England and Wales experienced their driest March in over 60 years, accompanied by record-breaking sunshine levels. Persistent high-pressure systems dominated the weather patterns, resulting in long spells of dry and clear conditions. England recorded its sunniest March ever, with 185.8 hours of sunshine—59% above the long-term average—surpassing the previous record set in 1929. Wales also saw its second sunniest March, with sunshine levels 53% higher than average. Across the UK, March 2025 ranked as the third sunniest on record, with 158.1 hours of sunshine overall.

Rainfall levels were exceptionally low across much of the UK, with England experiencing its sixth driest March and Wales its fourth driest since records began in 1836. The southern half of England and parts of South Wales received only 20% of their average rainfall for the month. Counties such as Norfolk, Suffolk, Devon, Cambridgeshire, and Gwynedd reported some of their lowest rainfall totals ever recorded for March. However, Scotland saw relatively higher rainfall at 64% of its average, contrasting sharply with other regions.

The prolonged dry spell had notable impacts on temperatures as well. The UK experienced its tenth warmest March on record, with a mean temperature of 7.0°C—1.3°C above the long-term average. Daytime temperatures climbed under sunny skies, reaching highs like 19°C in Cumbria early in the month. However, clear skies also led to cooler nights as heat escaped rapidly after sunset. Despite these fluctuations, March 2025 was still far from the warmest on record; that title belongs to March 1938 with an average temperature of 8.0°C.

Met Office scientists attributed these unusual weather patterns to persistent high pressure blocking rain-bearing fronts from arriving from the west. This stable system not only reduced rainfall but also contributed to widespread sunny conditions across most regions of the UK.