With apologies to Samuel Taylor Coleridge.
Regular readers will be aware that it has been a long time since one of my weather ‘moans’.
Not only am I determined to stay ‘more positive, in 2017’ I must also confess that we have had a record lack of rainfall over the last couple of months. In fact, the local TV news reporters have been out and about featuring drought issues. They have told us that we have not had such a dry Spring since 1905. Farmers are worrying about crops, water companies are concerned over reservoir levels, and gardeners are concerned about planting. Before you know it, we will have a hosepipe ban!
Not long ago, I was happily cavorting in shorts and a shirt, enjoying unseasonal warmth, and worrying about being bitten by flying insects. I had put away my heavy boots, stored the bulky weatherproof clothing, and furled my umbrella. Walking with Ollie on dry ground was a joy, and flinging open windows to enjoy the fresh air and warmth made me feel like Summer was almost at our door. But Mother Nature was offended by my smugness, and lack of concern. So, she took her revenge.
In the space of twenty-four hours, the temperature fell from 20 C to 9 C. The sunny skies were replaced by threatening clouds, and we had to put the heating back on in the house. Soon after, we experienced frosts at night, followed by bitingly cold, if bright, days. We were heading back into Winter, and travelling quickly. The rain started a couple of days later. “Still not enough”, lamented the TV weatherman. His cry was heard. The rain got heavier, and more persistent. Farmers turned grateful eyes to the skies, and the water companies continued to report that they still didn’t have enough water, if a hot Summer follows.
Then we got light snow. Then hailstorms. Lots of them. I got the heavy boots out again, and shook out the waterproof coats. I even had to find my gloves, as daytime temperatures struggled to get above 6 C, in a cold northerly wind. By this afternoon, we had experienced almost eighteen hours of reasonably heavy rain, and I headed off for my walk with Ollie in a considerable downpour, clutching my resurrected trusty brolly. Nonetheless, both the weathermen and the water companies say it’s not enough.
I’m no expert of course, but it begs the question. After almost four years of constant rain before 2017, where has all water gone? What are reservoirs for? Or did they just not bother to save any? We definitely need someone better in that job. Someone who knows what they are doing.
Staying positive, in 2017. Despite the weather.
Hahahaha! I thought it was just the British who were obsessed with the weather – I think you’re post proves we all are :0)
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It’s a world-wide interest, Kate!
(Though I suspect we talk about it more than most…)
Best wishes, Pete.
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I like the way you wrote this Pete, it made me smile despite the weather.
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It was intended to, Lloyd. Glad it worked!
Best wishes, Pete.
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Best wishes Pete.
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My husband wants to come back in his second life as a weatherman. It doesn’t matter what they forecast (which never seems right), so how can they ever loose their jobs? That’s a chuckle, of course! By the way, is a brolly an umbrella?
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Yes, a brolly is an umbrella, A common name for them in England since Victorian times. I have no idea why, but here’s a definition.
https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/brolly
Best wishes, Pete.
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Thank you, Pete!
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I had to smile a little there through the rain Pete! It reminded me that it always rains in the north especially around Manchester – the home of the industrial revolution and the cotton industry. They chose this area for cotton because it’s so damp and I think they invented arthritis to describe the sheer mind numbing dreariness and pain of it all.
Nobody in Manchester ever says “Oh look! It’s raining, fancy that!” And with the rain, the cold. I’ve lived here all my life and I still hate the cold and rain. We don’t even have weather forecasts anymore of sorts… The weather forecast goes something like “the rain will be heavy sweeping in from the west but for the most part it will be another dark, dank cloudy day” and yet they are still keen around here to instal water meters in every home – the irony is wasted on them.
Thanks for the blog Pete – I’m in catch up mode so I’ll probably add some more considered words after erm? I’ve considered them.
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Thanks, Gary. It’s not as bad here as the north-west, but it’s bad enough for me. It might seem like Florida to you, when you get here!
Best wishes, Pete.
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I am glad it is raining, Pete, as droughts are awful. We had a really bad one last year and no water and water restrictions are not a joke. I do wonder, as you did, why this should be a problem in a country where it rains so much. Surely they should store water for the future. Maybe they think it isn’t necessary as droughts are so rare?
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That could be one reason, Robbie, though localised droughts in some parts of England are not uncommon. I think we are using too many old water pipes that leak, and outdated reservoir systems that cannot cope with increases in populations in some regions.
As for the rain, I have had enough to last a lifetime! 🙂
Best wishes, Pete.
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If its any consultation then we are having a very similar time of it with rain and fluctuating temperatures. At least I have caught up on some inside work, even if the crops are still in packets waiting to be planted!
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I think much of central Europe is experiencing the same sort of thing, Eddy. A mild start to Spring, and a return to Winter. Hope you all have a good weekend.
Cheers, Pete.
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The weather is crazy and backwards all over the globe it seems. 🙂
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It does seem that way, Debby. Though the few dry weeks we had were most welcome.
Best wishes, Pete.
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Hopefully they’ll be back soon. 🙂
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When you want rain from October 1st through the end of April, the Pacific Northwest will not disappoint–we have had over 4 feet of rain in that time. We are, more than willing to share. 🙂
Warmest regards, Theo
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I suppose that’s how you get to have all those nice lakes and lovely scenery, Theo. Always a price to pay!
Best wishes, Pete.
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Sorry to hear about the wet weather you are experiencing. I bet Ollie is not much concerned about it. It must be nice sometimes to experience the cold considering it is practically summer here all year long.
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Ollie is not bothered at all, Arlene, just me! You can have this cold and rain. I have had enough to last me a lifetime! 🙂
Best wishes, Pete.
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Haha, we’ll get to that rain come June.
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We left Barcelona for Madrid very early this morning and it was pouring down. On the way we saw snow on the fields. So.. yes, I think we’re going backwards towards winter…
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And Spain is supposed to always have nice weather! 🙂 But that’s probably only the South.
Best wishes, Pete.
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Here in New England there is an unwritten rule that you turn off the heat from May 1 until October 1. But we are closing in on May and it is still chilly. The leaves are just considering opening.
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Sounds like much the same as here, Elizabeth. It’s not called ‘New England’ for no reason! 🙂
Best wishes, Pete.
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Same here Pete, I suppose we’ll get used to the unpredictability one day. Maybe. 🌂
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I hope you get some sun in Poland, FR. Mind you, a few vodkas, and you won’t care…
Best wishes, Pete.
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Haha just checked- weather same as here. Eddy might be teetotal you know!
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If I recall, he likes a drink! Weather supposed to be better here over the weekend. Fingers crossed for you!
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Cheers Pete! Will raise a glass to you 😊
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You go ahead and rant all you like, Pete!! I can’t believe it’s been just about 6 months since I’ve complained, but get ready!! I was originally thrilled that we had a good Autumn – then that weather continued into a great Winter and eased ever so gently into a fantastic Spring – but this week we see a rise coming and the weatherman says it’ll only get hotter. So like I said dear friend – get ready – because I think my complaints are about to begin!!
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I thought the Americans who moved to Florida did so for the ‘better weather’, GP. 🙂
But too hot is still too hot, at least as far as I’m concerned. I will await your rants with keen anticipation.
Best wishes, Pete.
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Most do come here for the weather, but the older i get, the harder it is to go through the heat.
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Our weather here in New England has been all over the place as well Pete. And we’re pretty used to a capricious Mother Nature. Welcome to climate change.😒
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You live in New England? It looks like a lovely place. I plan on seeing it in my lifetime.
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New England is quite beautiful Vinnie. I think you’d enjoy it.😊
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Well if I do ever visit, I’ll be certain to look out for you.
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It’s a big place mate. Better narrow down the location! 🙂
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When the time comes, I’ll do just that. So much to see.
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That would be wonderful!
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I’ll seek you out most definitely.
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😀
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That’s why it’s called New England, Kim. Because you have the weather we brought over for you on the Mayflower! 🙂
Best wishes, Pete.
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Yep! I blame the British for so many things! Just kidding!😉
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Cold as witches teats here in Luxembourg. 2 weeks ago we had temperatures in the twenties (Celsius, mins mind you) and now it seems like winter’s back….. but no rain! Really dry, and the cons spell has probably killed off all the cherry and apple blossoms.
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That mild start to Spring really had me fooled, Frank. I never learn!
Best wishes, Pete.
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The weather near me has been mercurial at best. It was boiling the other day and then I nearly got blown to bits today. What gives?
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No telling with those ‘Weather Gods’, V. I always reckon we have to pay for the good stuff, with a return to the bad.
Cheers mate, Pete.
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Yes, the cosmic forces seem to have that outlook.
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Irresistible post hence visit, like and tweet! One does wonder what the companies get up to.
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Nice to see you, Sarah. Much appreciated.
Please get well soon.
Best wishes, Pete. x
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Pete, it’s late April here in the States, how can it still be winter in England? And I agree with you on the water issue – if you’ve had plenty in the past, why isn’t more being done to save it for later…hope the weather turns soon for you!
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Very true, John. Almost May, and hailstorms in eastern England. Apparently, it is due to wind from the north. Any excuse…
Regards, Pete.
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I’ve heard talk of this phenomenon you call “rain” but will have to look it up to determine exactly what it is. It probably has manifested itself here in the Mojave Desert at one time or another. But, even though we love to gamble here in Las Vegas, I refuse to lay down bets on this. I hate to lose.
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You cannot miss it, David. It falls from the sky, and makes you wet. Maybe one day… 🙂
Best wishes, Pete.
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I am so very sympathetic to your plight and weather woes! You already know we have had the rainiest, wettest season in Seattle since 1895! So perhaps the rain that should have been falling on your side of the globe these past few months got misdirected and ended up here! And yet, I suspect later this summer we will also be hearing of local drought conditions. I never quite understand that either. standing in solidarity, Susanne
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Thanks, Susanne. As two people who both live in very wet places, we do need to speak up! Where has all that water gone? (That would make a good T-shirt slogan. 🙂
Best wishes, Pete.
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Or
Or perhaps new words for the old song, “Where has all the water gone, long time passing?” 🙂
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That took me back. I have Puff The Magic Dragon on my mind now!
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I love Peter, Paul & Mary! All good songs!
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No-o-o-o now I have and it makes me cry!
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It doesn’t make me cry, just drives me mad!
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Haha I’m soft in the head at that song!
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Peter, Paul, and Mary would like to sing that song (“Where Has All the Water Gone?”). Wait! You’re Peter, right? Give my best regards to Paul and Mary!
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🙂
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Here we have NO winter anymore….this year we had 2 days below 32 or 0C…..and the summers have gotten hotter sooner and dry very dry…..but do not worry according to some there is nothing to worry about…..to those I say Bite Me…..LOL chuq
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Being selfish as I get older, chuq, I welcome the forecasts of weather like the southern Mediterranean becoming the norm here. I just doubt that it will come soon enough for my life-span.
Best wishes, Pete.
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I think you have a point about the reservoirs, Pete… And unlike you, we are not getting any rain here. A definite worry….
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I saw a report that some water companies allow more water to waste from leaks than they actually collect. Eventually, the deficit will be impossible to balance.
No doubt the water-meter rates will be increasing soon though, just to add insult to injury!
Best wishes, Pete.
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Not a happy story….
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Climate change means we’ll have lots of very unpredictable weather like this – many extremes!
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They were saying on TV that this area will have a Mediterranean climate soon. I just hope that I live long enough to see it!
Best wishes, Pete.
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So do I, especially since leaving Crete my Vit D levels have become dangerously low and have been prescribed accordingly.
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We all need much more sunshine, especially you! x
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