18 April, 2012
Eastbourne, undoubtedly the sunniest place in the UK, has broken another record by logging its hottest March day ever.
On March 30th 2012 the maximum temperature was measured at a sizzling 19.2C. Prior to this the previous record maximum temperature for March was 18.9C in 1872 and 1929.
Many areas around the country experienced scorching weather that was unusual for the time of year – considering that the average temperature for March 2012 recorded in Eastbourne was 9.0C, compared with a long term (140 year) average of 6.4C.
Eastbourne is renowned for its sunshine and holds a number of other sizzling titles. Last year, following research by solar energy experts HomeSun, it was named as having the sunniest street in the country, with Burton Road in Eastbourne seeing an average 1,934.5 hours of sunshine in 12 months, an impressive 43% more than the 1,345.9 hour UK average!
The seaside town also confirmed its status as the sunniest place in the UK with the highest number of sunshine hours for 2011 according to a leading weather expert Philip Eden. During the year Eastbourne recorded an average 5 hours 23 minutes per day with a fantastic 273.9 hours of sunshine in April 2011, almost 100 hours more than the long term average.
Eastbourne Borough Council Cabinet Member for Tourism and Leisure Cllr Neil Stanley said “It’s fantastic to know we recorded Eastbourne’s hottest March temperature in 2012. Whilst we all knew it was abnormally warm for the time of year, I did not expect to break a record that was set nearly a century ago.
“In regards to being the sunniest place, the evidence shows we are indeed the UK’s top sunspot and with news this week that we broke our own sunshine records in March, our reign of sunshine can only continue throughout 2012!”
As well as this, during the following week when many areas were receiving heavy snowfall, Eastbourne was regularly seen in the Top 5 UK Hot Spots on the BBC Weather website. With a temperature of 12C that is still well above average.
With such fantastic weather on offer it’s a great chance to try Eastbourne’s new sports and culture holidays. From watersports, cycling and paragliding to watercolour painting, there is plenty to get everyone out and about.
To see what the weather is like at the seafront before heading into town visit the VisitEastbourne website which has live up-to-date weather data (courtesy of the Weather Station).
For more information about what’s coming up in Eastbourne and to find out what the weather is like go to the Visit Eastbourne website and view its weather page or call 0871 663 0031 or follow VisitEastbourne on twitter.
