Although there was quite strong, variable sunshine on Saturday, especially in the afternoon, the strong, gusting westerly breeze moderated the temperature so that the maximum of 18.6C, logged at 13.48, was exactly 2C below my long-term average. The day was dry with the UV level of 6.2 the second highest this month and peaked in the ‘High’ category. Thick cloud cover overnight from the weather front meant that the minimum of 10.2C, logged at 04.07, was exactly average for June. A rain band arrived just before 03.00 producing light rain for over half an hour that only amounted to 1.3mm taking the monthly total to 17.9mm against my 41-year record of 52.9mm. The main rain band passed to the south of our area.
The new day on Saturday revealed dull and overcast conditions under the continuing influence of the nearest depression. The Met Office has issued a weather warning for heavy rain and possible thunderstorms today. The rain radar at 09.00 showed very active showers edging closer to our area at 09.00, indicated over Bristol and near Warminster.
The UK weather is being influenced by a complex of four low pressure systems to the north and west of the UK whilst an anticyclone in the eastern Atlantic is trying to edge closer. The barometric pressure has risen just 3mb over the last three days with a reading of 1006.4mb at 08.00. There are indications that the high pressure will win out next week so that by Tuesday temperatures will rise to be close to the June average, with the rest of the week warm and dry.
Kennet and Avon Canal: From Bristol to Bath the waterway follows the natural course of the River Avon before the canal links it to the River Kennet at Newbury, and from there to Reading on the River Thames. In all, the waterway incorporates 105 locks. This image is of the horse drawn barge on the canal east of Hungerford.