Every month Stalker reports on the weather and the weather lore associated with the time of year. For instance February was dry - drier than any February in 30 years in Northern Ireland. Whilst so far in March we’ve had plenty of rain and snow and hail and sunshine too. March of many weather indeed. One can wonder at why bother with the weather - but its impact on every aspect of the economy is well understood. For instance the dry month of February could impact water levels as we head into the drier summer months. Drought predictions are so far muted, but another few dry spells could spell trouble. More immediately, snow and ice obviously hamper transport considerations - however some of the warnings can be overly ominous. But looking at the chaos caused in Lancashire and the Pennines earlier this month with Storm Larisa , one does not want to be hauling a load of fresh produce into a snowstorm. Weather matters to both local markets and global stock markets - the current bete noire of inflation is totally connected to the weather also - the more temperate winter has affected energy prices, which affect us all. So as for the month of March, which came in like a lion, hopefully it will go out like the lamb. Fingers crossed.
