January in Northern Ireland significantly colder and wetter than normal, Met Office says
No - it's not just your imagination - January in Northern Ireland has been significantly colder and wetter than normal, the Met Office has advised.
However, despite an unsettled week of weather – and even the possibility of some snow ahead - we are escaping the Yellow Weather warnings in force for parts of Scotland and England.
Fresh warnings of rain have been issued following heavy downpours which have led to road closures and affected rail travel in some parts of the UK.
A Met Office yellow alert for rain in Perthshire, the Stirling area and some of north-east Scotland is in force until midnight on Friday and a further warning extending into Sunday has now been issued for part of that area.
The Met Office is warning of of a “small chance of fast-flowing or deep floodwater causing danger to life”.
A yellow Warning of rain and wind in south-west England and southern Wales is in force until 9am on Saturday.
Forecasters said Storm Ingrid will bring spells of heavy rain and strong winds across parts of south-west England and South Wales during Friday before easing on Saturday morning.
Gusts of 45-50mph are expected widely inland and could reach up to 60mph near coasts, with winds peaking during Friday evening before gradually easing overnight and into Saturday morning.
In Northern Ireland, temperatures have been below average for January - and 96% of the average rain has already fallen for the month - with over a week to go.
In one incident in Co Down yesterday, two people were rescued and their car towed after getting trapped on Caugheys Road in the Dromore area. Police confirmed the car involved was stuck in water and it is understood a local farmer towed it out. No injuries were reported.
Met Office Spokesman Stephen Dixon told the News Letter: Low pressure has been the dominant force for Northern Ireland’s weather through much of this month, bringing cloud, winds and rain.
"At this point in the month, you’d expect around 71% of the January’s total average rainfall, but Northern Ireland is currently at 96%, with further wet and windy weather in the forecast in the coming days.
"Despite the relatively gloomy weather of recent days, sunshine amounts are actually tracking ahead of average so far for January in Northern Ireland, though it’s still just 37 hours of sunshine so far, such is the nature of winter sunshine.
"Temperatures have also been below average so far in Northern Ireland, which might not have helped with the ‘gloomy’ feeling some may describe."
Nor is there any immediate let-up in the next week or so, he said.
"It’s another unsettled weekend of weather on the way for Northern Ireland. While Saturday will start dry and cloudy for many, low pressure from the south will introduce rain and some gusty winds through the day, with the influence of that pressure system never too far away on Sunday, though the intensity of showers should gradually weaken through Sunday.
"Again, Monday may start with a drier interlude, but eyes are looking to the west for the arrival of the next front, which will again bring rain and wind at times to Northern Ireland.
"It’s set to be another week of unsettled weather in Northern Ireland, with even a chance of snow over high ground at times, though it’s too early to give specific details at this range."