England’s Wettest March in Over 40 Years
England has just endured its wettest March since 1981, with Wales and Northern Ireland also soaking up one of their heaviest Marches on record. Early Met Office data shows all three regions have sloshed into the top ten wettest Marches since records began in 1836.
England has clocked up 111.3mm of rain – a whopping 91% above average. Wales wasn’t far behind, drenched by 197.5mm, nearly doubling its typical March rainfall. Northern Ireland saw 137.4mm, 58% above normal. Scotland, however, remained more balanced with rainfall just 3% above average.
A Rain-Drenched Month Across the UK
Despite the record-breaking sogginess, none of the nations are set to smash their all-time March rainfall records. England’s 1981 record of 147.2mm remains safe, as does Northern Ireland’s 2019 record of 160.7mm and Wales’ 1981 colossal 287.5mm.
“The month began cold and dry,” explained Met Office’s Dr Mark McCarthy. “But moist, milder air surged from the south, bringing persistent heavy rain, especially in southern parts of the UK.”
He added the month was dominated by Atlantic low-pressure systems, contrasting sharply with February’s dry spell.
Water bosses aren’t letting their guard down. Environment Agency chief John Leyland warned: “March’s rain improved water levels but came after a very dry February. We must stay vigilant, especially in areas still recovering from last year’s drought.”
He urged everyone to keep using water wisely to protect precious rivers, lakes, and wildlife.
Sunshine Shortage and Chilly Starts
Sunshine was in short supply for most of the UK in March, with only a few northwestern Scottish counties seeing above-average bright days. Wales is on track for one of its dullest Marches since 1910.
Southwest counties like Devon, Somerset, Hampshire, and Wiltshire faced some of the gloomiest weeks on record, although the final day’s data could shake things up.
Temperature-wise, March was a month of two halves. Early on, a cold snap brought snow and frost, with northern Scotland hitting a frosty -16.0C at Altnaharra on March 9. The second half warmed up, returning temperatures in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland close to average, while Scotland remained cooler overall.
What Lies Ahead?
The Met Office will confirm full March stats on April 3, but so far, it’s clear the UK has endured a soggy, overcast month packed with dramatic weather swings.
Dr Mark McCarthy summed it up: “March 2023 will be remembered as a dull, wet month, especially across southern Britain. The rain was heavy but hasn’t quite erased the water deficit from the last year. The snow, mainly in the north, was typical for March and caused disruption, but nothing out of the ordinary.”
