The resemblance to March 2000 continued as there was a mild spell of weather from the 6th to the 11th. Rain fell on the 7th but the wind turned to the South-West. 61F was recorded that day, the highest of the month. There was an heavy shower on the morning of the 10th.

The resemblances to March 2000, and the previous three March's before that, ended on the 12th as the weather turned colder. Temperatures were around average until the 16th and two sunny days were recorded on the 13th and 14th. Easterly winds took hold on the 16th and dominated for the next ten days. Between the 16th and 18th the weather was cold and dull and show showers were recorded.

There was a sunny day on the 19th which came with the highest air pressure reading of the month but then no sunshine was recorded at all between the 20th and 28th. The weather was quite cold during this period and it turned very cold on the 21st as heavy snow fell that morning and though it soon disappeared, more snow fell that night. The 22nd was cold and dull all day and at 9.30pm very heavy rain fell. It didn't stop until 12.30am on the 23rd, which was milder but the 25th was cold and dull again.

Whilst rain fell on the morning of the 28th, the cold and dull spell came to an end. Temperatures increased and fine and mild weather was seen during the final two days of the month.

There were some variable temperatures recorded in March 2001, but it was the coldest March recorded since 1996 overall. Daytime temperatures in particular, were well below normal, being almost 2C below. Night-time temperatures were 1F below average. Sunshine was around average helped by the sunny first few days. It wasn't as dull a March as that of 1998. Rainfall was also below average.

Kevin Phillips - 3.10pm - Wednesday 4th April 2001.