The United Kingdom has basked in its sunniest March since records commenced in 1919, the Met Office has confirmed. New figures reveal that the country experienced an average of 194.4 hours of sunshine throughout the month, comfortably eclipsing the previous record of 189.1 hours set way back in March 1929. This extended period of clear skies has been a notable feature of early spring across much of the nation.
Regional breakdowns highlight the widespread nature of this sunny spell. England recorded 209.2 hours of sunshine, surpassing its previous March record of 203.3 hours from 1929. Wales also saw its sunniest March with 194.7 hours, exceeding the 184.2 hours recorded in 2003. Similarly, Scotland experienced its sunniest March with 166.9 hours, surpassing the 165.3 hours from 1993. Northern Ireland, whilst not breaking its overall record, still enjoyed a significantly bright month, ranking as its fifth sunniest March on record with 156.8 hours.
While the sunshine figures are unprecedented, temperatures remained largely within expected bounds for the time of year, with no new temperature records being set. The average maximum temperature for the UK in March 2022 was 12.3°C, which is 1.8°C above the long-term average. This combination of mild temperatures and abundant sunshine created exceptionally pleasant conditions for many, offering an early taste of warmer weather.
The Met Office attributes this prolonged period of high pressure across the UK for the clear, settled conditions. High-pressure systems typically bring stable weather, suppressing cloud formation and leading to more sunshine. This particular system remained dominant for much of March, preventing Atlantic weather fronts from bringing their usual quota of rain and cloud to the islands.
The implications of such a dry and sunny March are varied. While it offered many the chance to enjoy outdoor activities, it also raised concerns about potential drought conditions later in the year, particularly following a relatively dry winter in some areas. Water companies will be closely monitoring reservoir levels as the spring progresses, especially if the dry spell continues into April and May.
Looking ahead, the Met Office's long-range forecasts suggest a return to more changeable weather patterns for April, with a greater likelihood of rain and more typical spring temperatures. While the record-breaking sunshine of March will be remembered, it serves as a reminder of the variability of the UK's climate and the impact of large-scale atmospheric patterns.
Practical safety advice remains consistent, even with the pleasant weather. With increased sunshine, UV levels can rise, so it is advisable to use sun protection, especially during the middle of the day. Wind speeds remained relatively low for much of March, but conditions can change quickly in spring. Always check local forecasts, especially if planning outdoor activities. Average wind speeds across the UK were generally below 10 mph for much of the month, typical of settled high-pressure conditions.
Source: Met Office