Weather: warm, dry spring

BY BRENT FOX

Kings County Register

Things have become drier during May and June, with precipitation coming in well below the average in the later month.

Statistics compiled by the Atlantic Food and Horticulture Centre, Kentville, point out only 41.80 millimetres of rain fell last month, compared to 74.5 mm during June, 2007, the 47-year average of 69.98 mm and the 94.82 mm five-year average.

The 47-year average is taken from 1961-2007, while the five-year is from 2003-2007.

The rainiest day last month was June 22, with 14 mm of rain; the previous day receiving 12.80 mm.

The area received 165 hours of sunshine last month, compared to the respective averages of 205.71 hours and 158.44 hours. The sunniest day was May 13, with 12.6 hours.

The mean temperature last month reached 22.12C, compared to 21.75C the same period last year. The warmest day was June 30, when the mercury climbed all the way to 28C. The coolest daytime high was 17.6C, June 15.

June had an average wind speed of 7.39 kilometres per hour, compared to 8.04 km/h in June, 2007, and the respective averages of 2.84 km/h and 8.27 km/h. June 13 was the windiest day, with an average wind speed of 15.20 km/h. June 22 was the calmest, with 4.1 km/h.

The statistics show May was wetter and windier, but also sunnier and slightly warmer, than usual. No snow fell during May, but the area had 93.90 mm of total precipitation, compared to 86.90 mm during the same month in 2007, the 47-year average of 79.92 mm and the five-year average of 87.56 mm.