Winter was milder, wetter and sunnier than average

Winter was milder, wetter and sunnier than average

But the so-called Beast from the East, which swept freezing air in from Siberia, resulted in Jersey experiencing its coldest February for 27 years.

The average temperature during December, January and February was 7.2°C, slightly higher than the long-term average of 6.8°C.

The Island also saw 275.9 hours of sunshine – well above the average of 234.6 hours. And as anyone who has spent much time outside already knows, it was much wetter than average, with Jersey being drenched with 388 mm of rain over the three months. The average is 277.3 mm.

But following a mild and wet first two months of the season, February brought a shock to the system as the winds swung around to the east and the Island experienced a succession of frosty nights and a day of snow.

The average temperature for the month was 4.9°C – the lowest February average since 1991 and well below the monthly average of 6.5°C.

But with the extreme cold came clear skies, and with 149.4 hours of sunshine the Island was just 0.1 hours away from experiencing its sunniest ever February. The February record was set in 2008.

Last month was also drier than average, with 56.4 mm of rain, compared to a monthly average of 70.8mm.

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