THE changeable nature of the local weather was evident in March which was twice as wet as normal. This followed the driest February for 10 years. According to figures collected at Rothamsted Research in Harpenden, the first week in March was dry and bri

THE changeable nature of the local weather was evident in March which was twice as wet as normal. This followed the driest February for 10 years.

According to figures collected at Rothamsted Research in Harpenden, the first week in March was dry and bright with warm days but from week two onwards, the month became very wet. Rainfall was double the average with 108.5mm of rain. Twenty-two days had measurable rainfall and the wettest day was Saturday, March 15, with 24.7mm or just about one inch.

However sunshine was 15 hours above average at 122.4 hours with the most being 9.9 hours on Sunday, march 30. In fact there was just one day when the sun failed to shine at all.

Maximum and minimum temperatures were close to normal and during the month there were five air frosts and 15 ground frosts.