THE MICROCLIMATE OF WELLS

 

Wells has its own unique microclimate, as shown by the data below, using the daily temperature data recorded by the school`s weather computer for 1997, 1998 and 1999.

Click here to see a graph of the average daily temperatures for 1999.

To an extent, the city is no different to other larger settlements in that it has an urban heat island. But the microclimate of Wells is caused by many other unique features as well. The buildings of the beautiful Cathedral are known to disturb the air flows and therefore the wind patterns, and another factor is the city`s site at the foot of the southern part of the Mendip Hills. This sheltered location in the lee of the Mendips is another one of the important factors which have contributed to the distinctive weather characteristics of England's smallest city.

During the MetLink 2000 Project during January and February 2000, a more detailed investigation was undertaken, comparing the data from the school`s weather station with temperature data from the homes of ten day pupils in the Lower Sixth.

Click here for further information about the results of this Project.

   

Monthly data

Av Min Temp

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Oct

Nov

1997

-0.2

2.3

2.7

3.5

5.7

9.7

8.6

4.7

6

1998

1.3

2

4.8

4.2

8.1

9.7

10.6

10.6

1.6

1999

1

1.8

3.8

5.6

7.8

8.2

12.7

5.1

4.7

Av Max Temp

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Oct

Nov

1997

7

9.9

13.5

16.2

20.6

21.7

23.7

16.3

14.3

1998

8.3

12.4

12.2

14.8

20.8

21.1

21.3

16.3

11.2

1999

8.9

8.7

12.2

16.2

20.8

22.1

25.7

16.8

12.3
Written by Dr.A.K.Hignell - Head of Geography at Wells Cathedral School

Table compiled by Mr.Kris Robbetts