Meteorological observations in Durham

Abstract Weather observations began at the astronomical Observatory at Durham University in 1841. This chapter provides information on the history of the records, with particular attention to the part played by Professor Gordon Manley, the foremost British climatologist of his generation, during his time at Durham. Details are given of the extension of the temperature record back to 1784, and the contribution of urban influence on the Durham record is quantified. The chapter covers the beginning of astronomy in Durham, the start of meteorological observations, and also includes information about the stopping of manual observations and the resulting introduction of automatic weather station records.