The European Space Agency (ESA) shared the photo online as an image of the day, with people across the UK marvelling at the crisp photograph.
The image shows Scotland, along with England, Ireland and Wales, after an extended stretch of dry, warm weather, which is predicted to last until at least the end of this week.
According to a 2012 study based on MODIS (Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer) data, the probability of cloud-free skies on any given day over the UK is 21.3%, with a maximum probability of 33.3% in November and 12.9% in March.
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The ESA is an intergovernmental organisation, created in 1975, with the mission to shape the development of Europe’s space capability.
Sharing the image of the day, the agency wrote: “This Copernicus Sentinel-3 image from April 2, 2025 provides a rare, cloud-free view of the British Isles.
“Acquired in the wake of the UK’s sunniest March on record since 1910, the image reflects a period marked by extended sunshine and exceptionally dry weather.
“From the green lowlands of Ireland and England to the rugged Highlands of Scotland, the landscape of the British Isles is clearly visible, along with sediment patterns in the surrounding coastal waters.”
Copernicus data supports assessments of the impacts of prolonged dry spells on vegetation, water availability, and land use across the world.
After the agency shared the image online, one person wrote: “First time in over a hundred years.”
Another said: “I work in satellite data analysis and let me tell you the chances of this happening over Scotland are usually f*** all.”
A record-breaking March for Scottish weather
The mean temperature for March was above average for the UK, up 1.3C. Scotland in particular saw higher mean temperatures, 1.7C above the average.
Scotland also recorded little more than half its average rainfall (64%), with Shetland the only county to see above average rainfall (129%).
Met Office Scientist Emily Carlisle said: “Persistent high pressure, along with a lack of fronts arriving from the west, has meant that many have enjoyed a warm, dry and very sunny March.
“At the beginning of the month, some areas of Cumbria reached 19°C for example and although temperatures have dipped at times, many have continued to enjoy some warm spring sunshine.”
