Climate

by Alun ap Rhisiart — last modified Aug 28, 2010 05:56 PM

Climate 1 The peninsula has a climate typical of the western seaboard, enjoying as it does the full influence of the warming Gulf Stream. Severe frosts are rare; when they do occur, plants such as palm trees suffer greatly. Likewise, heavy snowfall and retention are infrequent, although the Garelochhead area tends to attract more snow due to the proximity behind of hills exceeding 2000 feet in height. At the same time, this range of hills tends to shelter the area from the worst excesses of the east wind - the tip of the peninsula is more exposed.

Climate 2 Rainfall averages 50 - 70 inches / year, though in a wet year such as 1948, Coulport recorded over 100 inches, while in 1998 over 85 inches were noted at Kilcreggan. Autumn and winter months tend to be wettest, tapering off to spring and early summer, after which rainfall increases steadily into autumn (though September is often an exception to this trend). (For a detailed analysis, see Ben Bellamy's 'Kilcreggan rainfall 2002'.)

: Climate 3

The district receives its fair share of sunshine; summer temperatures rarely exceed 80 0 F (27 0 C). Fog can occur, especially in the autumn and winter, but seldom lasts for more than a couple of days. The prevailing wind is from the south west. Thunderstorms usually average just 1 or 2 per year.
See also weather links in the classified directory.

Photographs

1.© alexander mcrobbiemunro www.trekearth.com/gallery/photo125279.htm

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