Blowing hot and cold in seasonal madness
Date published: 02 November 2009
WHAT a difference a year makes — 12 months ago snowflakes were falling but in 2009 Oldhamers enjoyed a warm October.
Last year residents woke to a blanket of snow and minus three degrees Celsius, with gritters out on the borough’s highways to make icy roads safe.
A maximum temperature of 3.8C (39F) made it the coldest October day since 1979, while a night-time low of minus two degrees was the coldest October since 1993.
But fast forward 12 months and in stark contrast it’s been unseasonably warm, allowing residents to enjoy autumnal scenery in our acclaimed parks and countryside without wrapping up tightly.
Last week, temperatures reached 16C (61F) and even overnight it never dipped below 11C (52F). In some areas of the country it has topped 20C. It was perfect timing for the half-term break.
The difference has been documented by the Chronicle’s photographers with these pictures showing families and dog walkers enjoying the weather in Chadderton Hall Park — compared to the frosts of last year.
While much of the summer may have been a washout, forecasters say the recent mild weather has provided an Indian summer, caused by winds from the South bringing in warm air from France.
But keep the mittens and scarves to hand temperatures are due to fall this week.
