Weather Report

   

Figure 1: Temperature and rainfall by region for previous months.

March saw persistent high pressures, settled and mild conditions. There were some scattered showers, especially in northern areas, but it was otherwise dry and often sunny.

The mean temperature for the UK for March was 1.3°C above the long-term 1991-2020 average, although there was some regional variation with Scotland and Northern Ireland particularly warm. Over the longer 3 month period (January-March) regional temperatures were generally closer to their seasonal averages, but still above average for Scotland and Northern Ireland.

March has been dry for most, with only Scotland recording more than half of its average rainfall. This trend is also reflected by below average rainfall for the preceding 3 months across all regions.

Warmer weather at this time of year will be increasing the activity of overwintered infective larvae. In the longer term this should reduce their survival, meaning that animals are likely not at risk of picking up heavy burdens early in the season, particularly since the accompanying dry weather will be limiting their movement and further increasing mortality through desiccation. It is important to note, however, that without correct management eggs shed by animals at or after turn-out may still under the right conditions lead to high risk later in the season, meaning continued monitoring is recommended.