The Weather

St Bonnet is located at the very heart of the Allier and the weather here is very much continental with very distinct seasons with swift transitions. Winters can be very cold with temperatures going down to -7 degs and often getting some quite heavy snow fall in January which lasts for only a few days. Spring arrives at the end of April and within the space of 2 weeks, the temperatures start to warm up quickly and thick winter coats coats give way to T shirts and shorts, the fire is no longer needed and the doors and windows stay open. The trees go from being totally bare to the branches being covered in lush deep green leaves, the shrubs and flowers all break out in a mass of colourful flowers and the grass starts growing at a rapid rate and suddenly the lawns needs mowing every 3-4 days, it is indeed a most beautiful time of the year. Spring then gives way to the long hot summers we get, where on rare occasions the temperatures can reach 40 degs, but the norm is for 27-30 degs afternoons when the animals all seek shade in the stables and time is best spent under a parasol relaxing. The deep lush green grass starts to turn a light brown and the grass in the upper field becomes perfect for making hay. Sudden showers and sometimes heavy rainfall help to keep things alive during summer. Summers starts to fade and Winter arrives about mid November when snap cold spells can often catch you out, but then they quickly become the norm, soon the trees all start to drop their leaves, the grass turns a pale green and everything start to look a little drab, but still beautiful. Then we program the pellet stove to start coming on early in the morning to automatically heat the house by the time we get up, then when you open the front door to let the dogs and cats out and are greeted by a blast of ice cold air, you are quickly reminded that winter is here. Throughout the year you are guaranteed to witness some of the most spectacular sunrises and sunsets you will ever see, they can literally take your breath away. Also, with no light pollution, the night sky here is so dark that on moonless nights, you can clearly make out the milky way and the number of visible stars are to many to count, magnificent. These are some photos taken of the skies at different time of the year. Thank you for visiting our web site, we hope you enjoy and benefit from the information and pictures provided for your pleasure.