**Wales Sees Brightest Spring in Recorded History, but Environmental Concerns Mount**
Wales has experienced its sunniest spring since records began, with the Met Office confirming an extraordinary total of 648 hours of sunshine counted between 1 March and 28 May. This new benchmark marks a significant shift from the previous record of 647 hours, set during the spring of 2020. Evidence of changing weather patterns is prompting both celebration of the sunshine and anxiety about the environmental repercussions.
Met Office meteorologist Kathryn Chalk provided insight into this historic spring, noting, “Although Wales will remain frequently cloudy for the next day or two, the season is ending with brighter intervals expected on Saturday.” She cited the national figures to underscore the extent of Wales’ recent sunshine, highlighting that the country has even outshone its neighbours in the UK, where 636.8 hours of spring sun were recorded this year—also surpassing the previous UK record.
Sunshine records have fallen not just in Wales but across Scotland and Ireland as well, though England has yet to see its own best-ever result. Sunshine measurements tracked by the Met Office stretch back to 1910, offering over a century of data for comparison. The possibility of further records being broken, however, remains open until the season officially closes. Emily Carlisle, another expert at the Met Office, noted: “We all remember just how sunny the spring of 2020 was, but 2025 has now set a new standard. Though it’s been a dry and bright period for much of the UK, unsettled weather in the final days could affect final numbers for rainfall and other statistics.”
The record-breaking hours of sunlight have been met with growing concerns from environmental authorities and local communities. Wales has had to contend with an unusually high incidence of wildfires in recent months, sparking warnings about long-term environmental harm. According to Natural Resources Wales (NRW), March 2025 went down as the driest March since 1944, creating tinderbox conditions that have hastened the spread of fires in grasslands and forests alike.
By the middle of April, fire brigades across Wales had already responded to over 1,300 grass fires, a significant increase thought to be linked to the extended dry spell. Environmental groups are warning that the damage inflicted could take decades to reverse, with some habitats potentially altered for generations.
These challenges have prompted NRW to escalate its level of alert, moving Wales into a state of “prolonged dry weather.” This decision comes as many rivers have reported flows that are either low or exceptionally low, putting a strain on both the natural environment and farming activity. Rhian Thomas, NRW’s sustainable water and nature manager, commented: “Such a dry start to the year raises legitimate concern for our habitats and for sectors reliant on water. Consequently, we are increasing our monitoring and taking steps across Wales to manage the situation, while maintaining regular meetings of our drought response teams.”
Ms Thomas further stressed the responsibility of the public and businesses alike to use water more efficiently, with the intention of safeguarding reserves for all while minimising environmental impact. “Conserving water is imperative—not just for supply continuity but also to shield the habitats and species that share our rivers, lakes, and reservoirs,” she said.
Final rainfall and climate statistics for the season are expected to be released by the Met Office in the coming days, which will shed more light on whether Wales and the wider UK have also seen one of their driest springs. Early predictions, in spite of some recent heavy downpours in select spots, suggest this may very well be the case.
While many have welcomed the unbroken blue skies, the underlying risks to Welsh ecosystems highlight the fine balance between enjoying pleasant weather and maintaining environmental stability. The situation serves as a timely reminder of how fluctuating weather patterns and climate trends are increasingly shaping daily life in Wales.
As the country awaits updated reports and policy responses, this exceptional spring has spurred discussions about resilience, adaptation, and the shared stewardship required to navigate a changing climate.