The UK has been under the influence of a strong and unstable northwesterly airflow. It was very windy again on Wednesday, with gale force westerly winds, and severe gales at times.

The strongest winds were experienced over Northern Ireland, northwest England and northern Wales. 90mph gusts were recorded over the Snowdonia region early on Wednesday morning. Winds gradually eased in strength throughout the day, with a moderate to fresh westerly breeze for most places by the evening.

Early on Wednesday morning, there was a band of rather persistent rain over northern England and northern Wales but it soon dissipated. However, frequent blustery showers affected Scotland, Northern Ireland, Wales, northern and southwest England for much of the day. These eventually eased in frequency and intensity during the evening.

Elsewhere, there was a good deal of dry and bright weather on Wednesday, with some prolonged sunny spells. The best of the sunshine was over central and southern England. There were also some good sunny intervals between the showers in the north and west.

Temperatures were near or a little below normal for the time of year,
although it felt rather cold in the wind and showers.

Extremes of Temperature, Rainfall and Sunshine for the 24 hours ending 12/03/2008

Highest Day Max : ST JAMES'S PARK, London : 11.9C

Lowest Day Max : DALWHINNIE, Highland : 4.8C

Lowest Night Min : ALTNAHARRA, Highland : -0.9C

Highest Rainfall : CASSLEY, Highland : 26.4mm

Highest Sunshine : SOUTHAMPTON, Hampshire : 8.6Hours