Londoners are set to bask in warmer weather this weekend, with temperatures forecast to soar to 18C, making the city hotter than popular destinations like Ibiza and the French Riviera. According to the Met Office, the pleasant conditions are expected to continue throughout the weekend, with fine and dry weather predicted for Saturday, March 8, and Sunday, March 9. This weekend, temperatures are expected to climb to 18C on Saturday and 17C on Sunday, significantly higher than the predicted weekend highs of 16C in Ibiza and 17C in Nice, France.
On March 6, London and Manchester will reach daytime highs of 16C due to warm air moving north from the South West. Conversely, Barcelona is predicted to experience highs of only 14C, with parts of the Spanish Costa forecast to hit 12C. This unseasonably warm weather is “fairly unusual but not unprecedented” for early March, stated Stephen Dixon, a forecaster at the Met Office.
The upcoming temperatures are particularly noteworthy considering the average UK daytime maximum for March typically hovers around 9.2C, with the highest recorded March temperature being 25.6C on March 29, 1968. This year, many Brits are set to enjoy the warmth after enduring what has been described as one of the dullest Februarys on record.
Weather patterns appear to be aligning for this spell of warmth, thanks to high pressure settling over the UK. This high pressure is forecast to linger throughout the weekend, bringing fine and dry conditions and sunny spells. Aside from some patchy rain, particularly on Friday, March 7, when cloudy weather is expected, much of the weekend will remain dry and mild.
Stephen Dixon highlighted the importance of keeping localized forecasts in mind, saying, “The thing to note is it’s not universally nice weather for everyone. There’s patchy rain around on Friday, particularly for Western Wales and South West and North West England.” Nonetheless, many areas will enjoy fine and dry weather, especially south and southeast England, which are calculated to be the warmest regions this weekend.
The fine weather is somewhat bittersweet, as it will not last indefinitely. Following this spell of unusually warm temperatures, London is forecast to face drastically cooler conditions, likely dipping to around 8C by mid-next week. Meteorologists are keeping their eyes on the emergence of colder air toward the middle of March, which could be associated with what is termed as “polar vortex collapse.”
This phenomenon occurs when temperatures within the stratosphere rapidly rise—sometimes by more than 50C—over the course of just days, causing significant disruption to weather patterns. Consequently, colder Arctic air can influence the UK’s weather, leading to chilling temperatures, similar to what the nation experienced earlier this year during severe cold snaps.
Jonathan Vautrey, another meteorologist, explained, “We are beginning to see this cold snap developing. [But] a cold snap in March is not going to be as harsh as the ones experienced in February. The cold air will be beginning to warm up, and we might not get the same impact.”
Despite the impending changes, many Londoners are relishing the mild weather. For those planning to enjoy outdoor activities this Saturday and Sunday, the conditions will be ideal, and it’s expected to be particularly pleasant for visitors to London’s parks and outdoor venues.
While forecasts show this weekend will boast much-above-average temperatures, it will remain prudent for residents to remain guarded about expectations for the remainder of March. The Met Office indicates some chillier spells are still possible later this month, but temperatures may also rise as spring officially arrives on March 20. By month’s end, the prospect of warmer weather seems more likely, though forecasters caution against removing winter clothing just yet.
Consequently, locals are urged to enjoy the warmth of the sun this weekend, with some forecasters predicting it may be one of the most delightful periods of early spring. The atmosphere will provide Londoners with all the reasons to step outside and embrace the fine, sunny weather once more.