Rain or shine
Has a wet St Swithin’s Day (15 July) ever been followed by 40 wet days or a dry one by 40 dry days?
– Since 1861, according to the Met Office there is not a single instance of the legend being literally true in England. However, the late meteorologist Philip Eden did record a near miss in 1995 when only two of the 40 days following a dry St Swithin’s Day, 15 July, were wet at his home in the Home Counties.
Disagree with half of it, enjoy reading all of it
TRY 3 MONTHS FOR $5
Our magazine articles are for subscribers only. Start your 3-month trial today for just $5 and subscribe to more than one view
Already a subscriber? Log in
Comments
Join the debate for just £1 a month
Be part of the conversation with other Spectator readers by getting your first three months for £3.
UNLOCK ACCESS Just £1 a monthAlready a subscriber? Log in