WEATHER REPORT, DECEMBER,
1961/62
1961
T h e weather during the first week of December was marked by light breezes from the South-West and West. Minimum air temperatures were generally above freezing point. Tbe weather continued damp, cloudy and rather mild with maximum air temperature reaching 59.5°F. (15°C.) on 12th December, and minimum temperatures all over 35°F. (2°C.). Winds were mainly from the South-West, accompanied by considerable cloud cover. 15th December saw the start of a cold, clear, rather drv spell during which winds were mostly Easterly. Min imum temperatures feil to below 20°F. (—6.5°C.) and maximum temperatures rose to 35°F. (2°C.). T h e ground was frozen daily between 15th and 29th, except for 20th to 22nd inclusive, when warm winds were accompanied by a complete cloud cover and a slight rise in temperature. Maximum temperatures rose to 47°F. (8°C.) in the closing days of the month, which were cloudy, with sleet and rain. Summary Total precipitation 2.9" falling on 14 days. Mean minimum air temperature 37°F. (3°C.) (recorded over 24 days). Mean maximum air temperature 43°F. (6°C.) (recorded over 25 days). Light wind breeze on most days, but no strong winds. No snow cover. Air frost on 10 days. Note :—The recording site at the Ipswich Civic College was moved from a roof site to ground level in the middle of the month, with a consequent three days' gap in recording and a possible discrepancy between temperature readings at the beginning and end of the month. JANUARY,
1962
Westerly and South-Westerly winds dominated the month's weather, Westerly winds being experienced on 13 days and SouthWesterlies on 11 days of the month. Generally these winds were associated with considerable or complete cloud cover, and were light or moderate, except for a South-Westerly gale on 1 Ith January. Enough snow feil on 3Ist December and Ist January to cause a snow cover of 2i", but it thawed on 3rd January and no further snow feil until 3Ist.