AFTER the decent June and July, August was a bit of a let-down. The first week or so was very changeable, with a few downpours and, at times, a brisk breeze. However, since it blew chiefly from the south-west, temperatures reached about average.

The heavy rain and strong winds on the 10th arose from the depression containing the remains of ex-Hurricane Bertha. As it tracked north-east across South-East England and up the North Sea, it intensified further to be almost as deep as a typical winter low. This, and those that followed, then tended to hang around close to southern Scandinavia.

Consequently, winds prevailed from a north-westerly quarter, and it became cool and showery. On this side of the Pennines though, rain was mainly slight and well-scattered, but there was still the odd rumble of thunder. It was notably nippy from the 19th, when the airstream originated north of the Arctic Circle. There were even a couple of ground frosts in some locations.

It was particularly icy aloft on the 23rd and, as a result, showers formed readily over the North Sea, before running inland. This made them more like those you get in winter rather than in summer. Eventually, during the final few days, the mercury managed a welcome recovery.

It was the first cooler than average month since November and the coldest August for 21 years. The one in 1986 was easily the most autumnal in the past three decades, with temperatures 2.0ºC (3.5ºF) below this month’s. Rainfall ranged from near normal to one and a half times the usual up in the Dales. The first ten days accounted for up to threequarters of totals.

Amounts over the summer were about those expected. All the months were wetter than in 2013, but were quite dry compared to most going back as far as 2004. Although an ordinary summer, it was still the best since 2006, apart from last year’s.

One benefit of that lengthy spell of north-westerlies was the largely excellent visibility they provided. This was exceptional for August, when days are often hazy. While the weather might not have suited all holiday-makers, those walking on the hills, no doubt, enjoyed the crystal clear views.

August’s figures at Carlton-in-Cleveland

Mean Maximum: 18.8C, 66F (-1.2C, -2.1F)

Mean Minimum: 10.5C, 51F (-1.1C, -2.0F)

Highest Maximum: 23.1C, 73.5F, 5th

Lowest Minimum: 4.7C, 40.5F, 20th

Total Rainfall: 66mm, 2.6ins (-6.5mm, -0.25ins)

Wettest Day: 18mm, 0.7ins, 10th

No of Rain Days, with 0.2mm (0.01ins) or more: 18 (+4)

(Figures in brackets show the difference from the 31-year mean, 1983-2013)