Temperatures across the UK are set to drop this week after the weekend saw some of the warmest conditions experienced so far this year. The Met Office confirmed record temperatures of 19.7C were recorded on Sunday, March 9, 2025, at Crosby, Merseyside, surpassing Saturday's peak of 19.1C noted in Cumbria. During this warm spell, various regions of the UK enjoyed temperatures warmer than some popular holiday destinations, including the Balearic Islands and the Costa del Sol.
Craig Snell, a meteorologist at the Met Office, highlighted the significance of these warm conditions, stating, "It’s been widely warm across the east and west, and it’s been pleasant in Scotland and Northern Ireland. It’s been fairly decent and Sunday was the warmest day of 2025 so far." He went on to note how much of the country was able to enjoy the sunshine over the weekend.
Despite the pleasant weather, Met Office officials have confirmed conditions are set to deteriorate starting Monday, March 10. Initially, the South will hang on to milder conditions, with temperatures expected around 17C or 18C. Unfortunately, the North will experience much cooler temperatures, alongside bands of patchy rain gradually moving southward. On Monday, it will be cloudy with some light rain, particularly affecting northern parts, as the warmer air gives way to colder northerly winds.
For most areas of the UK, the noticeably cooler temperatures will take hold on Tuesday, March 11, continuing throughout the week. Temperatures are expected to plummet even lower, particularly within the North, where highs will only reach between 6C and 8C. Meanwhile, southern regions will see highs of between 8C and 9C. Snell cautioned, "Conditions will stay in single figures, and it’ll be a cold midweek, particularly when compared with this weekend. It won’t be a washout, though, as there will still be plenty of dry spells, but the breeze is what will keep those temperatures down."
The change is attributed to incoming cold northeasterly winds. Chris Bulmer, Deputy Chief Meteorologist at the Met Office, elaborated on the situation: "A frontal zone will move south across the UK during Sunday night and Monday with much colder air following from the north," he explained. Along with the drop in temperature, the UK should prepare for possible wintry showers, especially across northern and northeastern areas.
By Tuesday night, March 11, it is likely temperatures will fall below average, with rural Scotland potentially facing lows of -4C. Daytime maximum temperatures are projected to remain frustratingly low, typically ranging from 5C to 8C across the UK. For the remainder of the week, the forecast shows cold conditions will dominate. Although weather predictions can be challenging, particularly for snow events, potential accumulations may be restricted mainly to hill areas, with significant variations expected across different regions.
Looking forward to the latter half of the week, Friday, March 14, is expected to maintain cool and showery conditions, as high pressure stationed to the north streams down bitterly cold fronts. Saturday and Sunday may bring some respite with slightly rising temperatures as forecast models anticipate minor increases heading toward the weekend.
The Met Office's predictions serve as another reminder of the unpredictable nature of UK weather, showcasing how quickly conditions can change. While many enjoyed the unexpected warmth of the weekend, the public is advised against putting their heavier coats away just yet, as colder days are heading their way.