Wednesday 31 August 2011

RUN of TEMPERATURE----AUGUST 2011 (click to enlarge )

WELCOME TO NORWAY, THE FJORDS & MAGNIFICENT SCENERY. WE ARE NOW IN STORFJORD (GREAT FJORD) WHICH ENDS UP 63 MILES INLAND FROM THE OPEN SEA.EVEN LARGE CRUISE SHIPS CAN ENTER THIS VERY DEEP WATER.THE ULTIMATE DESTINATION IS GEIRANGER, ONE OF THE BEST KNOWN & PHOTOGRAPHED DESTINATIONS IN NORWAY......MOUNTAIN SCENERY IS OFTEN ENHANCED BY BANDS OF CLOUD,RATHER THAN WALL TO WALL BLUE SKY.

WEDNESDAY 31st AUGUST----EVENING

HEADLINES @ 1730Hrs
Largely cloudy today, dry, but cool for the time of year at 15.2.   Farewell to a very disappointing August---more facts & figures to follow.

THIS EVENING & TONIGHT
Remaining mainly cloudy, perhaps the odd bright spell this evening, followed by a few clear spells overnight. Lowest temperature 7 or 8 degrees.

OUTLOOK
THURSDAY----It should be a dry day to start September, but still rather cloudy, though with rather more sunny intervals than today. As a consequence, highest temperatures should be a couple of degrees up on today.
FRIDAY----Some rain spreading from the west, most of it later in the day.

WEDNESDAY 31st AUGUST

HEADLINES @ 0900Hrs
 FULL DETAILS LATER TOMORROW IN A REVIEW OF AUGUST & SUMMER 2011 IN GENERAL.
Yesterday was the warmest day since the 20th.

PITLOCHRY TODAY
Mainly dry throughout. Partly cloudy, but occasional sunny intervals. Perhaps a degree or two down on yesterday at 16 degrees.

THIS EVENING & TONIGHT
 Partly cloudy, a few cloud breaks. Lowest temperature around 7 degrees.

OUTLOOK
THURSDAY----Partly cloudy, a few sunny intervals & a little warmer than today at 17 or 18 degrees.
FRIDAY----Becoming less settled as fronts start to spread in from the west, bringing some rain later in the 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 090010.7
Maximum Temperature (last 24hrs)18.2
Minimum Temperature (last 24hrs)8.9
Grass Minimum Temperature (last 24hrs)5.4
Rainfall Total (last 24hrs)
0.1mm
Barometer at observation time today
1016mbs
Wind at observation time today
NW2
This month’s highest temperature to date
21.8
This month’s lowest temperature to date3.8
This month’s highest 24hr rainfall total to date37.2mms
This month’s total rainfall to date 133.1mms

AVERAGES & EXTREMES AUGUST
Average Max. Temperature18.8
Average Min. Temperature9.8
Record High Temperature28.7
Record Low Temperature0.2
Long Term Average Rainfall74.5
Wettest Month211
Driest Month9

Tuesday 30 August 2011

ANOTHER OF THE GRASS-COVERED ROOFS, SO DISTINCTIVE IN THE FAROES.

TUESDAY 30th AUGUST----EVENING

HEADLINES @ 1900Hrs
Today's forecast proved over-pessimistic & the actual was an afternoon of broken cloud & sunny spells with temperatures up almost 3 degrees on yesterday. It has turned a little more cloudy now & the predictive radar shows one or two light showers within the next hour, these just along a narrow line stretching NW/SE & moving SE.


THIS EVENING & TONIGHT
 Rather cloudy for a while with perhaps an odd light shower. Later, clearer skies should develop, with a dry night ahead. Lowest temperature around 7 degrees.

OUTLOOK
WEDNESDAY & THURSDAY---Both days are likely to be partly cloudy, but with some sunny intervals. There may just be the odd light shower. Highest temperature perhaps a degree or two down on todays.

TUESDAY 30th AUGUST

HEADLINES @ 0815Hrs          

 pitlochryweather.blogspot.com


A cloudy start to the day & the skies looking none to promising; rather more pessimism in the forecast than previously thought!     REMEMBER THE BROADBAND CHANGE----MIGHT AFFECT THIS EVENING or TOMORROW MORNING.

PITLOCHRY TODAY
An upper air trough will bring cloudy skies & a little light rain at times this morning. This afternoon should become mostly dry, still partly cloudy, but with the likelihood of a few sunny intervals. It will be cool for late August, with a high of about 16.

THIS EVENING & TONIGHT
Apart from the chance of an isolated light shower, the period will be dry. Skies will be partly cloudy, but with sunny intervals followed by some clear spells. Lowest temperatures around 8 degrees.

OUTLOOK
WEDNESDAY & THURSDAY----Uneventful days, weatherwise, for the change of month. Rather cloudy & apart from the odd light shower, dry for the most part. Temperature will still be around 2 or 3 degrees below normal.

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 081511.2
Maximum Temperature (last 24hrs)15.4
Minimum Temperature (last 24hrs)10.1
Grass Minimum Temperature (last 24hrs)7.7
Rainfall Total (last 24hrs)
0.3mms
Barometer at observation time today
1013mbs
Wind at observation time today
NW2
This month’s highest temperature to date
21.8
This month’s lowest temperature to date3.8
This month’s highest 24hr rainfall total to date37.2mms
This month’s total rainfall to date 133mms

AVERAGES & EXTREMES AUGUST
Average Max. Temperature18.8
Average Min. Temperature9.8
Record High Temperature28.7
Record Low Temperature0.2
Long Term Average Rainfall74.5
Wettest Month211
Driest Month9

Monday 29 August 2011

Torshavn---A choir in local costume, join in the St Olav's Day Celebrations

MONDAY 29th AUGUST----EVENING

HEADLINES @ 1800Hrs
 PLEASE NOTE, WE ARE CHANGING BROADBAND PROVIDER ON TUESDAY 30th----JUST IN CASE I HAVE TO RE-SCHEDULE or CANCEL MORNING OR EVENING REPORTS.
It was a rather cloudy day, punctuated this morning by one or two slight showers & this afternoon by a few sunny intervals. It was breezy & cool, with top temperature only 15.4 degrees (pathetic for August)

THIS EVENING & TONIGHT
An isolated slight shower is just possible, but much of the time should be dry, with a few sunny intervals this evening & clear spells overnight. Lowest temperature about 7 degrees.

OUTLOOK
TUESDAY & WEDNESDAY----A good deal of dry weather, perhaps just the odd light shower. Often rather cloudy, but a few sunny spells likely too. Slightly higher temperatures, but still a little below the late August average day-time value.

MONDAY 29th AUGUST

HEADLINES @ 0900Hrs
WE ARE SHORTLY CHANGING BROADBAND PROVIDER, SO APOLOGIES FOR ANY BREAK IN THIS SERVICE.
Yesterday saw huge rainfall totals in parts of the N & NE of Scotland.  Elphin (Sutherland ) 83 mms. Wick had 65 mms in the 24Hrs ending 21 Hrs last night.   Pitlochry had a mere 3.2mms.

PITLOCHRY TODAY
Dry for the most part (the odd light shower is just possible ). Overall, it is expected to be rather cloudy; only a few sunny intervals are likely, these more especially later in the day. There will be a cool, fresh NW breeze & highest temperatures will struggle to 15 degrees.

THIS EVENING & TONIGHT
Generally dry, with a few cloud breaks. Winds easing, with minimum temperature around 7 degrees.

OUTLOOK
TUESDAY & WEDNESDAY----Both days will see mostly dry weather, but with more cloud than clear sky. A few breaks in the cloud, with some sunny intervals are likely. Winds will be lighter & it will feel a little warmer as temperatures reach around 16 or 17 degrees at best.


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 090010.2
Maximum Temperature (last 24hrs)12.5
Minimum Temperature (last 24hrs)7.8
Grass Minimum Temperature (last 24hrs)6.6
Rainfall Total (last 24hrs)
3.2mms
Barometer at observation time today
1011mbs
Wind at observation time today
NW4
This month’s highest temperature to date
21.8
This month’s lowest temperature to date3.8
This month’s highest 24hr rainfall total to date37.2mms
This month’s total rainfall to date 132.7mms

AVERAGES & EXTREMES AUGUST
Average Max. Temperature18.8
Average Min. Temperature9.8
Record High Temperature28.7
Record Low Temperature0.2
Long Term Average Rainfall74.5
Wettest Month211
Driest Month9

Sunday 28 August 2011

A WATERFRONT SCENE IN TORSHAVN

SUNDAY 28th AUGUST----EVENING

HEADLINES @ 1700Hrs
Least said about today----but much more rain further north & north east.  Max.temp. just 12.5, (the lowest on record was 11.7 back in 1993).     Rainfall 0.3mms.

THIS EVENING & TONIGHT
What rain there is, should die out this evening, with some cloud breaks likely overnight. Lowest temperature about 8 degrees.

OUTLOOK
MONDAY & TUESDAY----A good deal of dry weather, though sometimes rather cloudy, with just the chance of a shower. A few sunny intervals, especially on Tuesday. Less windy & temperature up a couple of degrees on today. Probably some cool nights.

SUNDAY 28th AUGUST

HEADLINES @ 0845Hrs
New York's got its hurricane, Scotland's got an unusually deep depression for August. It's centred off the NE coast & the strongest winds & greatest rainfall totals are likelt to be over the Northern part of the Grampians.

PITLOCHRY TODAY
The area is likely to be close to the southern limit of today's rain, with little if any rain making it down to the Central Belt.  It will be much wetter, however, into the high ground to the north.  So cloudy throughout in Pitlochry, but with only small amounts of rain, probably less than 5 mms total. There will. however,  be a strong NW wind & the highest temperature will only reach 14 degrees

THIS EVENING & TONIGHT
The light & occasional rain should mostly die out during the evening. It should be mostly dry overnight, with winds easing. Lowest temperature about 8 degrees.

OUTLOOK
MONDAY & TUESDAY---A good deal of dry weather, with perhaps the odd shower. Partly cloudy, but some spells of sunshine. Still rather cool, but a touch up on the weekend with lighter winds. Probably chilly nights.

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 084512.1
Maximum Temperature (last 24hrs)16.0
Minimum Temperature (last 24hrs)9.9
Grass Minimum Temperature (last 24hrs)6.8
Rainfall Total (last 24hrs)
trace
Barometer at observation time today
1004mbs
Wind at observation time today
NW6
This month’s highest temperature to date
21.8
This month’s lowest temperature to date3.8
This month’s highest 24hr rainfall total to date37.2mms
This month’s total rainfall to date 129.5mms

AVERAGES & EXTREMES AUGUST
Average Max. Temperature18.8
Average Min. Temperature9.8
Record High Temperature28.7
Record Low Temperature0.2
Long Term Average Rainfall74.5
Wettest Month211
Driest Month9

Saturday 27 August 2011

There are quite a few grass-roofed houses in the Faroes, helping to retain a unique character.Some of the houses have neatly-trimmed grass, though not this one!

SATURDAY 27th AUGUST----EVENING

HEADLINES @ 1715Hrs
This morning was mainly cloudy, with only a hint of very hazy sunshine. A light shower mid-afternoon, was the only rain of the day, as we were on the eastern edge of a significant shower. Some places to the west must have received quite a soaking & one or two of these showers have continued on into Fife. We are now into some spells of sunshine & all in all, we have fared rather well today. No great shakes on temperature, however, with a max of just 16.0.

THIS EVENING & TONIGHT
Further sunny intervals & probably dry now. With clear spells at first tonight, it may become rather chilly (down to 7 degrees ). Later in the night, cloud is likely to spread down from the north, bringing a little light & patchy rain

OUTLOOK
SUNDAY----A rather cloudy, breezy & cool day is expected, with temperatures pegged at about 14.   Pitlochry (& areas further north  too ) may have a little light rain on occasions, but further west & south, there should be brighter skies & less chance of rain.
MONDAY----Some sunshine, with broken cloud & perhaps an odd shower about. Less breeze & a touch warmer.

SATURDAY 27th AUGUST

HEADLINES @ 0900H
Today's charts hint at far from settled conditions, but actually, things will be somewhat better than earlier forecasts suggested, at least in this part of Scotland. Nothing to write home about, mind you, but acceptable.  Actually, August has "dried out " a little since about the 19th, by which time we were already at 122 mms. We are only up to 129.5 now---not much comfort I know!


PITLOCHRY TODAY
A good deal of cloud at high & medium heights. Not much in the way of rain or showers around the area at present, but the odd shower cannot be ruled out. There's a lot of rain out in the North Sea, clipping the Buchan Penins. & the coast of S.E. Scotland, but Pitlochry should stay clear of this. Bright at times, but little direct sunshine likely. Temperatures pegged at about 16or 17 degrees.

THIS EVENING & TONIGHT
Mainly dry with some clear intervals developing. Extensive rain over Northern Scotland may just edge into the area later in the night, but with only small amounts of rain here. Rather cool overnight.

OUTLOOK
SUNDAY----A cool, breezy day with temperatures struggling to around 15 degrees. Mainly rather cloudy, perhaps a few sunny intervals. Possibly a little rain breaking through from the north on occasions.
MONDAY----Broken cloud, less wind, a few sunny intervals & possibly the odd scattered shower.

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 090011.4
Maximum Temperature (last 24hrs)16.5
Minimum Temperature (last 24hrs)10.5
Grass Minimum Temperature (last 24hrs)9.2
Rainfall Total (last 24hrs)
0.3mms
Barometer at observation time today
1008mbs
Wind at observation time today
NW1
This month’s highest temperature to date
21.8
This month’s lowest temperature to date3.8
This month’s highest 24hr rainfall total to date37.2mms
This month’s total rainfall to date    ( only 2.8mms since the 19th )123.7

AVERAGES & EXTREMES AUGUST
Average Max. Temperature18.8
Average Min. Temperature9.8
Record High Temperature28.7
Record Low Temperature0.2
Long Term Average Rainfall74.5
Wettest Month211
Driest Month9

Friday 26 August 2011

THE FAROE ISLANDS

Geologically, the 18 islands that make up the Faroes are of volcanic origin & the same age as the British Isles, though so small that you can hardly find them on a map.
First discovered by Irish hermits, they were only permanently settled in the 9th century by the Vikings, who arrived around the year 850, seeking new land. They then used the islands as stepping stones on their explorations north & west, to Iceland, Greenland & even North America.

Torshavn, the capital, lies at the southern end of the island of Streymoy & approaching by sea, the town looks unexpectedly large for its 20,000 inhabitants, with houses fanning out along the coast & up the hillsides.

The islanders claim Danish citizenship & send representatives to the Danish parliament. The Faroes are on GMT + 1hr & currency is the kroner.
While we were in Torshavn on July 29th, it was a national holiday, with people observing St Olav's Day--a time of great celebration.

A park scene within the Faroe island' capital, TORSHAVN, said to be the smallest capital in the world with just 20,000 people.Despite the latitude, 62 00 N, the Faroes are a "green & pleasant " land

FRIDAY 26th AUGUST---EVENING

HEADLINES @ 1730Hrs
Today's highest temperature reached 16.5 & 5.8 mms rain fell, much of this in the heavy downpour just after 12 noon.

THIS EVENING & TONIGHT
Perhaps the odd shower still to come this evening, though there is nothing in the local area just at present. Much of the overnight period should be dry. Minimum temperature around 9 degrees.

OUTLOOK
THE WEEKEND----SATURDAY should perhaps be better than originally feared, with the rain staying well to the east. There should be some sunshine & a few showers around, but it will become breezy & remain rather cool.
SUNDAY should see some sunny spells, with just the odd shower, but it will be breezy & rather cool.

FRIDAY 26th AUGUST

HEADLINES @ 0900Hrs
On the cool side again last night, just 2.6 on the grass tips (ground min.). My predictive radar is showing a shower heading for Pitlochry, due 1020!!   The weekend is a nightmare of uncertainty(conflicting evidence!)---see below.

PITLOCHRY TODAY
Some sunshine this morning, but the forecast radar is showing a shower for Pitlochry around 1030.  There will be more showers around from lunchtime to evening, with some heavy & slow moving. A few sunny intervals are also likely, so not total doom & gloom. Light winds & maximum temperatures around 16 degrees.

THIS EVENING & TONIGHT
Any showers dying out, but probably cloud will spread in from the east. Any rain will hopefully stay close to the East Coast

OUTLOOK
WEEKEND----Things on a bit of a knife-edge, with some differences between BBC & Met-Office sources, the former being the more optimistic.  A low pressure system will become established over the North Sea, off the east  coast of Scotland. Northern & Eastern parts of our region are likely to take the brunt of the unsettled conditions, with spells of rain & windy conditions. At present, I am leaning to Pitlochry having mainly cloudy skies, but with only fairly small amounts of rain, this being of a mainly showery nature with some dry spells with just a little sunshine, in between. It is likely to be breezy from the W or NW & cool, with best temperatures about 14 degrees. The N.E.Grampians best avoided, along with N.E. Angus & Aberdeenshire  (apologies to their tourist boards)

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 090011.5
Maximum Temperature (last 24hrs)17.1
Minimum Temperature (last 24hrs)7.3
Grass Minimum Temperature (last 24hrs)2.6
Rainfall Total (last 24hrs)
0.2mms
Barometer at observation time today
1007mbs
Wind at observation time today
S1
This month’s highest temperature to date
21.8
This month’s lowest temperature to date3.8
This month’s highest 24hr rainfall total to date37.2
This month’s total rainfall to date 123.4mms

AVERAGES & EXTREMES
Average Max. Temperature18.8
Average Min. Temperature9.8
Record High Temperature28.7
Record Low Temperature0.2
Long Term Average Rainfall74.5
Wettest Month211
Driest Month9

Thursday 25 August 2011

OFF TO THE FAROES TOMORROW!

A plaque honouring a local Lerwick lad who rose to high places, but still possessed philanthropic qualities.

THURSDAY 25th AUGUST----EVENING

HEADLINES @ 1815Hrs
One of the better days, as it turned out! There was rather more sunshine than we've been used to & very few showers around. I only noticed a very slight shower mid-afternoon. The maximum temperature reached 17.1--still below the long-term average.

THIS EVENING & TONIGHT
A lot of dry weather about, with some more evening sunshine, but there is still the risk of an odd shower during the evening. Overnight, it should become dry with some clear spells. It will be a cool night, with temperatures down to about 7 degrees.

OUTLOOK
FRIDAY----Any mist & fog bands should clear quickly with some dry weather & sunny intervals during the morning. The afternoon will see shower cloud bubbling up with a risk of a few sharp showers around the area. Temperatures peaking at around 16 or 17.
WEEKEND----Unsettled, with an area of low pressure centred over the North Sea, resulting in mostly cloudy, cool & windy weather. Many places will have some spells of rain or showers, the greatest rainfall totals occurring on & near the East Coast. Perhaps some dry periods further to the west of the region.

THURSDAY 25th AUGUST

HEADLINES @ 0900Hrs
A rather cool start to the day, with grey skies, in a month that just doesn't seem to improve.

PITLOCHRY TODAY
Early morning low cloud should break, to give some sunshine for a while.By this afternoon, cloud will have started to bubble up & showers, some heavy, will start to break out. Some spots will receive a deluge, others may escape with very little rain.  Check  raintoday.co.uk  to monitor how things are shaping up. Highest temperatures around 16 or 17 degrees.

THIS EVENING & TONIGHT
Any showers still around should die away. The night should see some clear spells & be rather chilly, with valley mist patches. Minimum temperature about 5 or 6.

OUTLOOK
FRIDAY----A dry, cool but sunny start. Cloud will bubble up to give a few afternoon showers. Temperatures should rise to 17 or 18 degrees.

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 09008.9
Maximum Temperature (last 24hrs)17.3
Minimum Temperature (last 24hrs)6.8
Grass Minimum Temperature (last 24hrs)2.4
Rainfall Total (last 24hrs)
0.6mms
Barometer at observation time today
1008mbs
Wind at observation time today
SE1
This month’s highest temperature to date
21.8
This month’s lowest temperature to date3.8
This month’s highest 24hr rainfall total to date37.2mms
This month’s total rainfall to date 123.2mms

Wednesday 24 August 2011

Fort Charlotte, built over-looking the harbour in the 17th century, no longer dominates the shoreline as it once did, due to the reclamation of land & the building of new docks, however, good views over the harbour&Bressay Sound,can still be enjoyed from its gunports.


BBC 2 1900Hrs---ORKNEY & SHETLAND!!

WEDNESDAY 24th----EVENING

HEADLINES @1715 Hrs
A better day, with some dry weather soon developing, a few intervals of sunshine & temperatures up 2 degrees on yesterdays. As the afternoon went on, some pretty beefy showers began moving from south to north over the region, but rainfall radar showed that the worst affected area was further west. Coming home up the A9, showers were encountered around & a little further north of Dunkeld (around 1630). Pitlochry appears to have missed the worse--at least so far.

THIS EVENING & TONIGHT
Still a chance of a sharp shower in the next hour or two, but later becoming dry with some clear spells overnight. Minimum temperature 7 degrees, with perhaps valley mist patches.

OUTLOOK
THURSDAY----The morning will be the best part of the day, when it should be dry with some sunshine. By afternoon, big shower cloud will have bubbled up, with some spots catching some heavy showers. Other may be lucky & miss the worst. Highest temperatures around 16 or 17 degrees.
FRIDAY----Similar, with some heavy showers around during the afternoon   Check raintoday.co.uk

WEDNESDAY 24th AUGUST

HEADLINES @ 0830Hrs
There have only been 0.2mms of rain since Friday morning, but sunshine has been conspicuous by its absence.  Of the 5 days,4 have been below average on temperature. Sorry that the promised fine spell left a lot to be desired, but at least we had a break from the "monsoon" 

PITLOCHRY TODAY
Currently cloudy, with a few slight showers. Showers may become a little heavier at times, before dying out mid-morning. Some dry weather to follow, perhaps with some sunny intervals, before an area of heavier showers affects us later in the afternoon. Maximum temperatures about 16 or 17 degrees.

THIS EVENING & TONIGHT
Evening rain clearing to give some late sunshine & some clear spells overnight. Lowest temperature about 8, perhaps with some early morning valley mist patches.

OUTLOOK
THURSDAY----A dry morning with some sunshine is in prospect, but shower cloud will then start to build. Some heavy showers are likely to be around during the afternoon & early evening. As is always the case in showery weather, some spots will get a deluge, while others remain largely dry.  Check on raintoday.co.uk   Max temp. about 17 or 18.
FRIDAY--- A similar day, with most of the sunshine & dry weather in the morning, with more cloud & the risk of showers p.m.


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 083010.5
Maximum Temperature (last 24hrs)15.2
Minimum Temperature (last 24hrs)9.4
Grass Minimum Temperature (last 24hrs)6.5
Rainfall Total (last 24hrs)
0.1mm
Barometer at observation time today
1010mbs
Wind at observation time today
ESE1
This month’s highest temperature to date
21.8
This month’s lowest temperature to date3.8
This month’s highest 24hr rainfall total to date37.2mms
This month’s total rainfall to date

AVERAGES & EXTREMES AUGUST
Average Max. Temperature18.8
Average Min. Temperature9.8
Record High Temperature28.7
Record Low Temperature0.2
Long Term Average Rainfall74.5
Wettest Month211
Driest Month9

Tuesday 23 August 2011

The main street in Lerwick. Note the nordic influence upon the Saltire

TUESDAY 23rd AUGUST----EVENING

HEADLINES @ 1730Hrs
Cloudy, cool , but dry.    See posting below on Lerwick & Shetland.

THIS EVENING & TONIGHT
One or two light showers are possible this evening, moving from south to north. Apart from that risk, the remainder of the period should be dry. There may be one or two clear spells overnight. Minimum temperature about 9 degrees.

OUTLOOK
WEDNESDAY----The morning is likely to be dry, with some sunshine. Cloud is expected to build during the afternoon, with showers likely to break out. Highest temperatures around 17 or 18 degrees.
THURSDAY----Some dry spells with sunny intervals, but also some cloudier spells with showers or longer periods  of rain. Temperatures still rather below normal.

LERWICK & THE SHETLAND ISLANDS

For our first ever visit to the Shetlands, we were greeted with overcast skies, with cloud hiding every hill top, together with occasional rain, which later became continuous. Some might say-typical Shetland weather!

But to be fair, despite its high latitude (60 09N ), I have known parts of Shetland reach 23 degrees on rare occasions (higher than anything Pitlochry has had this August ) & severe frosts--as bad as some of ours-- are unknown, such is the powerful influence of the surrounding seas + a warm ocean current.

Lerwick is the capital & county town of the Shetland Islands, situated on Mainland on Bressay Sound, a natural harbour. The town is equidistant from Aberdeen & Bergen, about 200 miles each.

Over 100 islands make up the Shetlands, only 15 of which are inhabited. Their 3,000 mile-long coastline offers rocky beaches, jagged cliffs & sheltered inlets. The total population is 22,000 people, vastly outnumbered by 330,000 sheep. The Shetlands have been occupied for over 4000 years, but the atmosphere & character of the area are very nordic, due to 5 ceturies of Viking rule.

TUESDAY 23rd AUGUST

HEADLINES @ 0900Hrs
Probably a shortage of sunshine again today, with no exciting temperatures. However, at least we have only had 1.6mms of rain since Friday morning!   Be thankful for small mercies!!

PITLOCHRY TODAY
A generally rather cloudy day is expected, with just a few sunny intervals. It should be dry a.m. but this afternoon, the risk of a few showers increases. Temperatures again (for the 14th time this month ) are likely to be rather below the long-term average.

THIS EVENING & TONIGHT
Any showers still about during the evening , should die out, leaving a dry night with some cloud breaks. Lowest temperature around 10 degrees.

OUTLOOK
WEDNESDAY----The day should start dry, but fronts moving in from the W. are likely to introduce more cloud & some showery outbreaks of rain as the afternoon goes on. Max. temp. around 17.
THURSDAY----Broken cloud with some sunshine , but with a risk of showers afternoon & early evening.

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 090012.0
Maximum Temperature (last 24hrs)16.6
Minimum Temperature (last 24hrs)10.3
Grass Minimum Temperature (last 24hrs)9.0
Rainfall Total (last 24hrs)
nil
Barometer at observation time today
1017mbs
Wind at observation time today
E1
This month’s highest temperature to date
21.8
This month’s lowest temperature to date3.8
This month’s highest 24hr rainfall total to date37.2mms
This month’s total rainfall to date 122.5mms

AVERAGES & EXTREMES AUGUST
Average Max. Temperature18.8
Average Min. Temperature9.8
Record High Temperature28.7
Record Low Temperature0.2
Long Term Average Rainfall74.5
Wettest Month211
Driest Month9

Monday 22 August 2011

KIRKWALL---ST MAGNUS CATHEDRAL (see also below )

KIRKWALL----THE MEDIEVAL ST MAGNUS CATHEDRAL DOMINATES THE OLD TOWN

MONDAY 22nd AUGUST----EVENING

HEADLINES @ 1800Hrs
Very disappointing, with virtually no sunshine today & with a maximum temperature of only 16.6 degrees.

THIS EVENING & TONIGHT
Possibly an odd light shower affecting the area, but mostly dry with a few clear spells overnight. Lowest temperature around 7 or 8 degrees.

OUTLOOK
TUESDAY----Should start dry & bright, but it is likely to become rather more cloudy with a few showers around. Maximum temperature about 17 degrees.
WEDNESDAY----Partly cloudy with a few sunny intervals, but also a chance of the odd shower. Highest temperature 17 or 18 degrees.

MONDAY 22nd AUGUST

HEADLINES @ 0845Hrs
How difficult it's proving  this month, to get a day with "wall to wall" sunshine!  Of course, the high ground surrounding us has a tendency to develop more cloud than, say, Perth, Dundee & St Andrews.  Often there appears more brightness in the sky towards the S.E. & sunshine & temperature amounts turn out higher in that direction.   Yesterday was a case in point, with Leuchars having a max. temp. of 20.8 & 6.8 hrs sunshine---figures we significantly failed to match here in Pitlochry. Of course, things would be rather different if winds were blowing in from the North Sea.


PITLOCHRY TODAY
Rather cloudy at times today, but the cloud generally broken, with some bright or sunny intervals. Dry for much of the time, but a risk of one or two light showers p.m. Highest temperature around 19 degrees.

THIS EVENING & TONIGHT
Possibly the odd light shower left over at first, but later becoming dry with some sunshine at times. Some clear spells after dark, with the odd valley mist patch & lows of about 7 degrees.

OUTLOOK
TUESDAY----Partly cloudy, but with some sunny intervals. One or two showers may affect the area, moving in from the SE.    Possibly a degree down on Monday's temperatures, with a breeze off the North Sea.
WEDNESDAY----Once again a sunny intervals & scattered showers theme, with broken cloud. Any showers, however, could be somewhat heavier than on recent days. Perhaps a touch cooler.

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 084511.6
Maximum Temperature (last 24hrs)17.5
Minimum Temperature (last 24hrs)9.0
Grass Minimum Temperature (last 24hrs)5.0
Rainfall Total (last 24hrs)
0.1mm
Barometer at observation time today
1017mbs
Wind at observation time today
SE2
This month’s highest temperature to date
21.8
This month’s lowest temperature to date3.8
This month’s highest 24hr rainfall total to date37.2mms
This month’s total rainfall to date 122.5mms

AVERAGES & EXTREMES AUGUST
Average Max. Temperature18.8
Average Min. Temperature9.8
Record High Temperature28.7
Record Low Temperature0.2
Long Term Average Rainfall74.5
Wettest Month211
Driest Month9

Sunday 21 August 2011

SKARA BRAE----Some of life's essentials back around 3000BC. Various articles of stone furniture have survived--dressers, cupboards, boxbeds & seats.Other prehistoric artefacts such as tools, beads, pottery, stone & whalebone items were discovered. Tomorrow, we move on to KIRKWALL.

SUNDAY 21st AUGUST----EVENING

HEADLINES @ 1700 Hrs
It proved to be a somewhat disappointing day, not living up to expectations. From lunchtime onwards, there was much more cloud around than sunshine, punctuated by several light,. though frustrating showers. Temperatures only made 17.5.

THIS EVENING & TONIGHT
Possibly another shower early evening, but later skies should clear, leaving a dry, clear, cool night. Lowest temperatures down to around 6 degrees.

OUTLOOK
MONDAY----There should be plenty of dry weather with sunny periods. A few light showers may develop during the afternoon. Maximum temperatures should rise to 18 or 19 degrees.
TUESDAY----Mainly dry with spells of sunshine & temperatures similar to Mondays.

SUNDAY 21st AUGUST

HEADLINES @ 0830Hrs
Quite a cool night at 7 degrees. Not looking bad for the next 3 days, with only a small risk of light showers, lots of dry weather, plenty of sunshine , though no great heat.

PITLOCHRY TODAY
A dry day, with broken cloud & sunshine at times. The risk of light showers is low. Highest temperatures should reach 19 degrees, which is close to normal.

THIS EVENING & TONIGHT
Some sunshine this evening & a fine night with clear spells. It will be a cool night, with lowest temperatures down to 7 degrees. There may be some valley mist patches early tomorrow.

OUTLOOK
MONDAY----Broken cloud, sunny spells & a small shower risk. Maximum temperature about 19 degrees.
TUESDAY----Much the same as 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 0830Hrs10.0
Maximum Temperature (last 24hrs)18.6
Minimum Temperature (last 24hrs)7.0
Grass Minimum Temperature (last 24hrs)3.3
Rainfall Total (last 24hrs)
trace
Barometer at observation time today
1008mbs
Wind at observation time today
S1
This month’s highest temperature to date
21.8
This month’s lowest temperature to date3.8
This month’s highest 24hr rainfall total to date37.2mms
This month’s total rainfall to date 122.4mms

AVERAGES & EXTREMES AUGUST
Average Max. Temperature18.8
Average Min. Temperature9.8
Record High Temperature28.7
Record Low Temperature0.2
Long Term Average Rainfall74.5
Wettest Month211
Driest Month9

Saturday 20 August 2011

SKARA BRAE

SATURDAY 20th AUGUST----EVENING

HEADLINES @1800Hrs
One of August's better days!  (Though that doesn't say much!).  At least there were no showers around & the maximum temperature was very close to long-term average values.

THIS EVENING & TONIGHT
Some sunshine this evening. There could just be a shower or two overnight. Lowest temperature around 8 degrees.

OUTLOOK
SUNDAY----Broken cloud, with some sunshine & just perhaps an odd light shower. Temperatures should be much as today's.
MONDAY----Very similar. Broken cloud, some sunshine, an outside chance of a light shower.

SATURDAY 20th AUGUST

HEADLINES @ 0900Hrs
Looking better now than 10 mins ago!  All in all, not a bad weekend & even Monday o.k. too!

PITLOCHRY TODAY
A cloudy start, perhaps with the odd light shower. Clouds should start to break as the morning goes on, with some sunny intervals. There should be further sunshine at times this afternoon, but with just the chance of the odd shower, but in total, there should be very little rain.Temperatures should reach 18 or 19 degrees in afternoon sunshine, with a fresh SW breeze.

THIS EVENING & TONIGHT
Mainly dry during the period, with some evening sunshine & overnight clear spells. Lowest temperature about 10 degrees.

OUTLOOK
SUNDAY----A day of broken cloud & sunny spells & generally dry;just a low risk of an odd light shower. Highest temperatures around 18 or 19 degrees.
MONDAY----Mainly dry with broken cloud & 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 090012.0
Maximum Temperature (last 24hrs)16.0
Minimum Temperature (last 24hrs)8.9
Grass Minimum Temperature (last 24hrs)4.0
Rainfall Total (last 24hrs)
1.5
Barometer at observation time today
1011mbs
Wind at observation time today
SSE2
This month’s highest temperature to date
21.8
This month’s lowest temperature to date3.8
This month’s highest 24hr rainfall total to date37.2mms
This month’s total rainfall to date 122.4mms

AVERAGES & EXTREMES AUGUST
Average Max. Temperature18.8
Average Min. Temperature9.8
Record High Temperature28.7
Record Low Temperature0.2
Long Term Average Rainfall74.5
Wettest Month211
Driest Month9

Friday 19 August 2011

SKARA BRAE

FRIDAY 19th AUGUST----EVENING

HEADLINES @1630 Hrs
It's been a dry day so far, which is a blessing, but the maximum temperature has only reached a disappointing 16.0 degrees. Yesterday p.m. a weather colleague who records west of Aberfeldy, ended up measuring more than 3 times the amount I recorded in Pitlochry. I mentioned yesterday evening, that we had just missed a heavy shower passing to our west, before the evening downpour set in.

THIS EVENING & TONIGHT
There is a little bit of rain to pass through this evening, but dry conditions, with broken cloud should then return. It should be a fairly mild night, with a SW breeze.

OUTLOOK
SATURDAY----A mainly dry, bright, breezy day, with some spells of sunshine appears on offer, but as so often this month, it has to be said that an odd shower is still possible. Temperatures should reach 18 or 19 degrees, so nice in the sunshine.
SUNDAY----Rather more cloud seems likely on Sunday & there is an increased risk of showers. It will also be breezy. There should still be plenty of dry weather, however, with some intervals of sunshine.

FRIDAY 19th AUGUST

HEADLINES @ 0900Hrs
Yesterday evening's heavy rain was brought by a slow-moving & expanding shower. We are o.k. now, until weak fronts bring us a little rain by late evening.

PITLOCHRY TODAY
The cloud around at present should soon break up & the rest of the morning should see some spells of sunshine. It will stay dry & bright during the afternoon, but cloud will gradually encroach from the SW, at high & medium levels, ahead of an approaching front.Maximum temperatures should reach 18 or 19 degrees.

THIS EVENING & TONIGHT
A little light rain is possible for a time before clearing away. The rest of the night should be mild & rather breezy, with lowest temperatures in double figures.

OUTLOOK
SATURDAY----Should see a good deal of dry weather, though the odd light shower can't be entirely ruled out.Sunny spells are expected, though there will be a fresh breeze. Highest temperature close to 19 degrees.
SUNDAY----Probably more cloud, less sunshine & a greater likelihood of showers around. Pleasantly warm in the sunny intervals at about 18 or 19 degrees.

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 090010.1
Maximum Temperature (last 24hrs)16.5
Minimum Temperature (last 24hrs)8.5
Grass Minimum Temperature (last 24hrs)6.2
Rainfall Total (last 24hrs)
11.2mms
Barometer at observation time today
1014mbs
Wind at observation time today
W2
This month’s highest temperature to date
21.8
This month’s lowest temperature to date3.8
This month’s highest 24hr rainfall total to date37.2mms
This month’s total rainfall to date          = 162%120.9mms

AVERAGES & EXTREMES AUGUST
Average Max. Temperature18.8
Average Min. Temperature9.8
Record High Temperature28.7
Record Low Temperature0.2
Long Term Average Rainfall74.5
Wettest Month211
Driest Month9

Thursday 18 August 2011

SKARA BRAE

THURSDAY 18th AUGUST----EVENING

HEADLINES @ 1645Hrs
There have been several downpours around today, but not always catching Pitlochry. The latest look at rhe rainfall radar shows that we had been very lucky late afternoon, with a large heavy shower passing just to our west. Nevertheless, we did catch 2 mms.earlier on. Maximum temperature was a miserable 16.5.


THIS EVENING & TONIGHT
Remaining cloudy, with further showers around for much of the evening. Becoming dry with some clear skies overnight, with a low of around7 degrees.

OUTLOOK
FRIDAY----Mainly dry, with broken cloud & some sunny spells. Clouding over during the evening. Maximum temperature of about 19 degrees.
WEEKEND----Plenty of dry weather, with broken cloud & some sunshine, but also the chance of a few showers. Highest temperatures around 18 to 19 degrees. Some rain Saturday night

THURSDAY 18th AUGUST

HEADLINES @ 0830Hrs
A dry, but cloudy start to the day & there was some valley mist earlier. There are a number of showers to the N.E. moving away. More are expected to develop later. Check on raintoday.co.uk for the latest situation. Yesterday, we largely escaped showers, which made for a welcome change.  The weekend weather isn't looking too bad---we deserve nothing less!!
REMEMBER THE SERIES OF CRUISE PHOTOS BELOW. WE ARE CURRENTLY ON ORKNEY AT SKARA BRAE.

PITLOCHRY TODAY
A rather cloudy day, with showers around, especially this afternoon, when one or two may be heavy. Highest temperature around 16 degrees.

THIS EVENING & TONIGHT
Perhaps a shower or two to start the evening, but it should later become dry with some cloud breaks. With some clear skies & light winds, it is likely to turn out a cool night, down to about 7 degrees. Perhaps some valley mist around.
OUTLOOK
FRIDAY---should be dry, with broken cloud & some sunny spells. Highest temperature up to 19 degrees. There is expected to be an increase in cloud during the evening & some rain overnight.
SATURDAY---Mostly dry, with just a chance of a shower. Some good cloud breaks with spells of sunshine. Temperatures up to 19.
SUNDAY----Mostly dry, the odd shower around. Further sunny spells & a touch warmer.

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 083011.0
Maximum Temperature (last 24hrs)19.0
Minimum Temperature (last 24hrs)9.8
Grass Minimum Temperature (last 24hrs)7.8
Rainfall Total (last 24hrs)
0.1mm
Barometer at observation time today
1017mbs
Wind at observation time today
NNE1
This month’s highest temperature to date
21.8
This month’s lowest temperature to date3.8
This month’s highest 24hr rainfall total to date37.2mms
This month’s total rainfall to date 109.7mm

AVERAGES & EXTREMES AUGUST
Average Max. Temperature18.8
Average Min. Temperature9.8
Record High Temperature28.7
Record Low Temperature0.2
Long Term Average Rainfall74.5
Wettest Month211
Driest Month9

Wednesday 17 August 2011

SKARA BRAE consists of a group of stone huts, the walls of which are up to 9 feet high.The huts are connected by a maze of stone-built passages & covered alleyways.Each house is roughly 15 feet square & the entrance to each hut is a low & narrow hole.

WEDNESDAY 17th AUGUST----EVENING

HEADLINES @1630Hrs
So far today, the showers have kept away! Those around at present are mostly over the high ground further west or over The Grampians. There is still a risk of a shower up to about 2000Hrs. Highest temperature today was 19.0 degrees.

THIS EVENING & TONIGHT
Just the chance of a shower up 'till mid-evening, then it should be dry, with broken cloud & some clear spells. It is likely to be another cool night with minimum temperature down to about 5 or 6 degrees.

OUTLOOK
THURSDAY----will see a cool, dry, bright start, but clouds will tend to build as the morning goes on. A somewhat greater risk than today for a few showers around during the afternoon. Highest temperature about 17 or 18 degrees.
FRIDAY----Should be a mostly dry, bright day with some spells of sunshine. Temperatures around 18 or 19 degrees. Some rain is expected during Friday night.

WEDNESDAY 17th AUGUST

HEADLINES @ 0900Hrs
It has been the coldest night since June 11th & there was a slight ground frost. This is the result of a cool airstream + little cloud + little wind, so escape of heat.  Over the next few days, there should be a good deal of dry weather, but always the risk of a shower or two & no evidence of temperatures bettering average values.


PITLOCHRY TODAY
A dry, sunny but chilly start this morning. Much of the day should stay dry, but there is a shower risk, especially late afternoon/early evening. Not everywhere will catch a shower. It should be warmer than yesterday, with highest temperatures reaching a normal 18 or 19 degrees.

THIS EVENING & TONIGHT
After any evening showers, the period should be dry with clearing skies. As last night, temperatures will fall quickly, down to a low of 6 degrees or less.

OUTLOOK
 THURSDAY----Will start bright & sunny after the clearance of any mist patches.  There is a risk of a more cloudy spell during the afternoon with some showers. A touch cooler than Wednesday.
FRIDAY----Following some overnight rain, there should be broken cloud with some sunshine & perhaps the odd shower around. A little warmer than Thursday.


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 090010.4
Maximum Temperature (last 24hrs)15.9
Minimum Temperature (last 24hrs)3.8
Grass Minimum Temperature (last 24hrs)-0.5
Rainfall Total (last 24hrs)
1.3
Barometer at observation time today
1015mbs
Wind at observation time today
NW3
This month’s highest temperature to date
21.8
This month’s lowest temperature to date3.8
This month’s highest 24hr rainfall total to date37.2mms
This month’s total rainfall to date 107.1mms

AVERAGES & EXTREMES AUGUST
Average Max. Temperature18.8
Average Min. Temperature9.8
Record High Temperature28.7
Record Low Temperature0.2
Long Term Average Rainfall74.5
Wettest Month211
Driest Month9

Tuesday 16 August 2011

SKARA BRAE, 17 miles W of Kirkwall, is a Stone Age Village dating from around 3000BC & inhabited roughly over a 500yr period.This archaeological treasure was revealed in 1850 after a severe storm& high tides washed away a blanket of sand that had been covering it.A properly co-ordinated excavation did not take place until 1927.

TUESDAY 16th AUGUST----EVENING

HEADLINES @ 1730Hrs
At 1730, the sun had come out, but there were still spots of rain. During the day, 2.5mms of rain fell & the temperature rose to a high of 15.9 degrees.I suppose most of us are getting fed-up with how August is turning out!  It seems as if we are being denied even just a few days of sustained dry, warm & sunny weather. Cloud, rain & below average temperatures are turning up with over-active regularity!

THIS EVENING & TONIGHT
Still the chance of another shower or two during the next couple of hours. After that, it should turn mainly clear, with a coolish night ahead, with valley mist patches early in the morning.

OUTLOOK
WEDNESDAY----should be dry for most of the time, with some spells of sunshine. However, the odd shower cannot totally be ruled out. It should be 2 or 3 degrees warmer than Tuesday.
THURSDAY----Some dry & bright weather, but a spell of showery weather likely during the day, as a trough moves over the area. Cooler than Wednesday.

TUESDAY 16th AUGUST

HEADLINES @ 0815Hrs
Fronts moving from the SW, are set to give a mainly cloudy day with rain later on.  August has been very wet & rather cool to date (best temperature only 21.8 ) & sad to say, the remainder of the month looks pretty mixed, with little likelihood od any lengthy dry, warm settled spells.


PITLOCHRY TODAY
There may be a little brightness around at first, but much of the day will be cloudy. A little light rain is likely to reach the area by or before lunchtime & this is likely to persist until early evening, probably becoming heavier & more persistent for a time. Highest temperatures will be a couple of degrees down on yesterdays.

THIS EVENING & TONIGHT
Becoming mainly dry, following rain at first. Some cloud breaks at times. Lowest temperatures around 8 or 9 degrees

OUTLOOK
WEDNESDAY---- A fair amount of dry weather with some sunshine at times. The odd shower is possible. Feeling warmer at 18 or 19 degrees.
THURSDAY----Partly cloudy with sunny intervals, but a spell of cloudy, showery weather seems likely for a time. A little cooler than 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 0815Hrs10.3
Maximum Temperature (last 24hrs)17.4
Minimum Temperature (last 24hrs)7.1
Grass Minimum Temperature (last 24hrs)3.8
Rainfall Total (last 24hrs)
0.8mms
Barometer at observation time today
1010mbs
Wind at observation time today
SE1
This month’s highest temperature to date
21.8
This month’s lowest temperature to date5.0
This month’s highest 24hr rainfall total to date37.2mms
This month’s total rainfall to date 105.8mms

AVERAGES & EXTREMES AUGUST
Average Max. Temperature18.8
Average Min. Temperature9.8
Record High Temperature28.7
Record Low Temperature0.2
Long Term Average Rainfall74.5
Wettest Month211
Driest Month9

Monday 15 August 2011

MONDAY 15th AUGUST

HEADLINES @ 1730Hrs
Today saw more of the "sunshine & showers" theme. A couple of this afternoon's showers were quite "beefy"--at least briefly.  In the unreliable sunny breaks, the temperature struggled to 17.4, once again a little below normal.
Please note, there is a posting below about Orkney + photograph

THIS EVENING & TONIGHT
Remaining showers should die out during the evening & it should be dry with broken cloud for a time. Later in the night, a new frontal system will bring thicker cloud & a little rain at times, though not amounting to very much. It will be milder than last night.

OUTLOOK
TUESDAY----Cloudy, with a little light & patchy rain through the morning. During the afternoon, a spell of heavier rain is expected. Highest temperatures will be a couple of degrees down on todays.
WEDNESDAY----Is expected to see a better day, with broken cloud & some sunny spells, temperatures up a touch, though with still just the chance of an odd shower.

The harbour area in Kirkwall from one of the ship's tenders.

ORKNEY

ORKNEY comprises 67 rocks, islands & skerries covering an area of 376 sq. miles extending 53 miles NNE & measuring some 23 miles from W to E. The population of 21,000 inhabit 30 of the islands, whilst the rest remain home to only  seals & seabirds.
Orkney is only 6 miles from the Scottish mainland & in KIRKWALL, set on the principal island called Mainland, you stand closer to Oslo than to London.. The town is the principal harbour & capital, having a population of approx.8,700. Its latitude is 58 59 N.
The highlights of Kirkwall & surrounds include Skara Brae, Stenness Standing Stones, St. Magnus Cathedral & Scapa Flow, some of which will feature in the next few photographs (published each evening ).

MONDAY 15th AUGUST

HEADLINES @ 0900Hrs
There was a good deal of mist in the valley earlier on, following the coolest night so far this month (the ground minimum was close to frost levels ).At present, cumulus cloud is building, with some whispy high cirrus above. Not a bad day ahead!

PITLOCHRY TODAY
Much of today should be dry, though there is a slim shower risk ( the forecast radar is suggesting a light shower around 1020 ! ). There will be spells of sunshine, with temperatures climbing to around 18 degrees.

THIS EVENING & TONIGHT
It should be a dry evening, but later & overnight, cloud will increase, perhaps with a little rain. Not as cold as last night.

OUTLOOK
TUESDAY---Mainly cloudy for  much of the time with some patchy light rain, but only very small accumulations, but there may well be a spell of heavier rain later in the day for 2 or 3  hours. Maximum temperature down a couple of degrees on today.
WEDNESDAY----A good deal of dry weather, with some spells of 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 09009.4
Maximum Temperature (last 24hrs)16.8
Minimum Temperature (last 24hrs)5.0
Grass Minimum Temperature (last 24hrs)1.0
Rainfall Total (last 24hrs)
1.0mm
Barometer at observation time today
1009mbs
Wind at observation time today
SSW2
This month’s highest temperature to date
21.8
This month’s lowest temperature to date5.0
This month’s highest 24hr rainfall total to date37.2mms
This month’s total rainfall to date 105.0mms

AVERAGES & EXTREMES AUGUST
Average Max. Temperature18.8
Average Min. Temperature9.8
Record High Temperature28.7
Record Low Temperature0.2
Long Term Average Rainfall74.5
Wettest Month211
Driest Month9

Sunday 14 August 2011

There are about 20 oil/gas fields in the Southern sector of the North Sea. Comparing this one with images on the internet, this one could well be Beryl A.

SUNDAY 14th AUGUST----EVENING

HEADLINES @ 1645Hrs
Cloud soon bubbled up this morning, to give a fair sprinkling of showers during the afternoon. They won't add much to the overall total, but certainly proved a nuisance. The highest temperature was a disappointing 16.8 degrees.

THIS EVENING & TONIGHT
Showers will die out, with some evening brightness & clear spells overnight. Minimum temperatures down to about 6 or 7 degrees.

OUTLOOK
MONDAY----A fair amount of dry weather, with some spells of sunshine, but again the chance of a shower or two during the afternoon. Maximum temperature around 18 degrees.
TUESDAY----A cloudy day with some rain & cooler again.

SUNDAY 14th AUGUST

HEADLINES @ 0845Hrs
A pleasant start to the day, though there has been a heavy dew, leaving the grass very wet. A very reasonable day ahead for our many tourists, although there are already several showers around to the west of us.

PITLOCHRY TODAY
After a sunny start, cloud will develop quite readily, giving a risk of a few showers across the area. There will also be some intervals of sunshine when it will feel warm. though temperatures are only likely to reach average values for the time of year, around 18 or 19 degrees. Winds will be mainly SW light to moderate.

THIS EVENING & TONIGHT
Any showers dying out to leave some sunshine this evening & clear spells overnight. A bit cooler than of late, with lows of about 6 or 7 degrees.

OUTLOOK
MONDAY---A fair amount of dry weather around, with sunny spells, but an odd shower is possible. Temperatures rising to values similar to those over the weekend
TUESDAY---will be less settled with some 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 084513.0
Maximum Temperature (last 24hrs)18.8
Minimum Temperature (last 24hrs)9.5
Grass Minimum Temperature (last 24hrs)6.1
Rainfall Total (last 24hrs)
0.1mm
Barometer at observation time today
1001mbs
Wind at observation time today
ESE2
This month’s highest temperature to date
21.8
This month’s lowest temperature to date6.2
This month’s highest 24hr rainfall total to date37.2mms
This month’s total rainfall to date 104.0mms

AVERAGES & EXTREMES AUGUST
Average Max. Temperature18.8
Average Min. Temperature9.8
Record High Temperature28.7
Record Low Temperature0.2
Long Term Average Rainfall74.5
Wettest Month211
Driest Month9

Saturday 13 August 2011

"Marco Polo" proceeds down the Thames out of Tilbury.Ahead, is a classic cumulonimbus cloud, with its dark underside & billowing top pushing away into the North Sea.

SATURDAY 13th AUGUST----EVENING

HEADLINES @ 1745Hrs
It was a rather cloudy day, with a few sunny breaks, but also some mainly light showers, especially around 1600/1700Hrs, this linked to the passage of a weak front.  During this afternnoon's sunny intervals, it felt pleasantly warm, the feeling helped by light winds & humid air. However, the maximum temperature of 18.8 was very much in line with average August values.
THIS EVENING & TONIGHT
It should be mostly dry from now on, with a few sunny intervals, followed by some overnight clear spells. Lowest temperatures about 9 degrees.
OUTLOOK
SUNDAY----The day should start dry with some sunshine. A few showers may develop, though the worst of these are more likely further west. Temperatures similar to todays.
MONDAY---should be mainly dry, though rain is expected during the night.

The last of the photographs of Spitsbergen & the sea ice was published this morning. Some of the photographs showing geographical highlights of the rest of the cruise, including Orkney, Shetland, The Faroes, Norway's fjords & Inside Passage, as well as The North Cape, will appear each evening, following the update & forecast.

Just about to leave the ice behind, as we leave Spitsbergen without docking, Longyearbyen Harbour being blocked with ice. Note the peaks pertruding above the mist band.It's been both an amazing, but frustrating experience.

SATURDAY 13th AUGUST

HEADLINES @ 0930Hrs
A cloudy, but very mild start to the day. Another 10.7mms in the raingauge, taking us up to 140% of average & we're not yet half way through the month!!

PITLOCHRY TODAY
Partly cloudy with a few intervals of sunshine, but also a few light showers around. Probably more in the way of sunshine from late afternoon onwards. Maximum temperatures should be 2 or 3 degrees up on yesterdays.

THIS EVENING & TONIGHT
Mostly dry with clear spells & a minimum of about 8 or 9 degrees.

OUTLOOK
SUNDAY---Some sunshine, but perhaps an odd shower around--dry for most of the time. Maximum temperatures around 17 or 18 which is hardly up to the long-term average.
MONDAY---Some sunshine & mostly dry--perhaps the odd shower around. Temperatures by day a little below normal.

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 093014.1
Maximum Temperature (last 24hrs)14.3
Minimum Temperature (last 24hrs)11.5
Grass Minimum Temperature (last 24hrs)11.1
Rainfall Total (last 24hrs)
10.7mms
Barometer at observation time today
998mbs
Wind at observation time today
calm
This month’s highest temperature to date
21.8
This month’s lowest temperature to date6.2
This month’s highest 24hr rainfall total to date37.2mms
This month’s total rainfall to date              (140% of an average WHOLE Aug.)103.9mms

AVERAGES & EXTREMES AUGUST
Average Max. Temperature18.8
Average Min. Temperature9.8
Record High Temperature28.7
Record Low Temperature0.2
Long Term Average Rainfall74.5
Wettest Month211
Driest Month9