Bognor Regis Town Council

Bognor Regis Weather Reports 2004

JAN	FEB	MAR	APRIL	MAY	JUNE
JULY	AUG	SEPT	OCT	NOV	DEC

DECEMBER 2004

BOGNOR REGIS

METEOROLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS

DECEMBER 2004

RAINFALL

77.2mm (3.04ins) on 10 days.
Greatest fall in 24 hours (09 09h) 31.0mm (1.22ins) on 18th.

December 2003 total rainfall 104.1mm (4.09ins) on 16 days.

January to December 2004 648.2mm (25.51ins)
January to December 2003 585.8mm (23.06ins)

TEMPERATURES

Highest Maximum	-	12.8°C (55.0°F) on 23rd.
Lowest Maximum	-	4.8°C (40.6°F) on 26th.
Highest Minimum	-	9.2°C (48.5°F) on 31st.
Lowest Minimum	-	-2.4°C (27.6°F) on 26th.
Lowest Grass	-	-4.7°C (23.5°F) on 26th.

SUNSHINE

December 2004 50.9 hours on 19 days.
December 2003 66.7 hours on 19 days.

Maximum sunshine in 24 hours 6.7 hours on 28th.

January to December 2004 1881.0 hours.
January to December 2003 2126.4 hours.

SUMMARY

December was a relatively mild month with the mean maximum temperature slightly above and the mean minimum temperature slightly below their seasonal averages. It was a dull month, the second month in succession when the sunshine total was well below the average. In fact up to the 24th of the month the sunshine hours averaged 0.9 hours a day and only to be saved from a monthly all time low by the welcome appearance of the sun during the last week of the month. The rainfall was slightly above the average all of which was recorded between 15th and 29th of the month. The month began where the previous month left off with dull weather almost completely devoid of sunshine. It was a cold start with night frosts. On the morning of 3rd, thick fog persisted throughout the morning. High pressure took over on 4th. It remained dull and overcast although day temperatures began to rise. The weather continued dull and overcast and, apart from a rare appearance of the sun on 11th, when 5.8 hours were recorded, continued in this vein until 15th, when a deep depression moved across the U.K. Frontal activity brought heavy rain (9.6mm) with strong winds to the area during nights 16/17. Near gale force winds were experienced mid morning of the 17th with some "twisters" reported in some areas none locally. More frontal activity brought heavy rain (31.0mm) to the area during the evening of 18th to the morning of Bath. The weather continued unsettled and more heavy rain (7.0mm) was recorded during the early hours of 22nd. After a cold day (4.0°C) on 21st, temperatures rose rapidly overnight to go into double figures. This however was short lived with temperatures dropping to bring ground frosts and single figure day time temperatures over the Christmas period. There was some speculation on the subject of snow for Christmas Day, but it was not to be. However, the Christmas period was mainly dry and sunny although rather cold. The bright cold weather continued to the end of the month.
The rainfall total of 77.2mm was marginally above the seasonal average of 75.54mm. The following yearly comparisons are worthy of note; 1999 686.4mm, 2000 1045.5mm, 2001 746.7mm, 2002 940.5mm, 2003 585.8mm, 2004 648.2mm.
The sunshine total of 50.9 hours was well below the seasonal average of 62.3 hours; 1999 2165.5, 2000 1812.7, 2001 1908.9, 2002 1829.3, 2003 2126.4, 2004 1881.0.
The mean maximum temperature of 9.1°C and minimum of 3.9°C were near to their respective seasonal averages of 8.7°C and 4.2°C.

A.E.S. 05 JAN. 05

Weather Information

NOVEMBER 2004

BOGNOR REGIS

METEOROLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS

NOVEMBER 2004

RAINFALL

31.3mm (1. 23ins) on 16 days.

Greatest fall in 24 hours (09-09h) 7.9mm (0.31ins) on 20th.

November 2003 total rainfall 113.6mm (4.7ins) on 17 days.

January to November 2004 571.0mm (22.51ins)
January to November 2003 481.7mm (18.96ins)

TEMPERATURES

Highest Maximum	-	14.7°C (58.4° F) on 4th.
Lowest Maximum	-	6.3°C (43.3°F) on 19th
Highest Minimum	-	11.8°C (53.2°F) on 4th.
Lowest Minimum	-	1.4°C (34 5°F) on 19th.
Lowest Grass	-	-1.9°C (23.5°F) on 14th

SUNSHINE

November 2004 67.6 hours on 18 days.

November 2003 87.4 hours on 18 days.

Maximum sunshine in 24 hours 8.3 hours on 13th.

January to November 2004 1830.1 hours.

January to November 2003 2059.7 hours.

SUMMARY

November was generally a mild month with day and night temperatures above the seasonal average. Rainfall was well below the average and sunshine was in short supply. There were just five days when a daily total of five hours or more was recorded and a total of twelve days with zero sunshine.

The month began quietly with high pressure dominating the weather scene. Despite the high pressure however the weather was unsettled and during the early hours of 2nd, 5.1mm of rain were recorded. Day and night temperatures were well above normal but apart from 4th when 5.5 hours were recorded, sunshine was in very short supply. On 10th, the weather became more settled. The sun put in a welcome appearance and for the next five days some very pleasant sunshine was in evidence and more than half of the month's total was accumulated. Pressure began to rise over the U.K. on 13th and there followed a cold period with the first ground frost ( -1.9°C) during the night 13/14. Although pressure remained relatively high, miserable damp weather prevailed through to the 21st with the heaviest rainfall of the month (7.9mm) during the afternoon of 20th. Apart from 22nd, when Bognor Regis was the sunniest in the U.K. with 5.1 hours of sunshine, the weather soon returned to its typical gloomy mood and maintained it through to the end of the month.

The rainfall total of 31.3mm was well below the seasonal average of 74.9mm. The third driest since 1988 (22.4mm).

The sunshine total of 67.6 hours was well below the seasonal average of 89.6 hours. The dullest since 1994 (42.8 hours).

The mean maximum temperature of 11.5°C and minimum of 6.5°C were both above their respective totals of 10.6°C and 5.4°C. Last year was marginally warmer.

A.E.S. 03 DEC 04

Weather Information

OCTOBER 2004

BOGNOR REGIS

METEOROLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS

OCTOBER 2004

RAINFALL

114.7mm (4.52ins) on 21 days. Greatest fall in 24 hours (09 09h) 18.Omm (0.71 ins) on 13th.

October 2003 total rainfall 67.6mm (2.67 ins) on 10 days.

January to October 2004 540.6mm (21.28ins)
January to October 2003 368.1mm (14.49ins)

TEMPERATURES

Highest Maximum	-	17.1°C (62.7°F) on 4th.
Lowest Maximum	-	11.2°C (52.1°F) on 15th.
Highest Minimum	-	13.7°C (56.6°F) on 4th & 24th
Lowest Minimum	-	5.0°C (41.0°F) on 15th.
Lowest Grass	-	3.2°C (37.7°F) on 19th & 26th.

SUNSHINE

October 2004 125.2 hours on 27 days.

October 2003 163.2 hours on 29 days.

Maximum sunshine in 24 hours 10.3 hours on 7th.

January to October 2004 1762.5 hours.

January to October 2003 1972.3 hours.

SUMMARY

October was a wet and often windy month. It was also a month when the weather for the most part was dominated by low pressure with the resultant heavy frontal activity producing a larger than normal amount of heavy showers of rain accompanied at times by hailstones with some thunder. Day and night temperatures throughout the month remained above the seasonal average with night temperatures in particular the second warmest since 1995.

The month began with the weather unsettled. There was little sunshine and frequent bouts of rain. During the afternoon and night 3/4, frontal activity brought rain (9.4mm) to the area. Pressure began to rise to the north west of the U.K. on 5th. Sunshine was in an abundance to produce a beautiful Autumn sunny day on 7th (10.3Hrs). The weather became changeable on 9th with low pressure beginning to dominate the weather scene on 12th. It rained for most of that day with strong winds and nil sunshine. Frontal activity sparked off a wet and very windy night on 13/15. During the early hours of 14th, very heavy rain (18.0mm) with near gale force winds swept through the area. A "Twister" tracked Felpham Storrington Horsham and just missing Bognor Regis and causing some local flooding and some structural damage. Low pressure continued to dominate the weather scene. There were frequent showers of rain, some heavy, little sunshine (Apart from 18th when the sun shone all day) and strong, at times near gale force winds. On 21st, heavy showers were accompanied by hail and thunder. The weather continued very unsettled with winds on 27th reaching strong to gale force on the coast. The winds finally eased on 30th to end the month on a dry note with a fair amount of sunshine.

The rainfall total of 114.7mm was well above the seasonal average of 83.62mm but well below last year 163.2mm and the year 2000 216.9mm.

The sunshine total of 125.2 hours was just below the seasonal average of 127.9 hours but well below last years total of 163.2 hours.

The mean maximum temperature of 15.2°C and minimum of 9.5°C were both above their respective seasonal averages of 14.4°C and 9.1°C.

A. E. S. 03 NOV 04

Weather Information

SEPTEMBER 2004

BOGNOR REGIS

METEOROLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS

SEPTEMBER 2004

RAINFALL

37.7mm (1.48ins) on 12 days.

Greatest fall in 24 hours (09 09h) 11.9mm (0.47ins) on 12th.

September 2003 total rainfall 4.8mm (0.12ins) on 6 days.

January to September 2004 425.9mm (16.77ins)
January to September 2003 300.5mm (11.83ins)

TEMPERATURES

Highest Maximum	-	26.5˚C (79.7˚F) on 5th.
Lowest Maximum	-	14.5˚C (58.1˚F) on 25th.
Highest Minimum	-	18.0˚C (64.4˚F) on 10th.
Lowest Minimum	-	5.9˚C (42.˚F) on 25th.
Lowest Grass	-	3.5˚C (38.0˚F) on 16th.

SUNSHINE

September 2004 185.2 hours on 28 days.

September 2003 229.3 hours on 29 days.

Maximum sunshine in 24 hours 13.0 hours on 1st.

January to September 2004 1637.3 hours.

January to September 2003 1809.1 hours.

SUMMARY

September overall was a dry month with the rainfall total of 38mm well below the seasonal average of 59mm which did much to balance out the previous month's soaking. It was a warm month with the mean day and night temperatures well above normal. Sunshine hours too were above the average. The weather for the month could be divided roughly into three parts. The first ten days were very warm and sunny. The second ten days brought the abrupt end of Summer with strong winds and the third ten days producing rather benign weather lacking in sunshine and feeling much cooler.

The month began with high pressure dominating the weather scene. It was dry with plenty of sunshine and with day temperatures well above the average for the time of year. A high of 26.5˚C was recorded on 5th. The weather continued in this vein until the early hours of 10th when low pressure took over bringing rain to the area (6.2mm) the first recorded for 12 days. Low pressure began to dominate the weather scene. The ''Sands of Time" weekend was threatened but apart from the annoying strong winds, it remained" with nearly six hours of sunshine on Saturday 11th and again on Sunday 12th. Frontal activity brought heavy rain on the morning of 13th (11.9mm) and it became very windy on 14th with gale force winds recorded on the coast. A Ridge of high pressure brought some sunshine on 15th and 16th but strong winds and some rain (7.Omm) returned on the evening of 17th. It became very windy on 20th with gusts of up to 50mph on parts of the coast, The weather became more settled and the threat of strong winds had receded by 23rd. The weather became rather benign with a lot of cloud and, apart from 24th (10.8 hours), Overall very little sunshine and occasional rain to continue through to the end of the month.

The rainfall total of 37.7mm was well below the seasonal average of 58.49mm.

The sunshine total of 185.2 hours was well in excess of the seasonal average of 170.5 hours.

The mean maximum temperature of 19.6˚C and minimum of 12.9˚C were both well above their respective seasonal averages of 17.9˚C and 11.7˚C.

A.E.S. 04 OCT 04

Weather Information

AUGUST 2004

BOGNOR REGIS

METEOROLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS

AUGUST 2004

RAINFALL

84.6mm (3.33ins) on 17 days.

Greatest fall in 24 hours (09‑09h) ‑ 12.1mm (0.48ins) on 22nd.

August 2003 total rainfall ‑ 44.3mm (1.74ins) on 7 days.

January to August 2004 ‑388.2mm (15.28ins)

January to August 2003 ‑295.7mm (11.64ins)

TEMPERATURES

Highest Maximum	-	24.7˚C (76.4˚F) on 8th.
Lowest Maximum	-	18.6°C (65.4°F) on 29th.
Highest Minimum	-	18.8° c (65.9°F) on 3rd & 5th.
Lowest Minimum	-	9.2°C (48.5°F) on 31st.
Lowest Grass	-	7.7°C (45.8°F) on 31st.

SUNSHINE

August 2004 233.8 hours on 29 days.

August 2003 265.7 hours on 30 days.

Maximum sunshine in 24 hours ‑ 14.0 hours on 7th.

January to August 2004 ‑ 1452.1 hours. January to August 2003 ‑ 1579.8 hours.

SUMMARY

August was a wet month with the majority of the rain recorded between 9th and 27th. Most areas nationally did not fare as well as Bognor Regis where, although well above the seasonal average, the total rainfall of 84.6mm (3.33ins) was well below the national average of 5.2ins. Bognor Regis was spared most of the heavy downpours and, apart from the evening of 20th when 7.5mm descended on the area to the accompaniment of thunder in just fifteen minutes, there were just three days when rainfall in double figures was recorded. Surprisingly sunshine was near the seasonal average albeit much lower than last August but day and night temperatures were well above the seasonal average. So all in all, despite the doom and gloom highlighted in the media, August was a reasonable month on the South Coast.

The month began with the weather settled. It was dry with plenty of sunshine and temperatures too were well above the seasonal average with the hottest day of the month (14.0°F) recorded on 7th. There was little hint of the rain to come until 9th when it rained on and off throughout the day. With pressure dropping, the weather continued unsettled to herald the beginning of the wet period which carried through to the 27th of the month. Heavy downpours during the night 17/18(10.5mm), 22/23 (12.1mm), and 24/25 (10.2mm), caused some local flooding. In between bouts of showery rain there were some sunny periods which did much to boost the sunshine total for the month. Temperatures throughout remained on or above the seasonal average. Pressure began to rise on 31st to bring a much welcomed period of post Bank Holiday good weather to the area.

The rainfall total of 84Amm. was well above the seasonal average of 49.63mm. There have been a total of five wetter Augusts in the last 20 years. 1999 ‑ 91.Omm, 1997 ‑ 99.6mm, 1986 ‑ 100.9mm, and 1985 ‑ 100.2mm.

The sunshine total of 233.8 hours was close to the seasonal average of 232.2 hours. The mean maximum temperature of 21.1°C and mean minimum of 15.6°C were both well above their respective seasonal averages of 20.1°C and 13.6°C.

A.E.S. 04 SEP 04

Weather Information

JULY 2004

BOGNOR REGIS

METEOROLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS

JULY 2004

RAINFALL

37.4mm (1.47ins) on 10 days.

Greatest fall in 24 hours (09‑09h) ‑ 19.7mm (0.77ins) on 7th.

July 2003 total rainfall ‑ 54.2mm (2.13ins) on 13 days.

January to July 2004 ‑ 303.6mm (11.95ins)

January to July 2003 ‑ 273.5mm (10.76ins)

TEMPERATURES

Highest Maximum	-	25.3°C (77.5°F) on 23rd.
Lowest Maximum	-	16.8°C (62.2°F) on 8th.
Highest Minimum	-	17.8° C (64.O°F) on 30th.
Lowest Minimum	-	10.0°C (50.0°F) on 5th & 6th.
Lowest Grass	-	7.2° C (45.0°F) on 5th.

SUNSHINE

July 2004 ‑ 224.9 hours on 30 days. July 2003 ‑ 251.4 hours on 31 days.

Maximum sunshine in 24 hours ‑ 15.0 hours on 6^th

January to July 2004 ‑ 1218.3 hours. January to July 2003 ‑ 1314.1 hours.

SUMMARY

July was overall a rather dull month with the total sunshine hours well below the seasonal average. Rainfall was just below the average but day and night temperatures were just about on par with the seasonal average. Although, to date the Summer has not been quite as good as that for 2003, the region fared much better than areas further inland and leading some pundits to describe this Summer as a "normal" one.

The month began with the weather unsettled. Frontal activity brought rain to the area (4.5mm) during the night 1/2. Strong westerly winds were in evidence but abated on 4th in time to allow the Bird Man Rally to go ahead, albeit it was a rather wet affair (3.7mm). There was unbroken sunshine on 6th (15.0 hours) to be followed by strong winds and heavy showers during the afternoon of 7th when a deep depression moved across the U.K. bringing with it strong to gale force winds and heavy rain. Storm conditions throughout the U.K. were the severest on record for July. The total rainfall recorded locally was 19.7mm. The local area fared a lot better than most adjoining areas where some electricity supplies were severely affected. There was however some local flooding. The weather continued unsettled. There was the odd sunny day but on the whole sunshine was in short supply. Temperatures remained just below the seasonal average and there were occasional showers. Around 20th the weather became more settled and although sunshine remained generally in short supply, temperatures rose to pass the seasonal average. High pressure took over to dominate the weather scene on 23rd. There followed the warmest day of the month (25.3°C. High pressure slipped away to the south west, on 25^th ‑ where it stabilised near to the U.K. There followed warm sunny days with light winds through to the end of the month. The rainfall total of 37.4mm was just below the seasonal average of 42.57mm. The wettest since 1999 (6.3mm).

The sunshine total of 224.9 hours was well below the seasonal average of 239.1 hours.

The mean maximum temperature of 20.0°C and minimum of 13.8°C were both close to their respective seasonal averages of 20.2°C and 13.6°C.

A.E.S. 04 AUG 04

Weather Information

JUNE 2004

BOGNOR REGIS

METEOROLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS

JUNE 2004

RAINFALL

32.4mm (1.27ins) on 10 days

Greatest fall in 24 hours (09.09h) 10.8mm (0.42ins) on 22nd

June 2003 total rainfall 34.Omm (1.34ins) on 11 days

January to June 2004 266.2mm (10.48ins)

January to June 2003 219.3mm (8.63ins)

TEMPERATURES

Highest Maximum	-	27.5°C (81.5°F) on 15th
Lowest Maximum	-	15.5°C (59.9°F) on 20th
Highest Minimum	-	16.2°C (61.1°F) on 5th & 8th
Lowest Minimum	-	7.7°C (45.8°F) on 21st
Lowest Grass	-	4.0°C (39.2°F) on 21st

SUNSHINE

June 2004 271.8 hours on 29 days.

June 2003 240.8 hours on 30 days.

Maximum sunshine in 24 hours 15.5 hours on 21st.

January to June 2004 993.4 hours.

January to June 2003 1062.7 hours.

SUMMARY

June was a month of variable weather with periods of long warm sunny spells giving way to cooler unsettled conditions. Overall, sunshine was well above the seasonal average, rain well below the seasonal average, and the mean maximum and minimum temperatures both well above normal.

The month began with outbreaks of rain during the early hours of lst. There followed a dry day with pressure rising to dominate the weather scene. It became dry and sunny with light winds. Day and night temperatures rose to reach a maximum of 21.0° C on 8th. (London 31.0°C). Some light frontal activity brought a little rain to the area (2.3mm) on the morning of 10th. With the pressure remaining high the weather continued warm to very warm, dry, and sunny, and there were signs that the month could live up to the old adage of "Flaming June" when the temperature soared to the warmest day of the year (27.5°C) on 15th. The weather however became noticeably cooler on 16th and the high pressure began to slip away to the west on 17th. The weather became unsettled with thunder and heavy rain (5.6mm) recorded during the afternoon of 19th. During the morning of 20th, there were showers with hailstones to be followed by showers during the afternoon. Over this period, 19/20, Bognor Regis acquired the unwanted distinction of being the wettest in the U.K. On the 21st came the sunniest day of the year (15.5 hours). Late on 22nd an exceptionally deep depression centred over the U.K.(0997.4mbs) lowest since the postponement of 'D' Day in 1944. There followed strong winds and rain during the night 22/23 (10.8mm). Winds on 23rd gusted to gale force but there was surprisingly little rain. The 25th produced a sunny day (14.7 Hours) but from then on to the end of the month the weather became changeable with sunshine and showers and strong south westerly winds very much in evidence.

The total rainfall of 32.4mm was well below the seasonal average of 48.79mm.

The total sunshine hours of 271.8 was well above the seasonal average of 229.2 hours.
The second highest since 1996 (301 hours) 2001 (274 hours).

The mean maximum temperature of 19.6°C and minimum of 13.0°C were both above their respective seasonal averages of 17.9°C and 11.4°C. The second warmest since 1995. Last year was on par.

A.E.S. 03 JUL 04

Weather Information

MAY 2004

BOGNOR REGIS

METEOROLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS

MAY 2004

RAINFALL

29.5mm (1.16ins) on 9 days.

Greatest fall in 24 hours (09—O9h) — 12.2mm (0.48ins) on 4th.

May 2003 total rainfall — 28.2mm (l.11ins) on 16 days.

January to May 2004 — 233.8mm (9.20ins)

January to May 2003 — 185.3mm (7.29ins)

TEMPERATURES

Highest Maximum	-	19.7°C (67.4°F) on 10th & 19th.
Lowest Maximum	-	11.7°C (53.0°F) on 4th.
Highest Minimum	-	13.8°C (56.8°F) on 18th.
Lowest Minimum	-	5.6°C (42.0°F) on 22nd.
Lowest Grass	-	3.3°C (38.0°F) on 22nd.

SUNSHINE

May 2004 — 240.3 hours on 30 days.

May 2003 — 226.4 hours on 28 days.

Maximum sunshine in 24 hours - 14.9 hours on 19th.

January to May 2004 — 721.6 hours.

January to May 2003 — 821.9 hours.

SUMMARY

The month of May was an overall average month with better weather more or less confined to the second half when some pleasant late spring conditions were much in evidence. It was a dry month with rainfall well below average. Sunshine was a little over the seasonal average as were the mean maximum and minimum temperatures.

The month began dry with a fair amount of sunshine. During the night 3/4 a very deep depression (989.0mb), unusual for the time of year, crossed the U.K. The associated fronts brought heavy rain during the morning of the 4th (14.3mm from 0600 to 0800). There was the inevitable local flooding. The rainfall total of 69.9mm was well above the seasonal average of 46.37mm. Atmospheric pressure began to rise on 6th and apart from the odd light shower it remained relatively dry. On 11th, thick fog persisted throughout the morning which eventually cleared to give bright sunshine during the afternoon. On 12th, high pressure began to dominate the weather scene. There followed a period of warm, dry, sunny days. Winds remained light but onshore breezes had a cooling effect on the littoral. During the evening of 20th, the area was threatened by thunderstorms. However, they came to nought albeit thunder was heard in the north and east of the area with severe flooding reported. Bognor Regis' share was 2.1mm which brought to an end a sequence of 10 dry days to be followed by a further sequence of 7 dry days. The weather continued warm, dry and sunny through to 27th when it became unsettled with frontal activity bringing rain (5.0mm) on the final day of the month.

The rainfall total of 29.5mm was well below the seasonal average of 40.75mm.

The sunshine total of 240.3 hours was a little over the seasonal average of 235.7 hours.

The mean maximum temperature of 16.3°C and minimum of 9.7°C were both above their respective averages of 15.3°C and 8.7°C.

A. E. S. 04 JUNE 04

Weather Information

APRIL 2004

BOGNOR REGIS

METEOROLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS

APRIL 2004

RAINFALL

69.9mm (2.75ins) on 17 days.

Greatest fall in 24 hours (09—O9h) — 13.2mm (0.52ins) on 18th.

April 2003 total rainfall — 26.6mm (l.05ins) on 9 days.

January to April 2004 — 204.3mm (8.04ins)

January to April 2003 — 157.1mm (6.l8ins)

TEMPERATURES

Highest Maximum	-	19.1°C (66.4°F) on 27th.
Lowest Maximum	-	9.5°C (49.1°F) on 29th.
Highest Minimum	-	10.5°C (50.9°F) on 28th.
Lowest Minimum	-	3.0°C (37.4°F) on 8th, 9th, & 11th.
Lowest Grass	-	0.2°C (32.3°F) on 8th.

SUNSHINE

April 2004 — 185.1 hours on 28 days.

April 2003 — 206.3 hours on 27 days.

Maximum sunshine in 24 hours - 12.9 hours on 24th.

January to April 2004 — 481.3 hours.

January to April 2003 — 595.5 hours.

SUMMARY

The month of April rather overdid the old adage of April showers et al with the recorded rainfall around 50% above the seasonal average. Sunshine too was below the seasonal average but day and night temperatures were above the average.
The month began with the weather changeable. Frontal activity brought rain to the area during the late evening of 1st. (4.8mm) and again on night 3/4 (5.4mm). Blustery westerly winds made it rather chilly. The weather continued changeable and it became cooler with the winds veering to the north. During the afternoon of 5th and 6th, there were heavy showers with hail recorded on 6th. The 9th produced 10 hours of sunshine and pressure began to rise on 11th. Winds became light, there was a fair amount of sunshine, it remained dry, and. it became warmer. Pressure remained reasonably high until the night of 17/18 when a deep depression crossed the U.K. Frontal activity brought heavy rain (6.4mm) to break a sequence of 7 days of dry weather. The 18th was a wet and windy day with an overall total rainfall of 19.2mm. Pressure began to rise on 22nd and high pressure began to dominate the weather scene. There followed plenty of sunshine, and it was dry with light winds. Temperatures were well above the average. The high pressure moved away on 27th to give way to afternoon and evening severe thunder and lightning. Although very active and rather prolonged, there was surprisingly little rain (4.9mm). Pressure remained low to the end of the month resulting in little sunshine, frequent showers, and a noticeable drop in temperatures.

The rainfall total of 69.9mm was well above the seasonal average of 46.37mm.

The sunshine total of 185.1 hours was 74 hours below the seasonal average of 192.5 hours.

The mean maximum temperature of 12.9°C and minimum of 6.7°C were both above their respective averages of 11.8°C and 5.3°C.

A. E. S. 04 MAY 04

Weather Information

MARCH 2004

BOGNOR REGIS

METEOROLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS

MARCH 2004

RAINFALL

41.4mm (l.63ins) on 18 days.

Greatest fall in 24 hours (09—09h) — 9.0mm (0.35ins) on 12th.

March 2003 total rainfall — 34.3mm (l.35ins) on 11 days.

January to March 2004 — 134.4mm (5.29ins)

January to March 2003 — 130.5mm (5.l4ins)

TEMPERATURES

Highest Maximum	-	16.8°C (62.2°F) on 30th.
Lowest Maximum	-	5.6°C (42.0°F) on 11th.
Highest Minimum	-	9.0°C (48.2°F) on 31st.
Lowest Minimum	-	-2.0°C (28.4°F) on 2nd.
Lowest Grass	-	-4.3°C (24.2°F) on 2nd.

SUNSHINE

March 2004 — 127.6 hours on 24 days.

March 2003 — 174.4 hours on 26 days.

Maximum sunshine in 24 hours - 10.7 hours on 30th.

January to March 2004 — 296.2 hours.

January to March 2003 — 389.2 hours.

SUMMARY

March was a changeable month with some sunny and mild days contrasted with periods of strong winds. There were a few days when day temperatures were below the seasonal average for January and two occasions when hail was recorded. The total sunshine was just below the seasonal average and rainfall well below the seasonal average.

The month began with high pressure well established over the U.K. and dominating the weather scene. It was a sunny start with light winds, frosty night temperatures, and maximum sunshine. Sunshine however came in short supply from 3rd but day temps rose to double figures from the 5th. Pressure began to drop on l1th to give a cloudy day with a bitterly cold wind. Hail was recorded during the morning with a snow fall north of the area during night 11/12. The weather continued changeable with rain (9.0mm) recorded on 12th. A total of 9.5 hours of sunshine was recorded on 13th following, and to be followed by, periods of little or no sunshine. From 15th to 18th the weather continued changeable with thick fog on the mornings of 17th and 18th, with the fog persisting throughout the day on 17th. Temperatures remained mild. On 19th, a deep depression crossed the U.K. to bring gale force winds on 19th and near gale force on 20th. The weather continued with sunshine and showers with hail on the afternoon of 21^st, surprisingly rainfall was comparatively slight. The weather continued changeable to the end of the month with the 30th turning out to be an absolute idyllic day with a maximum temperature of 16.8°C and wall to wall sunshine (10.1hours).

The rainfall total for the month of 41.1mm was well below the seasonal average of 60.44mm despite rainfall being recorded on a total of 18 days.

The sunshine total of 127.6 hours was just below the seasonal average of 131.0 hours.

The mean maximum temperature of 9.8°C and minimum of 4.5°C were both above their respective seasonal averages of 9.2°C and 4.0°C. There were a total of 8 ground frosts recorded during the month.

A.E.S. 04 APR 04

Weather Information

FEBRUARY 2004

BOGNOR REGIS

METEOROLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS

FEBRUARY 2004

RAINFALL

15.1mm (0.59ins) on 9 days.

Greatest fall in 24 hours (09—09h) — 6.9mm (0.27ins) on 1st.

February 2003 total rainfall — 22.1mm (0.87ins) on 12 days.

January to February 2004 — 93.3mm (3.67ins)

January to February 2003 — 96.2mm (3.79ins)

TEMPERATURES

Highest Maximum	-	13.2 °C (55.7°F) on 11th.
Lowest Maximum	-	3.9°C (39.0°F) on 20th.
Highest Minimum	-	9.5°C (49.1°F) on 5th.
Lowest Minimum	-	-2.7°C (27.1°F) on 28th.
Lowest Grass	-	-5.3°C (22.4°F) on 26th.

SUNSHINE

February 2004 - 86.8 hours on 24 days.

February 2003 — 96.2 hours on 20 days.

Maximum sunshine in 24 hours - 9.0 hours on 19th.

January to February 2004 — 168.6 hours.

January to February 2003 — 214.8 hours.

SUMMARY

February was generally cloudy, mild, and dry. However, the last seven days of the month, when high pressure was never far away from the U.K., saw a large drop in temperature with day temperatures well into single figures and a succession of quite heavy ground frosts. The ever present cold northerly winds during this period made it feel a lot colder and at times bitterly cold.

The month began unsettled with heavy rain (6.9mm) during the afternoon of 4th which resulted in some local flooding. The weather continued unsettled with periods of light rain and very little sunshine. Temperatures were well above the seasonal average. On 7th, pressure began to build up west of the U.K. On 9th and 10th, day temperatures momentarily dropped into single figures before rising to the warmest day of the month on 11th (13.2°C). The weather continued mild but there were some cloudy and misty days. Typical February gloomy weather. Sunshine was hard to find with a total of just five hours over eight successive days. The sunshine eventually appeared on 18th to be followed by the sunniest day of the month on 19th (9.O hours). A brisk easterly wind made it feel quite cold. On 23rd, there was a considerable drop in temperature and the weather, with a northerly wind in attendance became bitterly cold. There were however some long sunny periods. There was a succession of air and ground frosts through to the end of the month while day temperatures struggled to reach 5.0°C. Although threatened with snow, apart from a few flurries, the area unlike the neighbouring counties remained snow free.

The rainfall total of 15.1mm was well below the seasonal average of 45.91mm. There were sixteen successive days without any precipitation. 1998 had half this total with 7.7mm.

The sunshine total of 86.8 hours was just below the seasonal average of 88.3 hours despite the many gloomy days.

The mean maximum temperature of 8.7°C and minimum of 3.7°C were both in excess of their respective seasonal averages of 7.2°C and 2.4°C.

A.B. S. 03 MAR 04

Weather Information

JANUARY 2004

BOGNOR REGIS

METEOROLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS

JANUARY 2004

RAINFALL

78.2mm (3.O8ins) on 22 days.

Greatest fall in 24 hours (09—09h) — 11.7mm (0.46ins) on 12th.

January 2003 total rainfall - 74.1mm (2.92ins) on 18 days.

TEMPERATURES

Highest Maximum	-	12.2°C (54.0°F) on 6th.
Lowest Maximum	-	5.5°C (41.9°F) on 27th.
Highest Minimum	-	9.4°C (49.0°F) on 11th.
Lowest Minimum	-	-2.2°C (28.0°F) on 29th.
Lowest Grass	-	-4.4°C (24.0°F) on 29th.

SUNSHINE

January 2004 - 81.8 hours on 21 days.

January 2003 —116.4 hours on 28 days.

Maximum sunshine in 24 hours - 8.5 hours on 29th.

SUMMARY

January was a mild month with mostly changeable weather. It was often windy with frequent deep depressions crossing the country. There was a total of ten sunless days albeit the total of 81.8 hours was above the seasonal average. The many cloudy nights during the month resulted in a total of just three air frosts. There were ten ground frosts most of which were in the slight category.

The month began with the weather cloudy and unsettled with slight rain in evidence. There was little sunshine but temperatures remained above the seasonal average. On 8th, a deep depression moved across the U.K. bringing with it heavy rain and strong to gale force winds. The weather continued unsettled with the wind remaining fairly brisk. Sunshine was in short supply and because of continuous frontal activity it rained on successive days up to the 15th. The skies cleared on 16th to give three successive days of sunshine (21 hours). Alas this was short lived when there followed, from 19th to 23rd, five days of overcast dismal days. On 25th a cold spell was anticipated with the winds backing to the north. Temperatures dropped into single figures. A mini blizzard hit Bognor Regis during the early evening of 28th. It was short lived (45 mins) and was accompanied by thunder and lightning. Conditions were severe enough to cause traffic chaos. It was followed by a cold frosty night resulting in many incidents of black ice on the roads the following morning. However, the ice soon thawed and a glorious sunny day followed. The temperature increased on 30th but the weather was overcast. A depression brought rain with strong to gale force winds to the area to end the month.

Note:— Thunder and lightning with snowfalls is a meteorological phenomenon in these parts. It is caused by the contrast between warm air in the lower atmosphere and the movement of cold air aloft.

The rainfall total of 78.2mm was above the seasonal average of 72.8mm.

Despite the number of dull days during the month, the total sunshine hours of 81.8 hours was well above the seasonal average of 67.9 hours albeit less than the 116.4 hours of 2003.

The mean maximum temperature of 9.0°C and minimum of 4•3°C were both well above their respective seasonal averages of 7.4°C and 2.8°C.

A.E.S. 04 FEB 04

Weather Information