March springs surprise with string of sunny days

Last month was the brightest March for nearly a century, with an average of almost five and a half hours of sunshine a day.

Not since 1907 has a March matched the 168 hours of sun recorded in England and Wales in the last 31 days, Philip Eden, a weather historian, says. The month usually averages three hours and 22 minutes of sunshine.

The sun shone throughout the country with 163 hours in Scotland and 162 hours in Northern Ireland. The average temperature in England and Wales was 7.2C, 1.9 degrees higher than normal.

Sean Clarke, a weather expert from the Met Office, said the UK had felt warmer winds coming from Spain and France, countries which conversely experienced duller weather than usual.

"The usual low pressure which creates bad weather at this time of year in the UK was steered out into the continent, on to countries like Italy and Spain, and caused the dust storms experienced recently in the Gulf region," he said.

He added that despite the promising start to spring, the glorious sunshine would be eclipsed by rain and low temperatures for a few days, starting today. However, it is forecast to return for the weekend.