The variable cloud on Thursday, especially in the afternoon, combined with the very brisk westerly breeze, muted the temperature a few degrees with a maximum of 22.3C logged at 13.15, being the lowest for three days but still 1.7C above average. A narrow band of rain arrived at 10.25 that produced just 1mm in a very sharp shower, but within an hour all evidence of the rain had disappeared as the sun returned. More rain was observed starting at 22.30, light at first and a little heavier just before midnight, that amounted to 2.0mm. Although it was a cloudy night the thermometer sank to its lowest for eight days bottoming out at 11.6C logged at 05.29, being 1.4C above average.
Friday began with strong sunshine that lifted the temperature to 17.5C by 08.00. However by 08.30 variable cloud began to obstruct the sunshine.
The rainfall total for June to date is 37.1mm compared with my 41-year average of 52.9mm. However, the equivalent loss of rainfall through evaporation from the ground and plant life this month is triple the rainfall total with 96.7mm of moisture lost due to the heat and brisk winds that occurred on many days.
There are a few days left in June but both the average maximum and average minimum are currently a significant 2C or higher above my long-term average. An Amber Heat Health Alert has been issued for today and the next four days, which is one step up from a Yellow warning.
The high pressure to the south has begun to assert itself as it gets closer and currently extends from mid-atlantic to the east of the Continent. The forecast track of the Jet Stream indicates that the very hot weather will build today and last until at least Tuesday. There are indications our area will be influenced by a heatwave that has been developing across western Europe.
The image was taken from St Peter’s Church tower in Marlborough in 2015 looking across part of Marlborough College.