WEATHER AT LINCOLN

Press, Volume CVIII, Issue 31781, 11 September 1968, Page 7

WEATHER AT LINCOLN

August Dry, Less Sun

For the second year in succession, August was a warm, dry month, but' mean temperatures were rather lower than last year—the warmest August for 31 years, says the meteorological report from Lincoln College. The mean temperature for the month, 47 degrees, was 2.7 degrees above the average. A maximum temperature of 68.5 degrees was recorded on August 7, and a minimum of 26 degrees on August 21. There were 16 days with frost, although these generally were not heavy. In spite of the general improvement in the weather, the hours of sunshine in August remained below average for the sixth month in succession, says the report—l 34.7 hours being recorded, compared with an average of 142.8 hours.

Less Sunshine For the last six months the sunshine total is 17.4 per cent less than usual. The August rainfall of ,62in was well below the average of 2.15 in. and the lowest recorded since 1959, when .45in fell.

The long spell of dry weather has done a good deal to improve soil conditions, says the report. Extensive soil cultivation has been possible, allowing work delayed by rain to be done, and spring sowing of all crops has progressed well. The lack of severe frosts has allowed a good growth of pasture, and there have been no weather set-backs to affect lambing.