On Aug 14, 4:29*pm, Simon S wrote:

Not sure on the statistics but here in SE Sheffield and over in
Rotherham it seems to have been a very dry year so far. This seems to
be a local effect and over in Doncaster and up over the peaks there
seems to have been plenty of rain.

It is a similar story in the rain shadow down here in Coventry, Simon.

In the first two weeks of August, we have recorded just 28% of the
normal rainfall for this period over the past 30 years or so, while in
2011 so far, the rainfall total so far is 41% below average.

As for summer, the rainfall total so far is just 57% of the 30 year
average.

I have been watering the garden all day today as a result, as even
deep rooted shrubs are struggling - the lawn will have to look after
itself however!

Steve Jackson
Bablake Weather Station
Coventry UK
www.bablakeweather.co.uk