Category: Weather
New site for Accuweather UK and Ireland
10th November 2006 When OnlineWeather.com was replaced by Accuweather.com UK and Ireland, there were some things that were lost. Among these were maps for long range regional forecasts and regional precipitation probabilities; the latter was limited to mountain forecasts.
After something of a hiatus, maps are making more of an appearance in the new site, albeit for the whole of the UK and Eire rather than the regions as before. Interestingly, one piece of text referred to the UK as "the nation", giving away the American origins of the forecasts. Local forecasts continue, but with more description of what the weather is going to do over the whole day: a useful summary. However, the number of places covered seems to have been reduced: for example, Dolgellau is no longer recognised and looking for Keswick results in the weather for Norwich, not good. When a search request is not found, the header disappears at times, but that is probably a teething problem.
In summary, this site looks more pleasing on the eye than the old (apart from the ads with which it is laden unless you pay for the service) and contains some new features such as health-related forecasting. In addition, they also have very nice feeds for blogs and so on. Nevertheless, it has some way to go before it fully occupies the niche left by OnlineWeather, which seems to be fulfilled a little better by Metcheck. That said, the site provides another perspective, if a conservative one, and is more than valuable for that.
Midge forecasting
6th September 2006 While midges are famed for being a right nuisance to walkers in Scotland, they also exist in Ireland as well. That makes recall an incident when one character paid a price by the shores of Lough Gur in County Limerick for wearing a short-sleeved shirt on a summer's evening; bare arms can attract unwanted attention. The language used was not in keeping with the tone of this place, so let us just say that the word borstals comes to mind.
Nevertheless, the Scottish counterparts have a reputation of legendary proportions. It is little wonder that some avoid the months of June, July and August because of them. Then, wild camping becomes a challenge because of them; it is one of the reasons why the TGO Challenge is held in May.
Picking the right weather will help too; breezy conditions are better than muggy, humid ones. Otherwise, the wearing of nets over one's head and keeping moving become necessary actions; waiting for a rural bus to get you to your accommodation is incompatible with remaining unattended by clouds of the beasties.
There have been times when I have been irritated by them, yet I reckon that others suffer more (my brother may be among those; he certainly has spoken of them in that way), some so much so that they are put off Scotland for life. The Scottish Midge Forecast then is a useful tool in the armoury of many an outdoors enthusiast, particularly given the grandeur and renown of Scotland's hill country.
Originally, the forecast was developed by scientists at the University of Edinburgh and uses a combination of weather forecasting and midge traps to inform visitors of the pest level of these blighters so that any discomfort can be avoided or, more likely, curtailed. These days, you will find the thing under the custodianship of Smidge, a manufacturer of insect repellent; it takes no stretch of the imagination to work out how such an association came to be, even if the existence of the service makes you wonder if it is a hazard to their profitability.
A Scorching Sojourn: The Parched Paths of Macclesfield
26th July 2006 As I pen these lines, the United Kingdom is basking in the prolonged warmth of a summer heatwave. While such delightful weather undeniably holds its allure, it also carries certain pitfalls, one of which is the looming specter of drought. A leisurely ramble around Macclesfield last Sunday week served as a stark reminder of this reality.
The countryside, typically a verdant tapestry of vibrant hues, now wore a somber brown palette. The ground beneath my feet was dusty in some places, cracked and parched in others - a testament to the ravages of the dry weather. My journey began along the Macclesfield Canal, before I ventured onto a footpath leading me towards Gawsworth. Returning using a combination of footpaths and roadways, I was reminded that even in such conditions, the great outdoors continues to offer a unique blend of challenges and rewards.
Walking under the scorching sun necessitates a degree of caution. While some might argue against rambling during such sweltering weather, especially for the very young, the elderly, or those with underlying health issues, I believe there's a way to navigate these conditions prudently. Essential items such as ample water and sunscreen become indispensable companions on such outings. One must always prioritize the prevention of conditions like sunburn, melanoma, sunstroke, and heatstroke.
Peering into my weather app, I was reassured to see that rain is indeed forecast, interspersed with bouts of sunshine. A recent meteorological prediction hints at a milder, wetter winter than usual - a hint we might as well heed and make the most of the remaining warm days.
My ramble around Macclesfield served not only as a reminder of nature's cyclical transformation but also as a testament to its resilience. It offered a silent soliloquy on the beauty that lies in adapting to the elements, and the joy that comes from exploring the great outdoors, even in challenging conditions.
As the leaves begin to turn and the days grow shorter, let us not forget the lessons learned on our sun-kissed ramble. Let us embrace the coming changes with open arms, ready to explore the beauty that each season brings. And who knows? Perhaps the next adventure awaits just around the corner of a dusty path, leading us to new discoveries and memories yet to be made.
Best time of the year?
12th May 2006 Wander into the verdant landscape of May, and you'll discover a patchwork woven with nature's symphony. As a seasoned copywriter and outdoor journalist, I have come to cherish this time of year, where the splendour of spring unfurls across England in a riot of colour, sound, and scent.
From student days when May was a tantalising preview of summer, to now, when I can savour the delights this month brings, the transformation is nothing short of breathtaking. April serves as an appealing prelude, with leaves emerging on trees over the span of a week or two. Their fresh lush shade of green becomes a persistent backdrop through June, a time I also hold dear.
It's not just the visual spectacle that captivates; the melodious chorus of birdsong fills the air more noticeably at this time of year. The sweetness of oil seed rape fields adds an olfactory dimension to these outdoor excursions. I had long considered these expanses of bright yellow merely enriching the landscape's visual tapestry, yet it was only recently that I learned of their pungent aroma.
My daily cycle to work provides ample opportunity to indulge in these sensory delights, particularly on my detour home in the evening. It is on these journeys that I have come to appreciate the subtle, understated beauty of a field of oil seed rape – an understated yet potent reminder of the season's transformation.
Sunshine elevates these experiences to near-unforgettable moments. As you pedal through the countryside, with the wind in your hair and birdsong serenading you, it is impossible not to feel a sense of connection to nature – a reminder of our place within this beautiful world.
So if you find yourself yearning for a touch of the outdoors this spring, consider a leisurely sojourn through England's picturesque countryside. Allow the melodies of birdsong to guide your steps, let the verdant green envelop you, and breathe deeply as you absorb the intoxicating fragrance of oil seed rape fields bathed in sunshine. It is an experience that transcends seasons, reminding us of the simple joys that nature offers us – if only we take the time to appreciate them.
