Yes, we may have had the 'coldest March day on record' on Thursday when Tredegar in Wales reported a maximum temperature of -5.2C (note this is the record for England & Wales NOT Scotland), but we shouldn't get carried away with 'records'.
UK Extremes recorded on 2018-03-01
| High Day Max: | Tiree 2.7C |
| Low Day Max: | Tredegar Bryn Bach Park -5.2C |
| Low Night Min: | Kinloss -10.3C |
| Wettest: | Fyvie Castle 3.2mm |
| Sunniest: | Loch Glascarnoch 6.4hrs |
Having said that, to beat a coldest day record is something, and from my initial research it does look as though these temperature do go beyond the statutory starting point of 1910 which the Met Office like to use.
I looked back through the records for Edgbaston (Birmingham) to see what things were like in the Midlands (a good ready reckoner for the CET values). The coldest March day at Edgbaston is -0.6 recorded on several occasions;
11th March 1928
7th March and 9th March 1931
5th March 1942
12th March 1947
That 1947 one is interesting because I have been supplied with a quote from St. Benedicts Primary School log book here in Wombourne dated 5th March 1947 which states "School reopened but a blizzard with heavy snow prevented any children being present.” School was closed until 10th. March." (My thanks to my friend Margaret King for telling me about this).
Now, take a look at the charts below for each of the years shown ...
1928...
1931...
1942...
1947...
And 2018 ...
Just look how all of them are on an east or southeasterly.
So that's the trick to bitter March weather...high pressure north of the UK, low pressure to the south or southwest and an easterly flow from the continent.
Oh, and 12th March appears to be the list for bitterly cold conditions.
Wrap up warm!
