The sudden and very welcome incursion of warm continental air on the 28th to 31st saved August from the distinction of being that rare feature of our current climate - a significantly cool month.
Even with this warmth, peaking with a reading of 30.2c on the 31st, the mean, or average, temperature of the month was slightly below normal.
A feature of August was the complete absence of any sustained warm weather, (something that we have erroneously allowed ourselves to expect every summer month), and the generally rather cool nature of many nights.
The month was favourable for the harvest, and providentially we were situated on the boundary of two very contrasting meteorological regimes, causing serious drought and heat over Iberia and much of France, and excessive rain's and serious flooding over parts of central Europe. This is not particularly unusual, as central Europe, especially in alpine regions, is prone to heavy rains in August.
The drought in Spain, and in particular Portugal has lasted for many months, and combined with unusually hot conditions, has created ideal conditions for widespread forest fires.
The severity and extent of the wind-induced damage and subsequent flooding caused by hurricane Katrina is almost impossible for us to fully comprehend.
The swathes of destruction and floods in parts of the states of Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama cover an area larger than the British Isles.
The severity of this dreadful storm was well forecast - indeed I cannot recollect ever hearing more apocalyptic warnings.
We must not assume that the intensity and associated destructive power of Katrina is indicative of global warming. It is true that hurricanes derive their energy from warm sea surface temperatures, and that tropical storms have doubled their destructive potential in the past thirty years due to a warming of ocean surfaces. However, this appears to be merely part of a natural cycle that reaches a peak every twenty to thirty years, the next peak due around 2020.
It must also be borne in mind, that part at least, of the increase in damage caused by hurricanes is due to the ever-increasing development of often rather flimsy properties in exposed locations.
With massive implications to coastal areas of Norfolk, the false economy, (or criminal negligence), of 'saving money' by not maintaining or upgrading sea flood defences, has been tragically apparent at New Orleans.
A 300 foot breach in a levee or dyke was the main contributory cause of the flooding of the city. In spite of long-standing warnings last year US federal budget cuts had halted work on at risk levees for the first time in 37 years.
August 2005
Total rainfall: 44.1mms
Wettest day: 10.8mms 24th
Days with rain: 15
Coolest day: 16.8mms 8th
Warmest day: 30.2c 31st
Average temperature: 16.2c
-NB
