The United Kingdom is bracing for an unusually warm spring equinox, which falls on March 20, 2025. On this day, parts of the UK, specifically Swindon and Wiltshire, are predicted to see temperatures reach highs of 19°C, making it hotter than not only the UK’s typical spring average of 3°C to 11°C but also warmer than Mediterranean cities such as Madrid, Barcelona, and Athens.
According to the Met Office, the first day of astronomical spring is set to bring generally dry conditions and plenty of sunshine, with meteorologist Simon Partridge noting, "It will be a little warmer too." As temperatures soar, regions from London to the southern Midlands are likely to feel the heat, with forecasts suggesting that some areas could experience temperatures reaching 20°C or even hitting 21°C in isolated spots. This marks an exceptional start to the season and indicates a change from the dull winter months.
On March 20, 2025, Madrid's temperature is expected to be around 13°C, accompanied by rainy showers. In stark contrast, the predicted temperatures in Swindon and Wiltshire make them some of the hottest locations in Britain on this day. Furthermore, this highlight demonstrates that while southern Europe often basks in early spring warmth, the UK is set to claim its share this year.
In fact, the warm conditions could set a record for the highest temperature recorded on a spring equinox in the UK, challenging the current 21.5°C record set back in 1972. Just a few days prior, on March 19, 2025, Northolt in west London recorded a peak temperature of 18.7°C, which sheds light on the upcoming weather changes.
However, this warm spell is expected to be short-lived. The Met Office also anticipates a shift in conditions as wetter weather approaches the UK starting on Friday, March 21. As temperatures begin to decline, rain is forecast to move in from the south-west. Showers will begin in Cornwall and progressively move toward parts of Wales and central southern England throughout the day.
Met Office spokesman Stephen Dixon emphasized, “Tomorrow’s weather – it’s going to be a widely dry, fine and sunny day for many, with temperatures well above average at the time of year.” But the respite is expected to end, leading to a more unsettled weekend with overcast conditions and occasional heavy showers. This indicates a typical fluctuation that comes with the change of seasons.
As the weekend approaches, Saturday will likely introduce cloudier skies, with the potential for rain showers becoming more prevalent by Sunday. Meteorologist Steven Keates explained the ongoing weather patterns, predicting, “This heralds the move to something more unsettled for the UK’s weather on Saturday, with more rain or showers developing for much of England, Wales and Northern Ireland through the day, and some heavier bursts likely in places.”
Therefore, while the spring equinox promises a warm and bright start to spring, it is coupled with the expectation of a significant shift as conditions become less stable. It’s crucial for residents across the UK to prepare for the changing weather, moving from a pleasant warm day to the gloomy and damp conditions typical of early spring.
Indeed, meteorological spring officially began on March 1, and the astronomical spring kicks off with the equinox each year on or around March 20. As the sun crosses the equator, day and night will be of roughly equal length, marking the transition into the warmer season.
In conclusion, March 20 represents not only a benchmark for welcoming spring with warm temperatures but also a reminder of how quickly weather patterns can shift. With the promise of warmer days ahead quickly followed by rain, this unpredictable and often dramatic rollercoaster of British weather is one thing that remains consistent.
