SOME HIGHLIGHTS OF THIS EDITION WERE:

THE ANTICYCLONIC WINTER OF 1975-76
Long spells of particular weather type, followed by an abrupt change to an entirely different type which then persists, have been a feature of the circulation in many recent years, and was again notable during the last winter, December 1975- February 1976. The synoptic type near the British Isles was persistently anticyclonic, but the dominant position of the anticyclone varied during the course of the winter. The series of long settled spells which developed are summarised.
TORNADOES IN MEDIAEVAL BRITAIN
Mediaeval chronicles describe 21 tornadoes in Britain prior to the year 1500. Although the meanings of some of the accounts appear unclear at first sight, the features reportedcan nearly ways be explained by reference to modern tornado cases. The first undoubted tornado occurred in London on Friday 17 October 1091, although there are one or two earlier reports of storms which may have included a tornado. This ‘violent whirlwind’ killed two men, as well as allegedly demolishing 600 houses and a number of churches. (a chronology and discussion is presented of British tornadoes to the year AD 1450)
THUNDERSTORM TRACKS
In an earlier issue of this Journal (No.3), views were sought concerning the popular theory that thunderstorms tend to favour tracks along river valleys. This article is an attempt to summarise the comments which have been received. Although a few observers are quite confident that the theory is well grounded, others are not so sure, and it is evident that the subject is complex and worthy of further close investigation by those interested in it.
RAINFALL IN THE EDINBURGH AREA 1972-1975
Even those who are only marginally interested in the weather must have been aware of considerable variations in the incidence and amounts of precipitation during the past few years. During the prolonged dry spell in the summer and autumn of 1972 some experts predicted a succession of dry years. Certainly, that year produced a rainfall some 200 mm below the average in this area. The following year was even drier, yielding no more than 581.9 mm, nearly 300 mm below average. In 1974 the total rose to within 20 mm of the average, but in 1975 it was again over 250 mm short. These figures are based on a recording station at an altitude of 227m on the slopes of the Pentland Hills, just beyond the village of Balerno to the west of Edinburgh.