On the morning of the 5th snow fell for 30 minutes but soon thawed. There was a snow shower on the morning of the 6th but again it didn't last. A severe frost was seen that morning. The lowest temperature of the year was recorded as the mercury fell to 24F.

Pressure fell and a South-West airflow held sway between the 8th and 17th, bringing changeable weather. Temperatures rose and a spell of very mild weather began. Heavy rain fell on the evening of the 12th and early on the 13th. On the 14th the temperature didn't fall below 46F here and rose to 59F in the daytime, the highest all month.

The mild spell ended on the 19th as North-West winds took over. The nights were cold and frosty but two fine and sunny days were recorded on the 20th and the 22nd. The temperature didn't rise above 37F on the 20th though, the lowest recorded all month. A white Christmas it wasn't to be, as the wind changed to the South-East, the temperatures over Christmas were 50F on Christmas Eve and 52F on both Christmas and Boxing Day, when gales up to 60mph were recorded.

The final three days of the year were mild and dry and 1998 ended with a mild and dry, but overcast night.

The weather of December rather cold up to the 7th and between the 20th and the 23rd but it was exceptionally mild around the 14th. Temperatures were 0.9F above average. Rainfall was below average and sunshine was around average.

Kevin Phillips - 3.45pm - Sunday 3rd January 1999.