The first day of spring is set to bring unseasonably warm weather across the UK, with temperatures soaring up to 21°C in London, according to the Met Office. This coincides with the spring equinox on March 20. Some regions could even experience warmth exceeding temperatures in popular southern European cities like Barcelona and Athens, where highs of 15°C and 12°C are forecasted respectively.
As spring unfolds, the UK has already experienced its warmest day of the year on March 9, with a high of 19.7°C recorded in Crosby, Merseyside. Meteorologists predict that the trend of rising temperatures will continue, marking March 19 with anticipated highs of 17°C in London and the South East, significantly warmer than earlier in the week.
Marco Petagna, a meteorologist with the Met Office, stated, “Temperatures already just started to pick up in places, but the trend to warmer temperatures is going to continue for the next few days now.” He emphasizes that while most areas will enjoy plenty of sunshine, some clouds may arise in the southwest. “We’ll see some clouds developing, particularly towards the south west of England, but for most places, you have plenty of sunshine, and we’re drawing up warmer air now from the South and South East,” Petagna added.
Wednesday's forecast indicates that the rest of the UK might reach highs between 12°C to 15°C, as conditions begin warming up. Thursday will likely reach the peak of this warmth, with many regions experiencing dry and sunny weather despite some light upper cloud coverage.
“It’s going to be touch and go but potentially Thursday could be the warmest day of the year,” Petagna remarked, highlighting the pleasant and dry day ahead with ample sunshine.
However, the enjoyable temperatures are set to change as the weekend approaches, with a forecast calling for a dip in temperatures and some rainy spells expected across the nation. Petagna remarked, “Temperatures are coming down from Friday onwards, and also some rain pushing in from the South and West.”
As a consequence, highs of approximately 15°C or 16°C are anticipated for Saturday, with a further drop to around 13°C by Sunday. The transition from warm spring air back to cooler conditions signals a typical pattern as the UK navigates early season climate fluctuations.
These fluctuations remind residents that while spring may usher in warmer days, the unpredictable nature of British weather often requires readiness for a swift change. As the Met Office predicts these developments, many will surely take advantage of the sun while it lasts.
The delightfully warm weather, expected starting March 20, presents a perfect opportunity for outdoor activities, providing a stark contrast to the recent cold and frosty conditions earlier in March. A sunny spring day could inspire various outdoor activities, from hiking to picnics, as the population embraces the coming season.
As people look forward to enjoying the blooming season, they should remain vigilant regarding the changing weather patterns, making the most of the sunshine while it lasts.
With each change in forecast, the anticipation for spring continues to build. As temperatures fluctuate and the sun shines briefly, the UK gears up to enjoy the first days of spring amidst optimistic anticipation for warmer months ahead.
