London is expected to bask in sunny weather as a mini heatwave descends upon the city today, March 20, 2025. The Met Office forecasts temperatures hitting the low twenties for the first time this year, predicting a high of 21 degrees Celsius. Residents can expect bright and warm conditions throughout the day, characterized by sunny spells and clear skies.
This delightful weather pattern marks the arrival of spring, coinciding with the spring equinox. Met Office meteorologist Simon Partridge stated, "The highest temperatures are expected in an area from London, the home counties to southern Midlands. Here we are likely to see 19C or 20C widely, with one or two spots likely to reach 21C.”
With sunny intervals expected throughout the morning, the mercury is anticipated to rise significantly, peaking between 2 PM and 5 PM, with 20 degrees Celsius forecast. Aside from occasional isolated showers—which the Met Office suggests may appear in the afternoon—the rest of the day is expected to remain dry and clear.
Temperature predictions suggest a continuation of warm conditions into late March. On Friday, March 21, another mild day is anticipated as temperatures are set to reach 19 degrees Celsius. However, forecasters have warned that clouds will roll in, increasing the chance of rain to 70% in the evening hours.
Following this burst of warmth, Londoners may have to prepare for a shift in the weather as the weekend approaches. According to the Met Office, Saturday could see a 60% chance of rain, with temperatures peaking at 16 degrees Celsius. Similarly, Sunday is expected to bring grey skies and possible rain throughout the day, maintaining temperatures around 14 degrees.
As spring takes hold, City Hall expresses concern regarding air quality, issuing a high pollution alert for today. Experts from Imperial College London have observed a rise in air pollution levels, attributing it to light winds and local sources of pollution. City officials urge residents, particularly those with respiratory issues, to proceed with caution.
Additionally, with the onset of warmer weather, the Met Office has released a high pollen forecast for the area, signaling the start of hay fever season. The pollen count is expected to decrease to medium on Friday.
For those curious about the exact weather timeline, here’s the hour-by-hour forecast for today: from 6 AM until 11 AM, sunny intervals will dominate the scene, and at midday, the temperature will already push past 17 degrees. As the afternoon unfolds, conditions will remain consistently sunny until 5 PM. From 6 PM onwards, the skies will clear, leading to a cool evening.
Despite the delightful start to the season, it’s a mixed bag ahead for the following week. After the sunny spells dissipate, the forecast indicates a cloudy March 24 with a peak temperature of 13 degrees and possible rain in the morning. Temperatures will further drop to 11 degrees on March 25, with a cloudy sky expected.
With the arrival of warm days and bright skies, Londoners are encouraged to take advantage of outdoor activities while being mindful of air quality issues. This mini heatwave offers a taste of the beautiful spring days to come, as the city gears up for seasonal changes ahead.