An historical perspective on the climate statistics
for Coventry during February 2007


Temperature

February became the sixth month in succession with above average
temperatures in Coventry (+2.0C); we have to go back 11 months to
March 2006 to find the last colder than average month locally.

With a mean monthly temperature of 6.1C, this has been the mildest
February since 2002 (7.0C).

Only thirteen February months have been milder than 2007 since 1892,
five of which have been in the past 17 years (1990, 1995, 1997, 1998
and 2002).

There was the lowest incidence of ground frosts (11) during February
since 2002 (10).


Rainfall

On average, February is the driest month of the year in Coventry.

During February 2007, we recorded just slightly more than double the
normal amount of rain for our region (89.7mm) - this became the eighth
month in succession with higher than average rainfall in our region.

It has been the wettest February locally for 30 years, 1977 recorded
170.6mm - only 7 February months have been wetter than February 2007
since rainfall records were first kept in the city in 1870.

Sunshine

Not only was February mild and wet, it was also quite sunny (83.1hr)
with sunshine levels 22% above the 30-year climatological normal for
the city.

This has become the sunniest February in Coventry since 2003
(101.9hr). 15 February months have recorded more sunshine since 1894.

Wind

With an average monthly wind speed of 6.6mph, it has been the least
windy February in Coventry since 1993 (7.0mph).


Days of particular note during February 2007

· 7th

This was the coldest February night (-5.6C) in the city since
1991((-7.5C). It is interesting to note that prior to 1991, night-time
minima commonly fell below this year's value; in fact temperatures
fell lower than -5.6C no fewer than 5 times during the February months
from 1981 to 1990.

· 8th & 9th

This would not have received even a cursory note of interest in
winters past, but on this day 6cm of snow fell in Coventry, with some
drifts up to 10cm deep. There was widespread local traffic congestion
with schools in Coventry and Warwickshire closed for two days


· 10th

This was the wettest February day (15.5mm) since February 2000
(19.8mm). only 4 February days have been wetter than 10th February
2007 since 1972 (1979, 1985, 1990, 2000).



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