We have just been through an awful summer, with lots of rain and temperatures averaging 2-3 degrees below normal. Farmers, of course, think that these conditions are marvellous, and I must admit that the grass is standing high in the fields and even our garden is in good condition. However, I like the sun and was fed up with endless dull days.
Now we are in Autumn, which officially began on 1 March, things have changed for the better. In fact, the entire last week has been gloriously sunny and temperatures have climbed into the mid 20s (about 77 F). Since we're about as high Mt Snowdon in Wales, imagine the temperatures there at the same time in the northern hemisphere (i.e. September). I doubt if they've ever reached 77 at any time of the year. Of course, we have a slight advantage. In mid-March the angle of sun at mid-day here is the same as in the UK's mid-summer.
Meanwhile, the same weather systems have created hell down south. Adelaide managed a week of temperatures > 38 degrees (100 F), and this is a record. Melbourne likewise was very hot and Hobart ... . Australians think Hobart is half way to Antarctica and, for the mostpart, has temperatures to match, making Armidale look like a hot spot. Well, Hobart reached 39 degrees C on Thursday and I imagine that most of the population expired. My replacement at UNE arrived from her previous post in Hobart a couple of weeks ago and must have been relieved!
AS
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