On 12th heavy rain and strong-gale SE winds introduced milder air and
maximum temperatures remained above normal until 22nd, with the
exception of 19th which saw a temporary return to easterly winds. The
generally S-SW winds brought some wet & windy weather, but with
reasonable amounts of sunshine inbetween. It was this milder period
which resulted in the temperature anomaly being lower than most parts
of the UK.


To demonstrate the sharp change to much milder conditions in Penzance
on 12th/13th January, which persisted for most of the month, and led
to temperatures contrasting with the rest of the UK, I've uploaded a
temperature graph to http://www.turnstone-cottage.co.uk/JanTempGraph.PDF

Helps explain why the December/January period here was less cold even
than Dec/Jan '96/'97

Worth a look I think.

Graham
Penzance