July of the previous year attained the status of being the hottest month in the historical records of the Meteorological Office, boasting an average air temperature of 29.6°C.
Prior to this, the local temperature record was held by August 1999, with an average temperature of 29.2°C.
Although a sequence of exceptionally higher-than-average temperatures was recorded last month, the ultimate distinction of the highest temperature still rests with August 1999, when the mercury reached an impressive 43.8°C.
Analyzing the maximum temperatures throughout July, it is evident that on 24 days, the thermometer surged past the established climate norm of 31.7°C. Notably, during a ten-day heatwave, six consecutive days experienced maximum temperatures ranging from 40°C to 42.7°C, culminating on July 24th.
July’s coldest point occurred on the 6th, registering a temperature of 21.1°C, which deviated 1.0°C below the standard minimum for the month. Interestingly, back in 1980, the nighttime temperature had plummeted to 15.5°C, a figure more in line with November’s norms than those of July.
Accompanying the elevated temperatures of last July were a total of 382.1 hours of sunshine, even on the least sunny day which logged 10.7 hours of sunshine. The month’s average cloud cover stood at 0.3 oktas, falling below the anticipated 0.8 oktas.
Unsurprisingly, considering the customary rainfall for July is a mere 0.1mm, the month remained completely dry.
Despite being relatively tranquil, July did experience a maximum gust of 31 knots originating from the Northwest on the second day. Towards the end of the month, there was a much-welcomed return of northwest winds, contributing to a cooler climate on the islands.
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