RAINFALL IN DORSET. 77 



The conditions which produced this exceptional rainfall 

 were due to the passage of a small depression up the English 

 Channel ; and there are features of considerable interest 

 connected with the spread and movements of the cyclone. 



The longest spells of rainless weather were those from 

 February 5-18, April 17 to May 9, June 5-18, and November 

 9-24. 



The average rainfall for the year, calculated from the 16 

 stations marked with an asterisk in the tables, was 32.353 

 inches, which is 2.383in. below the average for the 62 years, 

 1856-1917, viz., 34.738 inches. 



The heaviest rainfall in the 24 hours throughout the county 

 occurred on October 16, the greatest fall being registered on 

 that day at 11 stations. Nine observers, however, record the 

 greatest fall on May 27, nine on August 28, and six on June 

 28. The heaviest fall in the 24 hours was registered at 

 Gillingham on June 28, 4.44 inches. 



Days with fall of one or more inches : One station records 

 6 such days ; six stations 4 ; 10 stations 3 ; 13 stations 2 ; 

 two stations 1 ; and two stations no such days. 



The maxima of wet days were recorded at Kinson, 198 ; 

 Turnworth, 190 ; Wimborne (Codford House), 183 ; and Chard- 

 stock, 176. The minimum, 104, at Weymouth (Fleet House). 



OBSERVERS' NOTES. 



BEAMINSTER, HAMILTON LODGE. The average yearly 

 rainfall, according to the latest calculations, is 38.38 inches ; 

 consequently the fall of 1917 is 6.73 inches below the average. 

 The average rainfall for December and November is about 

 9 inches, whereas in 1917 only 2. Sin. was recorded during these 

 months. 



BLOXWORTH HOUSE. Snow and rain fell on January 

 8th, snow on 16th. There was hard frost from January 

 20th to 31st. 



February. Snow on the 4th. 



March. Snow and rain on the 4th, snow on the 8th and 

 21st. 



