In the 120 years since the Met Office began keep weather records for the UK, and they can confirm that December 2010 was the coldest ever (beating previous figures set in 1933), and the coldest individual month since February 1986. 

 

Statistics

Compared to Devon, which had an average of 0.6C, Cornwall was let off lightly at a comparatively warm 2.4C.  However, both were colder than previous records, at 1.5C and 2.9C respectively.  Snow across the region caused chaos with transport and business links, but did leave scope for some very nice galleries, which you can check out by pressing here.

However, overall 2010 was a very mild year, with reduced rainfall and increased temperatures compared to averages.

Newquay

Temperatures fell to freezing in Newquay, and it snowed several times throughout the month. In official figures, the town was not as cold as some of its neighbours, but this does not account for the coastal wind chill. 

January

This month looks set to be a much more ‘normal’ affair.  The forecast from the Met Office is the usual mixture of cold, chilly and wet.  Newquay is again a little warmer than its neighbours, dropping only as low as 5C (compared to 1C in Wadebridge!) and peaking at 12C by Thursday. 

Plain old Cornish Winters - unpredictable it may be, but at least I don’t fear for my life every time my car takes a corner. 

 

Have your say.

Did it seem to you like the coldest December EVER in your town?  Do you think the weather has anything to do with climate change or is it just ‘one of those things’?  Would you be happy if December 2011 were the same?

(Photo Courtesy of Vern Beachy)