Scottish Weather (Part One)

The Weather is a subject of constant discussion in Scotland, and one whose characteristics resemble a mischievous child known to play up, then unexpectedly settle down.

But despite variability in the weather there are trends and resultant common misconceptions. It is not always raining and cold with three-feet of snow. Depending upon season it can be quite warm, even hot with abundant sunshine. Nonetheless one thing you can be sure of, is the Scottish mountains greatly affect the weather and it is therefore, local to the extreme.

Simply put by author Jackie Redding, "it can be raining at the front of the house and not at the back! Hence, if you don't like the weather just wait 'a wee whiley' or 'go doon the road' and it will change."

Rain

For example, a large piece of Scotland is made up of the ruggedly scenic Highlands, where annual rainfall exceeds 1600mm (63 inches). In comparison, a huge proportion of Scotland, some 3730 square miles, has an annual rainfall of less than 800mm (31 inches). Moreover, many districts in the north and east of the country have a total rainfall of less that 250mm (10 inches) on average over the four Summer months, which is comparable with the drier parts of England.

Temperature
Like rainfall, temperature in Scotland varies according to season, latitude and longitude as well as several other factors. For instance, in Spring, Summer and Autumn the effect of latitude is the dominant factor in determining what temperature may be experienced.

Snow
One thing that does hold true, is that Scotland experiences a greater number of days with snow than England and Wales. However, it must be stated that the majority of Scotland's population do not endure severe, snowy winters. Coastal areas and low lying parts of the Western Isles, experience on average less than 10 days in the year with lying snow, while the north and northeast have between 15 and 20 days.

Those areas most likely to suffer in excess of 20 days with lying snow, or snow related disturbances, are those parts of the country located on high ground. Snowfall increases considerably with height, and as a result places like Braemar, situated at an altitude of 339 metres, have on average 59 days per year with snow.

summary
It is apparent that Scottish weather varies considerably, due to the rain, varying temperatures, and snow, depending upon season and locale, but it is not as extreme as many people would believe.

Nonetheless, the above explanations are rather crude depictions of Scottish Weather patterns. Additional factors help determine rainfall rate, temperature and snow fall and thus allow Palm Trees to grow in the Northwest of Scotland, and the Föhn Effect to raise temperatures in the Moray Firth.