April 2020 provisionally sunniest on record for UK.

Although many of us have seen a marked change in the weather today the provisional early statistics show that for the UK as a whole it has been the sunniest April on record (figures dating back to 1929).

Between the 1^st and 27^th of April 215.8 hours of sunshine have been recorded, 46% above the average for April, and beating the previous record set in 2015 of 211.9 hours of sunshine.  This has been the result of persistent high-pressure systems over or close to the UK resulting in an extended spell of fine, dry and sunny weather since late March.

Central and eastern areas of the UK have been among the sunniest this month with early provisional statistics showing a number of areas have broken sunshine records (1 – 27^th April); 

• Cambridgeshire, 64% above average, with 257.8 hours so far beating the 1942 record of 236 hours
• Leicestershire, 66% above average, with 234.2 hours so far, beating the 2015 record of 222.7 hours
• Northamptonshire, 64% above average, 245.7 hours so far, beating the 1942 record of 224 hours
• Nottinghamshire, 66% above average with 239.4 so far, beating the 2015 record of 236.9 hours
• Rutland, 67% above average with 247.4 hours so far, beating the 1942 record of 227.8 hours

It has also been a relatively warm and dry month. The full April statistics will be released on May 1^st

However today marks a change in the weather for many of us.  Chief Meteorologist at the Met Office, Andy Page, said: “After several weeks of high pressure bringing plenty of dry, warm and sunny weather across the UK, this week we’re seeing the return low pressure, allowing Atlantic weather systems to once again move across the UK, bringing unsettled, cooler weather.

“Today (Tuesday) will be cloudy and rather wet across much of England and Wales, however northern areas will enjoy another day of mostly dry weather and sunshine.  Tomorrow we’ll see bands of rain moving more widely across the UK, bringing an end to the prolonged warm and dry spell for everyone.  On Thursday and Friday we’ll see sunny spells and showers for most parts of the UK, with temperatures around average for the time of year.”

Whatever the weather we are all being urged to remember the Government Coronavirus guidelines to stay at home. Do not go out to meet others, even friends or family, as it is possible to spread the virus even if you don’t have symptoms. Only go outside for food, health reasons or work (but only if you cannot work from home), always stay 2 metres (6ft) away from other people and wash your hands as soon as you return home.

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28 April 2020

Met Office