It looks as if we're in for gales at the equinox this year. But is there
any truth in the notion of an 'equinoctial gale'? If so, is it the
equinox that makes a difference or is it just the general change of
season?

--
Kate B

PS nospam means nospam. But umra at cockaigne dot org dot uk will get through!

On Saturday, September 22, 2012 4:15:40 PM UTC+1, Kate Brown wrote:
It looks as if we're in for gales at the equinox this year. But is there

any truth in the notion of an 'equinoctial gale'? If so, is it the

equinox that makes a difference or is it just the general change of

season?



--

Kate B

Autumn equinoctal gales don't seem to exist here!

I've just checked all days with gales in Penzance in the last 20 years and there have only been 2 in September, that's equal with July and less than June!

March has had 21 gales (1 per year) but this is much less than 49 occurences in January (2.5 per year)

So as far as Cornwall is concerned, the answer is a decisive no. The 'stormy' season here is October (which has had 21 gales in the last 20 years) until March.

Graham
Penzance

On Sep 22, 4:15*pm, Kate Brown wrote:
It looks as if we're in for gales at the equinox this year. But is there
any truth in the notion of an 'equinoctial gale'? *If so, is it the
equinox that makes a difference or is it just the general change of
season?

--
Kate B

PS nospam means nospam. But umra at cockaigne dot org dot uk will get through!

Climatologically, the winter months show a peak in gale frequency.
As far as I know the autumn equinox does not show any peak, but I saw
some study (can't remember where now) which showed an increase in
gales near the spring equinox.
This figures as north-south temperature gradient is at a max then due
to Arctic ice.
Warming mid lats in spring enable any instabilty in the westerly flow
to concentrate the temp. gradient and so amplify the disturbance.

Len
Wembury, SW Devon

On Sep 22, 4:15*pm, Kate Brown wrote:
It looks as if we're in for gales at the equinox this year. But is there
any truth in the notion of an 'equinoctial gale'? *If so, is it the
equinox that makes a difference or is it just the general change of
season?

I've got it booked in as an harmonic with Tropical Storms. Something
on the Antarctic forecasts are also showing the signal.

Kate Brown scrive:

It looks as if we're in for gales at the equinox this year.

Where? We had very light winds for the equinox here. Can't be 'in for'
them after the event.

--
Gianna
Peterhead, Scotland

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