Frosty weather in Wick makes May feel like winter
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Wick experienced an air frost on Tuesday morning that rivalled any experienced during the winter, according to local weather-watcher Keith Banks.
He reported that the mercury bottomed out at a harsh minus 2.7C (27.1F) in the town. The lowest air temperature recorded in Wick during winter 2018/19 was minus 3.0C (26.6F).
The corresponding temperature over the grass on Tuesday morning was minus 5C (23F).
"High pressure located over Greenland, coupled with low pressure centred over Scandinavia, has allowed a cold Arctic air mass to flood southwards across the country," Keith explained.
"Because this air mass contains a quite a lot of moisture, under the clear skies, and in the calm conditions that we had overnight, these factors combined were optimal for the development of a classic hoarfrost.
"Hoarfrost is the deposition of super-cooled water vapour, directly from air, that has a frost point lower than 0C (32F). A hoarfrost consists of tiny ice crystals that readily coat lawns and other objects that are exposed to the night sky.
"Hoarfrost has a very distinctive white or silvery grey appearance.
"Frost is the enemy of tender plants. Gardeners should be vigilant, and take precautions, when Jack Frost goes stalking at this time of the year."
