Particle.news

Download on the App Store

UK sets new spring sunshine record with 630 hours

Environment Agency warns of a 'medium' drought risk after reservoir storage dropped to 84%

Image
Image
A recorded 630 hours of sunshine since March has meant more shoppers on high streets and less flow in waterways
Image

Overview

  • Provisional Met Office figures show the UK received 630 hours of sunshine from March 1 to May 27, surpassing the 2020 record by four hours.
  • Rainfall totals due this week are expected to confirm spring 2025 as one of the driest on record despite recent isolated downpours.
  • Over half of England’s rivers flowed below normal levels in May, with a quarter classified as 'exceptionally low'.
  • Environment Agency labels England’s summer drought risk as 'medium' and signals that water companies may need to impose restrictions.
  • Farmers warn that continued dry conditions are putting crops under stress and threatening food production.