Rainfall stands out in weather statistics

Last month's weather was 'unsettled' according to the Meteorological Office at Ronaldsway.

While it was very mild, about two degrees above normal for January at an average of 9.7 degrees celsius, it was also very wet, dark and windy.

January 2008 was the third wettest on record, the soggiest day being the 21st when 27.2 millimetres of rain fell, leading to some flooding.

Winds were also around two knots above the long term average of 15.5 knots, and there were seven days with gales, twice the average for the month. The windiest day was the 31st, when gusts of up to 70mph were recorded.

It was also a grey month. There were only 33 hours of sunshine, which is 17 hours fewer than normal. There were also three days with fog, the highest January figure for ten years.