UK: Record dry March for parts of England and Wales

The dry conditions during March contributed to a number of wildfires across each of the four nations.

Firefighters dealt with dozens of wildfires across Wales. 113 grass fires were reported in mid and south Wales over just two days around the middle of the month.

On 21 March, ash fell in the centre of Inverness, Highland – carried on the wind from a wildfire burning close to the city. Six fire engines and a water tanker were involved in tackling the blaze.

With dry conditions persisting and stronger winds forecast across England, the risk of further fires is set to increase into the first week of April.

The Met Office Fire Severity Index, external is currently at “Very High” for large areas of the Midlands and southern England from Wednesday to Friday. This is the second highest classification on a five point scale.

The Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service has issued their second amber alert of the year for fires, urging people not to use disposable barbecues or set campfires and to make sure cigarettes have been extinguished.

River levels in many areas also continued to drop through March due to the lack of rainfall. According to the UK Centre for Hydrology and Ecology, external, some rivers in northern England especially, are experiencing notably low flow for this time of year.

Wet conditions and rainfall accumulations prior to spring meant that groundwater levels in many areas have held up well, so far.