Why are the tides so high at this time of year (leaving aside the
weather effect) - I thought they were supposed to be highest around the
equinoxes?


Paul Hyett, Cheltenham

They are normally biggest near the equinox, but there are other astronomical factors at work apart from the angle of the Earth to the sun, I'll leave it to the astronomers on this group to explain, meaning I'd only be making inspired guesses (distance to the moon etc). This years distribution of high spring tides is very unusual.

Graham
Penzance