Paraclimatic statistics and the study of climate change: the case of the cork region in the 1750s

Abstract

Two sets of paraclimatic data, obtained from direct description rather than measurements of weather conditions, are available for the region between June 1753 and September 1756. These are described and their use as an integrated data set for providing comparisons with the modern climatic regime based on probability analyses is discussed. Comparisons are made in the frequency and timing of frosts, wet days, dry spells and wind direction. These show that, compared with the present, the region experienced earlier and more intense winter cold, fewer wet days and longer dry spells, more frequent westerlies and seasonally more frequent northerlies and easterlies. Further investigation indicates that the record of conditions in the Cork region was compatible with other European data, although some differences of detail are apparent.