October warmer and drier than usual on Isle of Man

October on the Isle of Man saw about a quarter less rainfall than average

October's weather on the Isle of Man was “warmer, drier and calmer” than the 30-year average, Ronaldsway Met Office has confirmed.

The average daily maximum temperature was 14.2C, which was 0.4C above that recorded over the 1991-2020 period.

Temperatures rose as high as 16.5C during the day on 7 October, with the minimum at night time across the month 1C above average.

The latest statistics follow on the warmest May on record on the island, which saw temperatures rise 2C above the average.

Forecasters said October nights were “mild, with no air frosts" and a mean minimum temperate of 10.2C, but the coolest night dropped to 3.9C.

Rainfall for the period was is about 23% below average, and the wind speed across the month was 12.6 knots, nearly one knot below the long term average.

While Storm Ashley had brought gales and coastal issues on the 20 October, overall there were only five days where strong winds were recorded, making the joint third lowest number on record for the month, forecasters said.

The total number of hours of sunshine stood at 116 during the period, which was 10 higher than the 30-year average, with the sunniest day falling on 10 October giving way to “clear skies perfect for a good display of the Aurora Borealis”, they added.