Brighton and Hove enjoyed its warmest March day since 1972 as Sussex basked in its balmiest March for five years.
The overall temperature last month was 1.8C (3.3F) above the long-term average for March.
Thermometers hit 18C (65F) on the 27th, making it the warmest March day in 31 years. The coldest night of the month was the 3rd, when the mercury plunged to a chilly 2C (35F).
It was also the driest March for three years, with all the rain falling during the first 11 days.
The Argus weatherman Ken Woodhams recorded 25.8mm (1.02in) of rainfall in his Hove garden - less than half the average.
Not a drop of rain fell for 20 consecutive days - the longest dry spell since 26 dry days last year, from March 22 to April 16.
The wettest day was the 1st, with 12.3mm (0.48in).
Total rainfall for the year so far is 145.1mm (5.73in), which is 41.7mm (1.65in) below average, making it the driest first quarter for three years.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article