UK Weather: The Coldest March Day Since 1986

The Coldest March Day Since 1986

Britain is on track to suffer the coldest March day for 27 years, forecasters have said.

The unseasonably cold weather left travellers battling ice and snow, with the south of England being worst hit.

Although too early to officially record, it is thought to be the coldest at this time of year in 27 years.

The last time the UK experienced such a cold March day was on 1 March 1986, Laura Caldwell, a forecaster with MeteoGroup, the weather division of the Press Association, said.

In contrast, this time two years ago the country was basking in balmy temperatures of up to 17C (63F).

With more snow showers expected throughout the week, bookmakers have slashed the odds for a white Easter.

An RAC spokesman said it was on a red alert situation with its call centre teams and patrols dealing with 30% more breakdowns than on a normal Monday in March.

"By the end of the day we expect this to translate into the RAC helping 10,500 stranded members - 2,000 more than we had predicted for the time of year," he added.

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