Armagh Observatory reported that March was the sunniest month of its kind in four years. The observatory holds records since 2022, when a new benchmark was established.

The month ranked as the 13th warmest March on record at Armagh. Temperatures averaged roughly 2C above the 225-year long-term mean for the period. Conditions were over 1C warmer than averages from the 1990s onward.

The highest temperature reached 17.6C on March 19. That marked the warmest day of the year so far at the site. The lowest point came on March 5 at 7C.

St Patrick’s Day featured temperatures slightly above average. Sunshine appeared late morning and early afternoon. Breezes made it feel cool, and rain arrived from late afternoon.

Rainfall data from Armagh Observatory shows March has grown wetter in recent years. Amounts rose by about a quarter compared to prior periods. Eight of the 24 wettest March months since 1838 occurred in the last 17 years.

Last month brought 15% more rain than recent averages at Armagh. A spokesperson noted that rainfall varies significantly even across Northern Ireland. Met Office data indicated drier conditions overall in the region.