February weather warmer, sunnier and drier than usual

Saturday, 2 March 2019 06:36

Second-highest Manx February on record

Last month was 20% sunnier and 20% drier than the average February, according to the Met Office.

After a chilly start, February was dominated by mild weather, with air coming to the British Isles from the south or southwest.

The cooling effect of the Irish Sea meant the Island didn't see the 20+ degrees recorded in some parts of the British Isles.

Temperatures in the Isle of Man were often in double figures, though.

The mean maximum over the month was 9.8°C, which is two degrees above the long-term average, and the second-highest on record behind February 1998.

The warmest day was the 22nd, with 12.5°C recorded at Ronaldsway.

Just 48mm of rain was collected; about 20% below the long-term average.

A quarter of that fell on the wettest day, which was the 7th.

Ninety-three hours of sunshine were burnt onto the cards; about 20% above the average.

The best day was the 26th, with 9.9 hours.

The mean wind speed was quite low at 13.6 knots, compared to the average of 14.8.

The strongest winds were during Storm Erik on the 8th/9th, with a gust of 60 knots (69mph) recorded at Ronaldsway.

There were two days with sleet, and two days with fog.

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