The East and West Horsley Forum

[Harry]

I find the weather station fascinating - especially the historic data even though it only goes back a few years. I have used the Met Office historic data online which goes back to the mid-1800s for Oxford. That means you can analyze changes averaged over a very long period. But the weather can vary quite a lot - even between East & West Horsley. Does anyone know of any other local weather data that is available ?

[NeilFuller]

Hi Harry

The weather station has been sitting there a while now, doing it's thing, all automatically - Well almost!

It's solar powered but with a small lithium back-up battery.

Sometimes, normally during the depths of winter, when it's been gloomy for a couple of weeks, the battery runs out and the data gets corrupted.

Unfortunately, the program used to gather the data (Virtual Weather Station) doesn't provide an easy way to correct errors

As a consequence, don't use the historic data on a scientific basis (you'll never prove or disprove global warming with my data )

However, it does give an indication of what's been happening locally and it's great to web in to when you are away on holday, just to see what you are missing!!

There are several local automatic weather stations locally - I'll try and dig out some details for you.

Meanwhile, there's loads of resources on the web - Do use use useNET? If so, hunt out uk.sci.weather for a lively discussion on UK based weather subjects.

Cheers

Neil

[Harry]

Hi Neil,
Thanks for the info. Do you analyse your data at all ? I have copied the historic data strings into EXCEL and split them into a column for each heading. I do the same with the Met Office data and work out 100 year rolling averages, etc.
Regards
Harry

[NeilFuller]

It has always been my intention to analyse the data Harry, along with developing the website but kids and business (and other hobbies) get in the way.

Cheers


Neil

[Melissa]

Talking of weather and this is something I never thought about until I moved away but anyone know why the UK weather is forecast in fahrenheit and celsius depending on the time of year?

[NeilFuller]

Yes, I've noticed that, and in weather nerd circles, it infuriates people!

I think individual weather forecasters choose their own standard which I think is influenced by what sounds better

70 DegF - Nice and warm, certainly sounds better than 21 DegC
-5 DegC - Brrrrr - and sounds colder than 23 DegF.

I do wish they would stick to one or the other though.

[Harry]

Neil,
Regarding your weather data, have you noticed that the historic data holds daily rainfall one day out ? I think its because the last total is at 12 midnight. I suppose some other data might be affected although max & min temperatures would rarely fall at midnight. I hope to do some comparisons with my wildlife records when time permits.