The Armagh Observatory weather station has been recognised as a Centennial Observing Station by the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO):
‘Recognized as a long-term observing station by the World Meteorological Organisation in June 2018 for more than 100 years of meteorological observations.’
WMO Award
The award was created due to the importance of long-term meteorological observations as part of the cultural and scientific heritage of humanity. These measurements serve the needs of current and future generations for long-term high quality climate records and provide unique information about climate variability. Long term measurements of the weather provide the backbone for weather forecasting and climate science. Ensuring their long term sustainability is important for understanding how these might change in the future.
To highlight their importance, the WMO recognises Centennial Observing Stations for their contributions sustained over at least one century. The first meteorological measurements in Armagh were made in December 1794. Since July 14th, 1795 daily measurements have been made in Armagh, every single day – the longest continuous daily weather record in the British Isles.
The award of the WMO Centennial Observing Station status to Armagh Observatory & Planetarium was commemorated by a ceremony featuring current and former AOP staff, many of whom have contributed to the meteorological records over the years, representatives from Met Éireann and the Met Office, the BBC, the AOP Board of Governors, and the Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council.
There are currently 8 Centennial Stations recognised by the WMO in the UK, and two others on the island of Ireland.
Theresa Hardcastle
Another event of note for history of meteorological observations in Armagh took place in parallel with the WMO award ceremony. A portrait of Theresa S. Hardcastle was unveiled in the presence of her granddaughter, Deb Perceval, and added to the series of portraits of notable people at Armagh Observatory in the Board Room.
Joseph A. Hardcastle was appointed Director of Armagh Observatory in 1917. Joseph had married Theresa in 1899. She was one of eight children of Sir Edward Clive Bayley (an Anglo-Indian civil servant, statesman, and archaeologist) and Emily Metcalfe, Lady Clive Bayley (an Anglo-Indian author). Mr. and Mrs. Hardcastle lived in England at the time and were planning on moving their family to Armagh when tragedy struck and Joseph passed away. Theresa remained in Armagh, where – among other duties – she made sure the daily weather readings continued until the new Director (William F. A. Ellison) arrived. Her work was therefore invaluable for maintaining the uninterrupted weather series in Armagh, and therefore also crucial for AOP being awarded the WMO Centennial Observing Station status.
