
Record High Temperature14.5
Record Low Temperature-12.6
Long Term Average Rainfall77.1mms
Wettest Month248
Driest Month13

Tuesday 22 February 2011

TUESDAY 22nd FEBRUARY----EVENING

UPDATE @ 1630Hrs
Another uninspiring day, with the sun conspicuous by its absence. Though dry this morning, an area of patchy light rain & drizzle, moved up from the SW this afternoon. After my earlier article on today's contrasting temperature forecasts, we ended up with 4.2 as the highest temperature, though this could rise a little by the morning.

THIS EVENING & TONIGHT
Remaining cloudy, with the occasional patchy light rain becoming more persistent overnight.Winds will increase from the south & temperatures should rise a little overnight. No frost.

OUTLOOK
WEDNESDAY morning should be mainly dry, though mostly cloudy & feel milder than for some time. Further rain is likely during the afternoon. Maximum temperatures should reach 9 or 10 degrees. THURSDAY should be dry & mild, though windy. FRIDAY will see further rain.

THE BEAUTY AROUND OUR TOWN----BUT WHAT ABOUT THE BEAUTY IN OUR TOWN

TODAY'S TEMPERATURE FORECASTS-----WHO SHOULD YOU BELIEVE?

I would imagine that the majority of Pitlochry residents who use the internet to get the day's weather forecast, consult either the Met Office site  (Central, Tayside & Fife) or the BBC 5-day forecast for Pitlochry(which is incidentally, exactly the same as the Aberfeldy 5-day forecast.)

If you check the forecast maximum temperature for today, the differece between the 2 sources above is very large, with the BBC Pitlochry going for 1 degree, the Met office(Central/Tayside. Fife) 7 degrees.   WHY?

Of course, part of the explanation is that Central, Tayside & Fife is a large area & SOMEWHERE within it will perhaps  hit 7 degrees, but this is likely to be the highest; many places will be lower, so why not give a range that will take in the vast majority of places.

Another likely explanation is that the BBC's SPOT forecast is for a town in a valley in the Highlands. There has therefore been an assumption on numerous occasions ( including today), that there will be a TEMPERATURE INVERSION pegging temperatures well back. The weather today is also given as FOG, which means "visibility below 1000m in all directions"

At the time of writing,1100 Hrs, the thermometer is reading 3.0 degrees & conditions could hardly be described as "foggy"   Even the "gold standard" sources of weather forecasting need treating with care!!

TUESDAY 22nd FEBRUARY

HEADLINES @ 0900Hrs
A misty morning, with little wind, but yet again, cold at 1.6. At least there was no frost. I actually saw a vague outline of Ben Vrackie earlier on, so this low cloud isn't all that thick.

PITLOCHRY TODAY
Dry & cloudy for much of the time. There could be an odd passing slight shower.Rather cold again, with highest temperature around 4 degrees.

THIS EVENING & TONIGHT
After a dry start to the evening, persistent rain & stronger winds will spread from the west. Later in the night, as a warm front crosses, temperatures will begin to rise, lowest temperatures having occurred during the evening.

OUTLOOK
Any early rain on WEDNESDAY should soon clear & it should become dry for a time. However, there will be another spell of rain during the late afternoon & evening. Much milder than of late, with the temperature rising to 10 or 11 degrees.
THURSDAY & FRIDAY should also be mild, Thursday being the better day.

THIS MORNING'S READINGS
The only online weather service using data recorded in Pitlochry. The data presented below comes from standard Met Office equipment however I also make use of an Automatic Weather Station.
Temperature at obs. Time today 09001.6
Maximum Temperature (last 24hrs)            (the lowest so far this month)2.1
Minimum Temperature (last 24hrs)1.2
Grass Minimum Temperature (last 24hrs)0.3
Rainfall Total (last 24hrs)
trace
Barometer at observation time today
1012mbs
Wind at observation time today
NE1
This month’s highest temperature to date
9.9
This month’s lowest temperature to date-3.6
This month’s highest 24hr rainfall total to date24.0mms
This month’s total rainfall to date                 (Already 151%)116.8

AVERAGES & EXTREMES FEBRUARY
Average Max. Temperature6.1
Average Min. Temperature-0.4
Record High Temperature14.5
Record Low Temperature-12.6
Long Term Average Rainfall77.1mms
Wettest Month248
Driest Month13

Monday 21 February 2011

MONDAY 21st FEBRUARY----EVENING

UPDATE @ 1830Hrs
The front moving across from the west, died a death, with only a trace of rain to record.  It was another cold day, highest temperatures only reaching 2.1

THIS EVENING & TONIGHT
 Possibly an odd spit of rain or sleet this evening, but mainly dry overnight, though staying mainly cloudy. Lowest temperature 1 degree.

OUTLOOK
TUESDAY---Mainly cloudy, but dry for most of the day, with highest temperatures around 5 degrees. During the evening & overnight, it will turn wet, with fairly persistent rain, brought by a warm front. Consequently, temperatures are likely to rise as the night goes on.       WEDNESDAY may start wet, but temperatures will be much higher than of late.

MONDAY 21st FEBRUARY

HEADLINES @ 0800Hrs
Cold, cloudy & breezy, with the odd spit of rain in the air.

PITLOCHRY TODAY
Yet again, a mainly cloudy day, with a cold, raw feel. A weakening front is likely to bring some occasional, mainly light rain, particularly this afternoon. Maximum temperatures are expected to reach just 3 degrees, made worse by a fresh breeze.

THIS EVENING & TONIGHT
 Remaining cloudy. Perhaps a little rain or drizzle around this evening, but it should become mostly dry overnight. Temperatures staying above freezing at about 2 degrees.


OUTLOOK
TUESDAY---Mostly cloudy, with rain, especially from lunchtime onwards.A little milder at 5.          WED---FRI----It should become noticeably milder, though there will be some belts of rain around.


THIS MORNING'S READINGS
The only online weather service using data recorded in Pitlochry. The data presented below comes from standard Met Office equipment however I also make use of an Automatic Weather Station.
Temperature at obs. Time today 008001.5
Maximum Temperature (last 24hrs)4.1
Minimum Temperature (last 24hrs)1.4
Grass Minimum Temperature (last 24hrs)0.7
Rainfall Total (last 24hrs)
trace
Barometer at observation time today
1013mbs
Wind at observation time today
ESE4
This month’s highest temperature to date
9.9
This month’s lowest temperature to date-3.6
This month’s highest 24hr rainfall total to date24.0
This month’s total rainfall to date 116.8

AVERAGES & EXTREMES FEBRUAR
Average Max. Temperature6.1
Average Min. Temperature-0.4
Record High Temperature14.5
Record Low Temperature-12.6
Long Term Average Rainfall77.1mms
Wettest Month248
Driest Month13

Sunday 20 February 2011

SUNDAY 20th FEBRUARY---EVENING

UPDATE @ 1815Hrs
Sunday was another day of low cloud, no sunshine & feeling cold in the SE wind. It was, however, just about dry throughout, though a little drizzle was falling at the time of observation. The maximum temperature for the day, was a below average 4.1.


THIS EVENING & TONIGHT
 Much of the period will be dry. Towards the end of the night, a front approaching from the SW, will bring some rain & probably sleet to the area. Accumulating snow is only expected on the higher ground. Temperatures will fall to about 1 degree.

OUTLOOK
MONDAY is expected to be cold & mainly cloudy. There will be some rain or sleet at first, gradually dying out, but there may be a few rain showers later in the day.Highest temperatures will reach about 3 degrees.
TUESDAY to THURSDAY---Unsettled. Cold at first, but Wednesday & Thursday should be much milder than recently.


SUNDAY 20th FEBRUARY

HEADLINES @ 0900Hrs
 Temperatures actually rose a little overnight & are now standing at 2.8, but other than that, it looks like another day without any sunshine & wall to wall low cloud

PITLOCHRY TODAY
It will remain cloudy, with little chance of any sunshine. Although often dry, there may be small amounts of light rain or drizzle at times. It will again feel cold & raw, with highest temperature around 4 or 5 degrees.

THIS EVENING & TONIGHT
There will be little change for much of the period, with cloudy or overcast skies. Later in the night, a belt of rain or sleet will affect us, with a little more snow at the higher levels. Temperatures down to 1 or 2 degrees.

OUTLOOK
 Rain or sleet for a time on Monday morning, but clearing later, though perhaps with a few showers. Remaining cold.      Staying unsettled after that, but at least becoming milder by Wednesday.

THIS MORNING'S READINGS
The only online weather service using data recorded in Pitlochry. The data presented below comes from standard Met Office equipment however I also make use of an Automatic Weather Station.
Temperature at obs. Time today 09002.8
Maximum Temperature (last 24hrs)2.8
Minimum Temperature (last 24hrs)0.6
Grass Minimum Temperature (last 24hrs)0.0
Rainfall Total (last 24hrs)
2.7mms
Barometer at observation time today
1015mbs
Wind at observation time today
ESE2
This month’s highest temperature to date
9.9
This month’s lowest temperature to date-3.6
This month’s highest 24hr rainfall total to date24.0
This month’s total rainfall to date 116.8mms

AVERAGES & EXTREMES FEBRUARY
Average Max. Temperature6.1
Average Min. Temperature-0.4
Record High Temperature14.5
Record Low Temperature-12.6
Long Term Average Rainfall77.1mms
Wettest Month248
Driest Month13

Saturday 19 February 2011

SATURDAY 19th FEBRUARY----EVENING

UPDATE @ 1630Hrs
It's not only been an overcast, miserable day, but also the coldest so far this month. The maximum value was only 1.8 degrees. The early morning wet snow moved off into the North Sea during the morning, but a showery band of rain, followed by wet snow, affected us for a time this afternoon. Relatives, travelling to Dundee this morning, told me that Dunkeld had more snow than anywhere else & that by Perth, only rain was falling.


THIS EVENING & TONIGHT
It will stay mostly cloudy, though there may be a few clear intervals overnight. It should be predominently dry. Lowest temperatures will fall close to freezing, with some icy patches & mist bands likely by morning.

OUTLOOK
SUNDAY should be a dry, but mainly cloudy day, though skies may brighten up a little at times. Highest temperatures are likely to reach around 4 degrees, once more below the long-term average. MONDAY to WEDNESDAY is likely to see rather unsettled conditions.There may be some sleet or wet snow on MONDAY, when it will still be cold, but by MID-WEEK, temperatures should reach above average values, with any precipitation as rain.

Yes ---this little bit is frustrating !!---but it could be a lot worse !!

SATURDAY 19th FEBRUARY

HEADLINES @ 0900Hrs
Only 1cm of snow lying, though 9.4mms of rain to measure this morning, showing quite a lot of rain fell  before it turned to snow. The lowest overnight temperature was 0.4. The present falling snow is the wet type.

PITLOCHRY TODAY
Cloudy throughout, with sunshine unlikely. A little further sleet or snow for a while this morning before dying out. Feeling cold, with maximum temperature around 3 degrees.

THIS EVENING & TONIGHT
Remaining generally cloudy, with just a few clear spells likely. Mostly dry. Lowest temperatures close to zero.

OUTLOOK
 Generally cloudy on Sunday, with perhaps a little rain at times. Still rather unsettled in the further outlook, but it should become milder, perhaps double figures by mid-week!

THIS MORNING'S READINGS
The only online weather service using data recorded in Pitlochry. The data presented below comes from standard Met Office equipment however I also make use of an Automatic Weather Station.
Temperature at obs. Time today 09000.7
Maximum Temperature (last 24hrs)4.3
Minimum Temperature (last 24hrs)0.4
Grass Minimum Temperature (last 24hrs)-0.1
Rainfall Total (last 24hrs)
9.4mms
Barometer at observation time today
1009mbs
Wind at observation time today
SE2
This month’s highest temperature to date * Details after 1st week
9.9
This month’s lowest temperature to date-3.6
This month’s highest 24hr rainfall total to date24.0mms
This month’s total rainfall to date 114.1mms

AVERAGES & EXTREMES FEBRUARY
Average Max. Temperature6.1
Average Min. Temperature-0.4
Record High Temperature14.5
Record Low Temperature-12.6
Long Term Average Rainfall77.1mms
Wettest Month248
Driest Month13

Friday 18 February 2011

FRIDAY 18th FEBRUARY----EVENING

UPDATE @ 1700Hrs
The day was cheerless, with low grey cloud, though, thankfully, just about dry. The SE breeze added a chill to things, with the day's highest temperature 4.3 (about 2 degrees below normal ). At 1700hrs, it was drizzling

THIS EVENING & TONIGHT
Little change this evening, with cloudy, breezy coditions & probably some occasional drizzle or slight rain. Overnight, the rain is likely to become heavier & more persistent & with temperatures slowly falling from around 4 degrees towards zero, may well turn to sleet or wet snow. As usual, the higher ground in the area is most prone to accumulations of snow (perhaps between 5 & 10cms on ground above 250m) .The town itself is likely to see some snow, though this should have a high water content & readily turn slushy. Perhaps the worst of any snow should fall towards the end of the night & early on Saturday morning. Winds will be strong from the SE.


OUTLOOK
Sleet or snow should clear by mid morning to leave a rather cloudy, breezy day with little if any sunshine. It will feel cold. The following few days are likely to remain mainly cloudy & unsettled, with some rain at times.

FRIDAY 18th FEBRUARY

HEADLINES @ 0900Hrs
 Overcast with drizzle.Feeling raw & prospects, uninspiring. Current temperature, 2.5.

PITLOCHRY TODAY
 Once again, grey skies will dominate today, with no sunshine expected. There is likely to be a little rain or drizzle at times, but it should not amount to much. A noticeable SE wind developing. Maximum temperatures around 4 or 5 degrees.

THIS EVENING & TONIGHT
 Any slight rain or drizzle during the evening, is likely to turn heavier & more persistent overnight, turning to sleet or wet snow. There could be a slushy covering of snow by morning, especially in the higher surrounding areas at 150 to 250 m. At the highest levels, there could be a more substantial covering.

OUTLOOK
Rain, sleet or wet snow for a time on Saturday morning. Still unsettled on Sunday, but rain more likely. It will be windy at times over the weekend, but it should get a touch milder after a cold Saturday.

THIS MORNING'S READINGS
The only online weather service using data recorded in Pitlochry. The data presented below comes from standard Met Office equipment however I also make use of an Automatic Weather Station.
Temperature at obs. Time today 09002.5
Maximum Temperature (last 24hrs)4.7
Minimum Temperature (last 24hrs)1.4
Grass Minimum Temperature (last 24hrs)1.4
Rainfall Total (last 24hrs)
0.8mms
Barometer at observation time today
1011mbs
Wind at observation time today
NE2
This month’s highest temperature to date
9.9
This month’s lowest temperature to date-3.6
This month’s highest 24hr rainfall total to date24.0
This month’s total rainfall to date 104.7mms

AVERAGES & EXTREMES  FEBRUARY
Average Max. Temperature6.1
Average Min. Temperature-0.4
Record High Temperature14.5
Record Low Temperature-12.6
Long Term Average Rainfall77.1mms
Wettest Month248
Driest Month13

Thursday 17 February 2011

THURSDAY 17th FEBRUARY----EVENING

UPDATE @ 1700Hrs
There was little change in the weather during the day. I noticed a small patch of blue sky around 1230 & a few spits of drizzle around 1600Hrs. The highest temperature was 4.7 degrees, exactly the same as the previous couple of days.

THIS EVENING & TONIGHT
No real change during the evening & overnight. It will remain cloudy & the cloud base will be low. There may be some occasional light rain or drizzle

OUTLOOK
FRIDAY--Mainly cloudy, with some occasional, mostly light rain. Maximum temperature around 5 degrees.                  SATURDAY---Wet & windy, with a chance of some wet snow.Maximum temperature only 2 or 3 in any wet snow.    SUNDAY---Still unsettled, but it should be somewhat milder.

A recent cloudless sky to cheer us up on a misty, grey morning. Part of my weather equipment, is a wind vane/ anemometer

THURSDAY 17th FEBRUARY

HEADLINES @ 0900Hrs
A dismal morning, cheered up by some bird song from the top of a conifer. The temperature is 1.4, with no air frost. At least it is not as misty as it was earlier on.

PITLOCHRY TODAY
A misty start, gradually lifting. Dry until mid-afternoon, when a little rain or drizzle is likely to spread from the SW. Maximum temperatures should reach around 5 degrees.

THIS EVENING & TONIGHT
Mainly cloudy, with occasional mainly light rain. A few dry spells. Minimum temperature around 2 degrees.

OUTLOOK
An unsettled period , as milder Atlantic air struggles to advance eastwards, at the expense of cold continental air.  FRIDAY is likely to be mainly cloudy , with rain at times. SATURDAY is on a knifedge between rain & snow, While SUNDAY is more likely to see further rain at times. Throughout this period, it is likely to be rather cold & windy, though probably somewhat milder by SUNDAY. Sunshine at a premium throughout, with already high rainfall totals continuing to rise.

THIS MORNING'S READINGS
The only online weather service using data recorded in Pitlochry. The data presented below comes from standard Met Office equipment however I also make use of an Automatic Weather Station.
Temperature at obs. Time today 09001.6
Maximum Temperature (last 24hrs)4.7
Minimum Temperature (last 24hrs)1.4
Grass Minimum Temperature (last 24hrs)-0.8
Rainfall Total (last 24hrs)
4.0mms
Barometer at observation time today
1005mbs
Wind at observation time today
NNE1
This month’s highest temperature to date
9.9
This month’s lowest temperature to date-3.6
This month’s highest 24hr rainfall total to date24.0mms
This month’s total rainfall to date 77.1mms

AVERAGES & EXTREMES
Average Max. Temperature6.1
Average Min. Temperature-0.4
Record High Temperature14.5
Record Low Temperature-12.6
Long Term Average Rainfall77.1
Wettest Month248
Driest Month13

Wednesday 16 February 2011

WEDNESDAY 16th----EVENING

UPDATE @ 1630Hrs
 A dreary day, with fairly persistent rain, this more reluctant to die out during the afternoon than expected. The month's rainfall total nudged up another 3.9mms & the maximum temperature reached a below-average 4.7 degrees. In fact, the thermometer spent the whole day in the narrow range of 4.3 to 4.7.

THIS EVENING & TONIGHT
Most of the rain has passed through, so much of the evening & night will be dry, with light winds & just a few clear intervals. There is likely to be a slight air frost & associated icy patches by morning.

OUTLOOK
THURSDAY is likely to be a dry day, but there is likely to be a good deal of cloud around, with just a little brightness. Maximum temperatures should reach around 4 or 5 degrees. At present, it looks as though SATURDAY will be the most unsettled day of the next 3, as milder Atlantic air meets colder Continental air, posing a forecasting problem with regards to snow. Stay "tuned" to see how things are likely to develop nearer the time.

WEDNESDAY 16th FEBRUARY

HEADLINES @ 0900Hrs
A miserable morning, with low, grey cloud & rain, but at  least we escaped a frost.The rainfall total continues to mount, currently 30% above average.

PITLOCHRY TODAY
It will be generally cloudy throughout the day, though most of the rain will fall this morning. The rain will tend to become lighter by late morning, before dying out during the afternoon.Temperatures will peak at around 5 or 6  degrees, with a SE breeze adding to the raw feel.

THIS EVENING & TONIGHT
Mainly dry, with broken cloud & a few clear intervals. Temperatures will fall close to zero, with at least a frost on the ground.

OUTLOOK
THURSDAY should see a dry start, but with some rain moving up from the south later. It remains unsettled in the further outlook, with Saturday probably the worst day. It will be cold during the period, with winds staying in the south east.

THIS MORNING'S READINGS
The only online weather service using data recorded in Pitlochry. The data presented below comes from standard Met Office equipment however I also make use of an Automatic Weather Station.
Temperature at obs. Time today 09004.3
Maximum Temperature (last 24hrs)4.7
Minimum Temperature (last 24hrs)2.9
Grass Minimum Temperature (last 24hrs)-1.5
Rainfall Total (last 24hrs)
7.5mms
Barometer at observation time today
992mbs
Wind at observation time today
E3
This month’s highest temperature to date
9.9
This month’s lowest temperature to date-3.6
This month’s highest 24hr rainfall total to date24.0mms
This month’s total rainfall to date 99.9mms

AVERAGES & EXTREMES FEBRUARY
Average Max. Temperature14.5
Average Min. Temperature-0.4
Record High Temperature14.5
Record Low Temperature-12.6
Long Term Average Rainfall77.1
Wettest Month248
Driest Month13

Tuesday 15 February 2011

TUESDAY 15th FEBRUARY----EVENING

UPDATE @ 1630Hrs
A pleasant start to the day, but cloud increased fairly quickly. There was a shower earlier this afternoon & the sky looks quite threatening at present, with a force 4  E to SE wind making it feel cold. The highest temperature today only reached 4.7 degrees.

THIS EVENING & TONIGHT
Remaining mainly cloudy & though generally dry for a time, rain will spread from the south during the evening, persisting on & off during the night. Lowest temperatures will be around 1 degree.

OUTLOOK
On WEDNESDAY, an overcast start with rain, but becoming drier & a little brighter during the morning, with perhaps some sunny intervals in the afternoon. Highest temperatures around 5 degrees. THE LATTER PART OF THE WEEK will become somewhat colder, with the odd snow shower & perhaps some accumulations of snow by the weekend. The below average temperatures will be accentuated by a fresh SE wind, importing colder air from the continent

An atmospheric picture of Ben Vrackie preserved on canvas

TUESDAY 15th FEBRUARY

HEADLINES @ 0900Hrs
A bright crisp morning, with some sunshine. There's been a slight air frost, but down to -5 on the ground.

PITLOCHRY TODAY
A dry start, but some frost & ice at first, as well as some valley mist patches. There will be some largely clear skies & sunshine for a time, but cloud will tend to increase, with some showers or longer spells of rain, with some sleet possible, breaking out later in the afternoon. There will be a breeze from the SE, so feeling cold, with a maximum temperature of around 4 degrees.

THIS EVENING & TONIGHT
A generally cloudy evening & night, with some spells of rain, perhaps sleety at times. Minimum temperatures will be close to zero.

OUTLOOK
Remaining rather cold & becoming colder by Friday. Some dry bright weather, but also a few showers around, these becoming increasingly of snow from Friday. A noticeable SE wind, which will accentuate the cold as the week progresses.

THIS MORNING'S READINGS
The only online weather service using data recorded in Pitlochry. The data presented below comes from standard Met Office equipment however I also make use of an Automatic Weather Station.
Temperature at obs. Time today 09001.2
Maximum Temperature (last 24hrs)3.4
Minimum Temperature (last 24hrs)-0.9
Grass Minimum Temperature (last 24hrs)-5.0
Rainfall Total (last 24hrs)
2.8mms
Barometer at observation time today
993mbs
Wind at observation time today
SSE3
This month’s highest temperature to date
9.9
This month’s lowest temperature to date-3.6
This month’s highest 24hr rainfall total to date24.0mms
This month’s total rainfall to date     (well above average now)92.4mms

AVERAGES & EXTREMES FEBRUARY
Average Max. Temperature6.1
Average Min. Temperature-0.4
Record High Temperature14.5
Record Low Temperature-12.6
Long Term Average Rainfall77.1mms
Wettest Month248
Driest Month13

Monday 14 February 2011

MONDAY 14th FEBRUARY----EVENING

UPDATE @ 1700Hrs
 It proved an unsettled day, with a belt of rain late morning, containing some sleet & a rather showery afternoon. If that wasn't enough, the highest temperature of the day was only 3.4, nearly 3 degrees below normal.

THIS EVENING & TONIGHT
There may be the odd shower or two this evening, perhaps sleety, but much of the night will be dry, with a few clear intervals. Minimum temperatures will be close to zero.

OUTLOOK
TUESDAY will become rather cloudy with some occasional rain or sleet. Winds will be from the SE, with highest temperatures around 4 or 5 degrees.    THE REST of the WORKING WEEK will see some sunshine & a few showers, with FRIDAY turning colder. The heavier showers could contain some snowflakes, especially on FRIDAY.  Winds will settle into the SE & be fresh at times, so feeling on the cold side.

MONDAY 14th FEBRUARY

HEADLINES @ 0900Hrs
A very misty morning, with none of the hills visible. We escaped an air frost, minimum temperature 2.4, with the current temperature at 2.7.  There is a Met Office warning of a slight snow cover for places in Perth & Kinross above 200m---glad I'm only 140m!! The lowest parts of Pitlochry are nearer to 90m.

PILOCHRY TODAY
A cloudy morning, with some rain or sleet spreading from the south. Hills may have some wet snow accumulation. There should be some drier & brighter conditions, with just the odd shower, this afternoon. Maximum temperature around 3 or 4.

THIS EVENING & TONIGHT
A few showers possible, which may be of sleet or wet snow. Most of the night should be dry, with a slight frost.

OUTLOOK
Much of the week will experience SE winds, which will give days with below normal temperatures, though with little in the way of night-time frosts. It will be rather cloudy, with some belts of rain, sleet or wet snow, interspersed with brighter conditions with scattered showers. Colder air is again threatening for the further outlook.

THIS MORNING'S READINGS
The only online weather service using data recorded in Pitlochry. The data presented below comes from standard Met Office equipment however I also make use of an Automatic Weather Station.
Temperature at obs. Time today 09002.7
Maximum Temperature (last 24hrs)5.1
Minimum Temperature (last 24hrs)2.4
Grass Minimum Temperature (last 24hrs)-0.3
Rainfall Total (last 24hrs)
6.9mms
Barometer at observation time today
993mbs
Wind at observation time today
SE1
This month’s highest temperature to date
9.9
This month’s lowest temperature to date-3.6
This month’s highest 24hr rainfall total to date24.0
This month’s total rainfall to date 89.6mms

AVERAGES & EXTREMES FEBRUARY
Average Max. Temperature6.1
Average Min. Temperature-0.4
Record High Temperature14.5
Record Low Temperature-12.6
Long Term Average Rainfall77.1mms
Wettest Month248
Driest Month13

Sunday 13 February 2011

SUNDAY 13th FEBRUARY----EVENING

UPDATE @ 1630
It's been a cloudy day, with continuous rain this morning, but lighter & more intermittent this afternoon.  Between 0900Hrs & 1630Hrs, 6.8mms of rain fell. The temperature rose to 4.9 degrees & was still at that level at 1630Hrs.

THIS EVENING & TONIGHT
The belt of rain has now cleared into the North Sea, but further rain or sleet seems likely to move up from the south later on. There is a small risk of a light snow accumulation by morning. Minimum temperature close to zero.

OUTLOOK
NEXT WEEK will be generally brighter with some intervals of sunshine, but there will also be showers around, likely to contain some wet snow. More general rain is likely Tuesday night & into Wednesday.

.

SUNDAY 13th FEBRUARY

HEADLINES @ 0900Hrs
Cloudy, with moderate rain, but no air frost last night, minimum 1.5 degrees.

PITLOCHRY TODAY
Cloudy with spells of rain & this lasting for a good part of the day. Probably, the rain dying out by late afternoon or early evening. Maximum temperature around 5 degrees.

THIS EVENING & TONIGHT
Probably dry for a while, but the slow-moving front responsible for bringing today's rain, may start to return westwards & this will result in some further rain overnight. Temperatures will be just above freezing & this could lead to some sleet falling.

OUTLOOK
A changeable start to next week, though at least with some intervals of sunshine. Showers are likely & these may contain some snow flakes. Another spell of more general rain is likely over Tuesday night & into Wednesday.It will be generally rather cold, though any frost is expected to be slight.

THIS MORNING'S READINGS
The only online weather service using data recorded in Pitlochry. The data presented below comes from standard Met Office equipment however I also make use of an Automatic Weather Station.
Temperature at obs. Time today 09002.5
Maximum Temperature (last 24hrs)4.6
Minimum Temperature (last 24hrs)1.5
Grass Minimum Temperature (last 24hrs)-1.8
Rainfall Total (last 24hrs)
3.6mms
Barometer at observation time today
992mbs
Wind at observation time today
SE1
This month’s highest temperature to date
9.9
This month’s lowest temperature to date-3.6
This month’s highest 24hr rainfall total to date24.0mms
This month’s total rainfall to date 82.7mms

AVERAGES & EXTREMES FEBRUARY
Average Max. Temperature6.1
Average Min. Temperature-0.4
Record High Temperature14.5
Record Low Temperature-12.6
Long Term Average Rainfall77.1
Wettest Month248
Driest Month13

Saturday 12 February 2011

A snow-covered BEN VRACKIE----looking even higher than its 841m

SATURDAY 12th FEBRUARY----EVENING

UPDATE @ 1800Hrs
A dry, cloudy morning, was followed by a dry, brighter afternoon, but it was still on the cold side, with the maximum temperature 4.6 degrees. By 1800Hrs, it had fallen to 2.5.

THIS EVENING & TONIGHT
It should be a dry evening, with broken cloud & perhaps just a touch of frost. After midnight, cloud will increase, with rain eventually following. There is a chance that some of the precipitation could fall as sleet.

OUTLOOK
SUNDAY will be a mainly cloudy day & there will be rain at times, especially in the morning. Skies may brighten later in the afternoon. Maximum temperatures should reach about 6 degrees, which is fairly close to normal.  THE START of NEXT WEEK will continue rather cold & there may be a few snow showers around, with light accumulations.

SATURDAY 12th FEBRUARY

HEADLINES @ 0900Hrs
A cloudy start to the day, with plenty of mist flirting with the valley sides. Last night's rain takes the month's total to date, to above the average total for the whole month.

PILOCHRY TODAY
A mainly dry day, though rather cloudy for a good part of the time. There may be some brighter intervals during the afternoon. Maximum temperatures will reach around 4 or 5 degrees.

THIS EVENING & TONIGHT
A dry evening is expected, with some clear intervals likely & temperatures falling towards zero. By the wee small hours, cloud will have increased from the W. to be followed by rain. Winds from the SE will strengthen.

OUTLOOK
A mostly cloudy day on SUNDAY, with some spells of rain, though perhaps some improvement later in the afternoon. Maximum temperature around 6 degrees.THE START OF NEXT WEEK looks likely to be cold with some sleet or snow showers, with perhaps some light snow accumulations.

THIS MORNING'S READINGS
The only online weather service using data recorded in Pitlochry. The data presented below comes from standard Met Office equipment however I also make use of an Automatic Weather Station.
Temperature at obs. Time today 09002.2
Maximum Temperature (last 24hrs)3.5
Minimum Temperature (last 24hrs)-1.0
Grass Minimum Temperature (last 24hrs)-1.2
Rainfall Total (last 24hrs)
7.8mms
Barometer at observation time today
1007mbs
Wind at observation time today
SE1
This month’s highest temperature to date
9.9
This month’s lowest temperature to date-3.6
This month’s highest 24hr rainfall total to date24.0mms
This month’s total rainfall to date 79.1mms

AVERAGES & EXTREMES  FEBRUARY
Average Max. Temperature6.1
Average Min. Temperature-0.4
Record High Temperature14.5
Record Low Temperature-12.6
Long Term Average Rainfall77.1
Wettest Month248
Driest Month13

Friday 11 February 2011

FRIDAY 11th FEBRUARY----EVENING

UPDATE @ 1630Hrs
A cloudy, dry morning, was followed by an overcast afternoon & there was a little light rain or drizzle at times. All in all, a great contrast to yesterday! Today's highest temperature was 3.5 degrees, below normal for the time of year.

THIS EVENING & TONIGHT
The rain is likely to continue until morning & will become more persistent & heavy at times after dark. Snow will only fall on high ground above about 400m. Temperatures may fall close to zero, but there should not be a widespread air frost.

OUTLOOK
SATURDAY should be the better day of the weekend, although it may start with some cloud & rain.  SUNDAY is likely to be more unsettled, with some rain & stronger winds. There may be some snow overnight Sun/Mon & later updates will keep an eye on this risk

FRIDAY 11th FEBRUARY

HEADLINES @ 0900Hrs
A nippy start, with the lawn frozen hard. The air minimum overnight was -3.6 & the ground min. was -7.3. Though cloudy, it is reasonably bright, with just some misty lower cloud on the summit of Ben Vrackie.

PITLOCHRY TODAY
A frosty start with a layer of medium-height cloud. It should just about stay dry this morning, but from about lunchtime, there is likely to be some patchy light rain or even sleet & this will continue on & off through the afternoon ,with cloud lowering. Temperatures are likely to stay below 3 degrees throughout the period

THIS EVENING & TONIGHT
It will remain cloudy, with the rain becoming fairly persistent & a little heavier at times & probably lasting through until the morning. Temperatures should hold above freezing

OUTLOOK
Saturday should become mainly dry, but there will be more rain spreading in during Sunday. Remaining rather cold.

THIS MORNING'S READINGS
The only online weather service using data recorded in Pitlochry. The data presented below comes from standard Met Office equipment however I also make use of an Automatic Weather Station.
Temperature at obs. Time today 0900-0.9
Maximum Temperature (last 24hrs)6.5
Minimum Temperature (last 24hrs)-3.6
Grass Minimum Temperature (last 24hrs)-7.3
Rainfall Total (last 24hrs)
nil
Barometer at observation time today
1008mbs
Wind at observation time today
E1
This month’s highest temperature to date
9.9
This month’s lowest temperature to date-3.6
This month’s highest 24hr rainfall total to date24.0
This month’s total rainfall to date 71.3mms

AVERAGES & EXTREMES  FEBRUARY
Average Max. Temperature6.1
Average Min. Temperature-0.4
Record High Temperature14.5
Record Low Temperature-12.6
Long Term Average Rainfall77.1
Wettest Month248
Driest Month13

Thursday 10 February 2011

THURSDAY 10th FEBRUARY----EVENING

UPDATE @ 1730Hrs
February days don't come much better than this one!  Blue skies & unbroken sunshine were the order of the day. The maximum temperature rose to 6.5, fractionally above normal. However, things are cooling down quickly now, the 1730 temperature being just 1.2, with the grass minimum a frosty -3.0.

THIS EVENING & TONIGHT
 The evening will remain largely clear, with little wind & an air frost readily developing. The minimum temperature could fall to -3 or -4 before midnight. Later in the night, skies are likely to turn rather more cloudy, but it should remain dry.

OUTLOOK
FRIDAY will start dry, partly cloudy & bright. There are likely to be icy patches & valley fog bands. Cloud will tend to thicken during the morning & there may be some occasional , mainly light rain later. As the afternoon wears on, the rain is likely to turn more persistent, lasting into the evening. The WEEKEND is likely to be rather mixed, with some further rain on occasions, but perhaps Saturday afternoon has the best prospects.

BEN VRACKIE SUMMIT---27/01/11

THURSDAY 10th FEBRUARY

HEADLINES @ 0900Hrs
Nippy, but nice at present, with light & variable winds & a large mist band on the W side of the Tummel valley. Ben Vrackie is clear, still with a snow cover. The grass is crunchy with the frost, though the overnight minimum was only -0.6
NEXUS HAS BEEN UPDATED TO SHOW THE RUN OF TEMPERATURE FROM 1st to 8th FEBRUARY

PITLOCHRY TODAY
Early icy patches & most mist patches will clear during the morning. The day will be dry, with good spells of sunshine & just gentle breezes. Maximum temperatures should reach around 4 degrees.

THIS EVENING & TONIGHT
Fine & dry throughout, with clear spells & light winds. Minimum temperatures -2 or -3. Icy patches & valley mist bands expected.
OUTLOOK
Friday will start cold & bright, but cloud will increase later, to be followed by some occasional rain. Maximum temperature 4 or 5 degrees. The weekend will be changeable, with a couple of rain bands to come through, but with drier conditions in between. It will remain rather cold by day, with a frosty night expected Sunday/Monday.

THIS MORNING'S READINGS
The only online weather service using data recorded in Pitlochry. The data presented below comes from standard Met Office equipment however I also make use of an Automatic Weather Station.
Temperature at obs. Time today 09000.4
Maximum Temperature (last 24hrs)3.5
Minimum Temperature (last 24hrs)-0.6
Grass Minimum Temperature (last 24hrs)-3.5
Rainfall Total (last 24hrs)
4.2mms
Barometer at observation time today
1010mbs
Wind at observation time today
variable 1
This month’s highest temperature to date
9.9
This month’s lowest temperature to date-1.4
This month’s highest 24hr rainfall total to date24.0
This month’s total rainfall to date 71.3mms

AVERAGES & EXTREMES FEBRUARY
Average Max. Temperature6.1
Average Min. Temperature-0.4
Record High Temperature14.5
Record Low Temperature-12.6
Long Term Average Rainfall77.1
Wettest Month248
Driest Month13

Wednesday 9 February 2011

WEDNESDAY 9th FEBRUARY----EVENING

UPDATE @ 1630Hrs
An uninspiring day, with low cloud, mist & slight rain or drizzle on occasions. The maximum temperature was only 3.5 degrees. I note(not for the first time) that Dunkeld has snow lying & that the temperature was a degree or so down on Pitlochry's. I wish there were an observer living there to update me on the variations that exist!

THIS EVENING & TONIGHT
 Remaining cloudy this evening, with rain or sleet becoming more widespread after dark. Later in the night, it should become dry, with some cloud breaks. Frost developing later, with minimum of around -2 degrees & bands of mist along the valley.Could be quite icy by dawn.

OUTLOOK
THURSDAY should see an improvement.  Following a frosty start, with icy patches & some mist, it should be a day of broken cloud & spells of sunshine & a maximum temperature of around 3 or 4 degrees. FRIDAY to SUNDAY will remain very changeable, with some cloudy, wet spells, alternating with drier, brighter conditions. It will be generally on the cold side. 

THIS MORNING'S READINGS
The only online weather service using data recorded in Pitlochry. The data presented below comes from standard Met Office equipment however I also make use of an Automatic Weather Station.
Temperature at obs. Time today        0730Hrs1.4
Maximum Temperature (last 24hrs)3.7
Minimum Temperature (last 24hrs)-1.0
Grass Minimum Temperature (last 24hrs)-4.0
Rainfall Total (last 24hrs)
1.7mms
Barometer at observation time today
1007mbs
Wind at observation time today
E2
This month’s highest temperature to date * Details after 1st week
*
This month’s lowest temperature to date*
This month’s highest 24hr rainfall total to date*
This month’s total rainfall to date    (only 10mms short of the month's norm.)67.1mms

Tuesday 8 February 2011

TUESDAY 8th FEBRUARY ---EVENING

THERE WILL NOT BE A WEATHER SERVICE TOMORROW MORNING (WED. FEB.9th ).  THE EARLY EVENING UPDATE WILL APPEAR AS NORMAL.

UPDATE @ 1630Hrs
A dry day, but rather a lot of cloud around. Cold, with the day's maximum only 3.7 degrees.

THIS EVENING & TONIGHT
The evening will be dry, with a few clear intervals & temperatures falling close to zero. After midnight, some rain will spread in from the SW. This could turn to snow for a while, especially on the higher ground, where fresh accumulations are possible. It is likely that most other places, below about 250m will only have sleet or wet snow, eventually turning to rain.

OUTLOOK
Mostly rather cloudy on Wednesday morning, with a little rain on occasions. Probably dry & brighter in the afternoon, but with more rain returning in the evening. Maximum temperature around 5.   A mostly dry, bright day expected on THURSDAY, but going downhill on FRIDAY, with rain & stronger winds.

THE ICE CLINGS ON AT PITLOCHRY PUTTING GREEN



TUESDAY 8th FEBRUARY

HEADLINES @ 0900Hrs
Frosty, but very pleasant, with broken cloud & the sun trying to shine. The minimum temperature was -1.4 in the air & -5.0 on the ground, with the lawn rock hard.

PITLOCHRY TODAY
A frosty start, but a fine day ahead with some sunny spells. Winds will be moderate from the W.& maximum temperatures will reach around 4 degrees.

THIS EVENING & TONIGHT
 The evening will start dry with some clear spells, but by midnight, cloud will have increased from the S.W.& rain will follow. It is possible that, initially, some of this may fall as sleet or snow, but accumulations are only expected on higher ground. Any snow should have turned to rain before dawn.Minimum temperatures may drop a touch below freezing during the evening.

OUTLOOK
Rather cloudy, with perhaps a little rain on Wednesday morning. Dry & bright on Thursday, but more wind & rain on Friday.

THIS MORNING'S READINGS
The only online weather service using data recorded in Pitlochry. The data presented below comes from standard Met Office equipment however I also make use of an Automatic Weather Station.
Temperature at obs. Time today 0900-0.8
Maximum Temperature (last 24hrs)3.9
Minimum Temperature (last 24hrs)-1.4
Grass Minimum Temperature (last 24hrs)-5.0
Rainfall Total (last 24hrs)
3.0mms
Barometer at observation time today
1014mbs
Wind at observation time today
SE1
This month’s highest temperature to date * Details after 1st week
*
This month’s lowest temperature to date*
This month’s highest 24hr rainfall total to date*
This month’s total rainfall to date *

AVERAGES & EXTREMES FEBRUARY
Average Max. Temperature6.1
Average Min. Temperature-0.4
Record High Temperature14.5
Record Low Temperature-12.6
Long Term Average Rainfall77.1
Wettest Month248
Driest Month13

Monday 7 February 2011

MONDAY 7th FEBRUARY----EVENING

UPDATE @ 1630Hrs
The morning rain cleared, but left a layer of slush. This afternoon, things have brightened up & the slush has, thankfully, cleared, certainly helpful with a frost on the cards.Clearly, from information received, Pitlochry was lucky to miss the worst of the overnight & early morning snow.


THIS EVENING & TONIGHT
 Apart from the chance of an odd light shower, it should be dry, with a W. breeze & a slight frost, minimum -2.

OUTLOOK
Mainly dry on Tuesday & Thursday, but unsettled with some stronger winds on Wednesday & Friday.




My newspaper was having another go at the Met Office yesterday (nothing new!)   It claims that the organisation has come up with a new way of avoiding the embarrassment of inaccurate long-range forecasts----by covering all eventualities.

In a confidential guidance note issued to the Government in October, its forecasters said there was a roughly equal chance that this winter would be mild & wet, cold & dry or somewhere in between. It said there was a 30%chance that temperatures would be around average, a 30% chance they would be above average & a 40% chance they would be  below average.  

Experts criticised such forecasts as "useless".     Good job they were only prepared for the Government!!

MONDAY 7th FEBRUARY

HEADLINES @ 0900Hrs
Not at all pleasant out there, with a "slushy"deposit & currently raining. Other places have had a more definite snowfall, according to traffic reports & the Aberfeldy observer, but only 1cm here. The overnight minimum was -0.5 & currently it is +0.6.  This latest weather is still the same front that brought us the wet day on Friday. High time it moved off!

PITLOCHRY TODAY
Some further rain or sleet seems likely for a time this morning, but becomining dry with some sunshine later. Maximum temperature 4 degrees.A NW breeze developing.

THIS EVENING & TONIGHT
Mainly dry with broken cloud & some clear spells. A frost is likely, with a minimum temperature of around -2.

OUTLOOK
Tuesday & Thursday look like being the better days this week, with some more unsettled conditions on Wednesday & Friday. It may well turn colder next week!

THIS MORNING'S READINGS
The only online weather service using data recorded in Pitlochry. The data presented below comes from standard Met Office equipment however I also make use of an Automatic Weather Station.
Temperature at obs. Time today 09000.6
Maximum Temperature (last 24hrs)3.4
Minimum Temperature (last 24hrs)-0.5
Grass Minimum Temperature (last 24hrs)-1.5
Rainfall Total (last 24hrs)
11.7mms
Barometer at observation time today
993mbs
Wind at observation time today
W2
This month’s highest temperature to date * Details after 1st week
*
This month’s lowest temperature to date*
This month’s highest 24hr rainfall total to date*
This month’s total rainfall to date *

AVERAGES & EXTREMES FEBRUARY
Average Max. Temperature6.1
Average Min. Temperature-0.4
Record High Temperature14.5
Record Low Temperature-12.6
Long Term Average Rainfall77.1
Wettest Month248
Driest Month13

Sunday 6 February 2011

SUNDAY 6th FEBRUARY----EVENING

UPDATE @ 1700Hrs
Those watching "rain today"will have seen the rain- belt nearby to the south, shearing away NE-wards to leave a dry Pitlochry.It became a little brighter this afternoon, but temperatures remained on the low side, maximum was 3.4 & the current, 1.8

THIS EVENING & TONIGHT
A dry evening & most of the night, with partly cloudy skies & a few clear intervals. Temperatures will fall close to freezing, with at least a ground frost likely. Towards morning, there may be a short spell of rain or sleet.

OUTLOOK
There should be plenty of dry weather, with some intervals of sunshine for most of Monday, Tuesday & Thursday. However, Wednesday is likely to become rather wet & windy.  There is now the hint of a cold spell on the horizon for the following week, with winds from the east.  Oh for a February like 1998, with a mean maximum of 10.2 & mean minimum of 4.1!!

SUNDAY 6th FEBRUARY

HEADLINES @ 0900Hrs
A nippy morning, with mist in the valley. Mostly cloudy, but cloud appears fairly thin. Minimum temperature was -1.2.
PITLOCHRY TODAY
A dry start, with some frost & valley mist. The "troublesome" front has been stuck over N. England, giving some huge rainfall totals. It is now edging north & has reached the Edinburgh area. There is a risk that we could get some rain from this during the afternoon, but it is only a risk & we could escape largely unscathed. ( a good time for checking the radar      http://www.raintoday.co.uk/
Staying rather cold at around 3 maximum. Winds lighter.

THIS EVENING & TONIGHT
Any rain soon dying out, leaving a dry, partly cloudy night with a few clear intervals. A slight frost is just possible, with minimum close to zero.

OUTLOOK
Up to THURSDAY. Mainly dry with some sunshine, except for Wednesday, when it is likely to become wet & windy.

THIS MORNING'S READINGS
The only online weather service using data recorded in Pitlochry. The data presented below comes from standard Met Office equipment however I also make use of an Automatic Weather Station.
Temperature at obs. Time today 0900-0.6
Maximum Temperature (last 24hrs)6.9
Minimum Temperature (last 24hrs)-1.2
Grass Minimum Temperature (last 24hrs)-4.2
Rainfall Total (last 24hrs)
trace
Barometer at observation time today
1005mbs
Wind at observation time today
variable 1
This month’s highest temperature to date * Details after 1st week
*
This month’s lowest temperature to date*
This month’s highest 24hr rainfall total to date*
This month’s total rainfall to date *

AVERAGES & EXTREMES FEBRUARY
Average Max. Temperature6.1
Average Min. Temperature-0.4
Record High Temperature14.5
Record Low Temperature-12.6
Long Term Average Rainfall77.1
Wettest Month248
Driest Month13