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This summer has been quite variable. May was scorching hot, but June hasn't matched up, instead bringing some much-needed rain. Many people from Lancashire are planning UK-based vacations, wondering whether the weather will be warm or wet, which could significantly impact their holiday experience.
Reflecting on history, one notable day stands out in Preston over 130 years ago. On August 10, 1893, during Queen Victoria's reign and when life expectancy was around 46 years, a dramatic storm hit. The Lancashire Daily Post reported that around 4pm, a storm brought such heavy rain, thunder, and lightning that visibility was reduced to almost nothing for about 20 minutes. In just five minutes, an unprecedented 32 millimetres (1.3 inches) of rain fell, setting a British record. To put this in perspective, 40mm of rain in a full day is considered significant. This historical event isn't the only rain-related record in Lancashire; on August 8, 1967, Dunsop Valley saw 117mm (4.6 inches) of rain fall in 90 minutes.
So, if we encounter rainy days this summer and find ourselves gazing out the window at water droplets streaming down, it's worth remembering that it could be much worse, especially compared to that infamous day in 1893.
