"Cloudless Britain Captured in Rare Satellite Snapshot After Sunniest March Since 1910"
Rare Cloud-Free Satellite Image Captures UK After Sunniest March Since 1910
By Xantha Leatham, Executive Science Editor
Published: 12:54 BST, 7 April 2025 | Updated: 12:54 BST, 7 April 2025
[Image: Satellite image of the UK, completely cloud-free, showcasing green landscapes and sediment patterns off the coast. Caption: A rare cloud-free view of the British Isles captured by ESA’s Sentinel-3 satellite on April 2.]
The UK, often cloaked in grey skies, has been photographed in an astonishingly rare cloud-free satellite image. Captured by the European Space Agency’s (ESA) Copernicus Sentinel-3 satellite on April 2, the image reveals the British Isles’ lush lowlands, rugged Scottish Highlands, and even coastal sediment patterns. This clarity follows England’s sunniest March since records began in 1910.
Record-Breaking Sunshine
The Met Office reported 185.8 hours of sunshine in England last month—59% above average—surpassing the previous 1929 record of 171.7 hours. Wales saw its second-sunniest March, while Scotland and Northern Ireland experienced 20% and 13% more sunshine than usual, respectively.
[Image: Crowds enjoying sunshine in London’s St. James’s Park. Caption: Unseasonably warm weather drew people outdoors during March.]
“Persistent high pressure and fewer weather fronts from the west created warm, dry, and sunny conditions,” said Met Office scientist Emily Carlisle. The UK overall recorded 158.1 sunshine hours, its third-highest March total. Rainfall was just 43% of the average, marking an exceptionally dry month.
Temperatures Outshine European Hotspots
Last week, temperatures hit 24°C (75.2°F) at RAF Lakenheath, Suffolk—the warmest day since September 2024—surpassing Mediterranean destinations like Marbella and Mykonos, which lingered at 18°C (64.4°F).
[Image: Met Office map highlighting sunniest UK regions in March. Caption: Eastern England experienced the most sunshine, with over 200 hours in some areas.]
Weekend Warmth Ahead
Though cooler early this week, the Met Office forecasts a return to 20°C (68°F) by the weekend. Easter holidays are expected to stay dry, defying typical rainy forecasts.
[Image: Side-by-side weather maps predicting 20°C temperatures for Friday and Saturday. Caption: Warmer weather returns this weekend after a brief cooldown.]
Sentinel-3: The Satellite Behind the Image
The ESA’s Sentinel-3 satellite, part of the Copernicus Programme, monitors Earth’s oceans, land, and atmosphere. Launched in 2016, its twin satellites orbit 506 miles above Earth, providing data on climate trends, sea temperatures, and environmental changes.
[Image: Illustration of Sentinel-3 satellite in orbit. Caption: Sentinel-3’s instruments track ocean health, land use, and atmospheric conditions.]
This mission aids in predicting weather patterns like El Niño and addressing global warming. With the UK’s climate shifting, such clear skies may become less rare—a silver lining to evolving weather trends.
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