"Phil Layton" wrote in message
...
A light snow shower this afternoon has recorded the 11th consecutive
day of snow here.

.... same here in Bracknell: the 11th consecutive day with snow, though
only 2 of those produced significant snow cover. For the 'winter-half',
the number of days with snow/sleet recorded so far is: 17, made up as
follows:-
Nov: 01
Dec: 01
Jan: 02
Feb: 10
Mar: 03 (so far)


However, I dont think I can record any with snow lying at 09Z,
with only patchy covering (ie. hard surfaces have generally melted)
and amounts not more than 0.5cm.

Martin - could you remind me what % counts as 'snow lying ' ? If one
had 90% grass covered but 10% drive not - does that count ?

.... I'll quote from the 'good book' (Observer's Handbook); others may
find it of use ....

" 4.2.4.2 Snow lying: snow lying means, in general, snow covering the
ground either completely or in patches. For the purpose of
climatological returns a day with snow lying is one in which snow covers
one half or more of the ground of an open area representative of the
station at the morning climatological hour of observation (0900 GMT in
the United Kingdom).
The ground of an open area representative of the station should be taken
to include the open, fairly flat ground easily visible from the station
and not differing from it in altitude by more than 30m. In judging
whether half the ground is covered no account should be taken of bare
patches under trees nor of areas occupied by rivers, ponds, etc."

If I interpret your description above, then you would not be recording a
'day with snow lying', as indeed I have not for here.

Martin.


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