Dullest December in Reading since 1950s
University of Reading reveal gloomy stats
December was the dullest it has been in almost seven decades, University of Reading weather data shows.
Only 12.8 hours of sunlight was recorded in the final month of 2024, the lowest amount in December since the 7.8 hours recorded in 1956.
2023 was another gloomy year, when only 13.1 hours of sunlight was recorded. 2010 and 1998 were the fourth and fifth dullest years recorded at the Reading University Atmospheric Observatory, as only 13.4 hours and 21.8 hours of sunlight could be enjoyed.
Gloomy
Dr Rob Thompson, a meteorologist at the University of Reading, said:
“Christmas 2024 was not a white Christmas - it was grey and gloomy. In total, there were 21 sunless days in December, eight more than normal.
“Despite a lack of sunshine at the end of the year, it was the driest December recorded since 2016, when 43% less rain fell than the average. It was also a bit milder, as the temperature was 1.83c warmer than what we are used to in December.
“January has been a little over a degree C colder than average so far, thanks to two clear icy days followed by sleet and snow.”