Was the cold and unsettled start to July in anyway expected by the UKMO in their long range (16-30 day) forecast? As far as colder than average temperatures are concerned that’s a definite no, with mean anomalies for the period from 29 June to the 12th of July between one and three degrees below the LTALTA Long Term Average. This is usually defined as a 30 year period by the WMO.. There was no mention of such a dull start to the month either, with sunshine widely only 60% or less of the LTA. Sunshine may have been in short supply but rainfall totals were widely above average in the 14 day period, with large areas seeing totals 200% or more of the LTA. So the short answer to the question, as measured by mean temperature, total sunshine and rainfall, is a most definite no, the cool, dull and wet start to July was not anticipated.😜
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