In article ,
Gianna writes:
Stuart Rogers wrote:

I must admit I leave mine at midnight as I have never understood why
met readings should not follow the actual day! But that discussion is
for another thread :-)


It may as well be discussed here.
Could it be that the Met. Office thought it unwise to require its
employees to take the readings from their screen equipment at midnight?
As they would be at work at 0900, perhaps it seemed logical to take the
readings 'first thing'.

I think that's the reason. Not just its own employees, either. It was
even more of a factor when it came to amateur observers.
--
John Hall

"I am not young enough to know everything."
Oscar Wilde (1854-1900)

John Hall wrote:
In article ,
Gianna writes:
Stuart Rogers wrote:

I must admit I leave mine at midnight as I have never understood why
met readings should not follow the actual day! But that discussion is
for another thread :-)

It may as well be discussed here.
Could it be that the Met. Office thought it unwise to require its
employees to take the readings from their screen equipment at midnight?
As they would be at work at 0900, perhaps it seemed logical to take the
readings 'first thing'.

I think that's the reason. Not just its own employees, either. It was
even more of a factor when it came to amateur observers.


I was also tempted to suggest that as days are (sort of) circular, there isn't
an 'actual day' that starts at any particular time. What with standardised time
zones, and daylight savings, there cannot be many places in the world where 0000
is at mid-night and 1200 at mid-day anyway. Logically, I would think a day
starts at sunrise. Although as suggested, I am more that happy with 0900 UT,
especially at this time of year ... sunrise will be getting rather early quite soon.

I guess I succumbed to temptation - but just for fun; not intended to start a
major debate (-:


--
Gianna

http://www.buchan-meteo.org.uk
* * * * * * *

In message , John Hall
writes
In article ,
Gianna writes:
Stuart Rogers wrote:

I must admit I leave mine at midnight as I have never understood why
met readings should not follow the actual day! But that discussion is
for another thread :-)


It may as well be discussed here.
Could it be that the Met. Office thought it unwise to require its
employees to take the readings from their screen equipment at midnight?
As they would be at work at 0900, perhaps it seemed logical to take the
readings 'first thing'.

I think that's the reason. Not just its own employees, either. It was
even more of a factor when it came to amateur observers.
Having climbed up anemometer masts covered in clear ice at 0200 or 0300,
done observations throughout the night for 35 years. I totally
repudiate any Met Office observers do anything but work their little
socks off. Day or night, whatever the weather, at peace or in war zones
- makes no difference. They are true professionals! Why the heck did I
transfer to the less important job of forecasting.
I was young I suppose.
Cheers
Paul.
--
'Wisest are they that know they do not know.' Socrates.
Paul Bartlett FRMetS
www.rutnet.co.uk Go to local weather.
400FT AMSL 25Miles southwest of the Wash