The UK has enjoyed above average weather temperatures this week thanks to winds from Spain and Portugal. However, forecasters are predicting a significant change in the weather as Arctic air moves south across the country.
Temperatures are set to reach a balmy 16 degrees Celsius in the South East this evening. Since spring officially began today, 20th of March, many Brits have been enjoying the continued warmth.
From Warm to Cold Weather in the UK
The United Kingdom has had higher than average temperatures this week due to winds from Spain and Portugal. However, forecast models suggest that a significant change in weather is coming as Arctic air moves south across the country. On Wednesday evening, temperatures will reach a mild 16 degrees Celsius in the Southeast. Spring officially began on March 20th, so many Britons have been enjoying the warmer conditions that have continued.
Meteorologist Craig Snell from the UK Met Office has reported that temperatures will start to drop across the UK from Thursday night as the wind shifts from the north. By the weekend, maximum temperatures are expected to fall into single digits Celsius, with lows as cold as 5 degrees Celsius.
Temperatures have been above average over the past few days 📈
It is all change by the end of the week as colder air moves in 📉 pic.twitter.com/MbPQGGFf1b
— Met Office (@metoffice) March 20, 2024
This weekend could be a bit of a shock for people who think winter is over," said Mr Snell, "as they will have to put on their coats in chilly conditions. Above-average temperatures for this time of year will fall away with the north-westerly and northerly winds and temperatures will feel much colder over the weekend".
Many areas of the country have been warm and dry so far this week. Wednesday afternoon satellite and radar imagery showed rain showers moving eastward, with heavy precipitation affecting western Wales. Western Scotland and Northern Ireland are forecast to have sunny weather.
Further south and east, a gray cloud canopy brought drizzle and occasional heavier rain, especially over higher terrain. Despite the cloud cover, temperatures reached a pleasant 15-17 degrees Celsius in the southeast.
On Wednesday evening, the rain is expected to gradually ease while the skies remain grey, allowing for some clearer intervals with fog and mist formation overnight. Mild temperatures in the high single digits are anticipated.
By Thursday morning, areas can expect a mix of sunny spells and cloudy spells. Rain is forecast to move east across Scotland, northern England, and North Wales. For the rest of England and Wales, it will be a drier day with stronger winds, limiting the rise in afternoon temperatures compared to Wednesday. However, there may still be brief sunny intervals that could push the highs into the mid-teens Celsius.
Later on Thursday, a cold front is expected to push south, bringing rain and cloud with it. This front will bring colder air behind it and change the weather pattern, resulting in stronger winds and falling temperatures - a sign of a brisk Easter weekend ahead.
Met Office Weather Forecast : Wednesday 20 Mar–Sunday 24 Mar
- Tonight
Low cloud and fog will persist overnight, but rain and showers will clear in the southeast. In the north, clear spells with patchy frost. Cloud, rain and gales are forecasted in the far northwest later. - Thursday
In the south, some low cloud and mist will clear, and it will remain mostly dry with hazy sunshine. Rain and strong winds in the north will move southeast, with sunshine and blustery showers behind. - Friday to Sunday
The weather will turn colder with a mix of sunshine and blustery showers on Friday and Saturday. These showers may be wintry in the north and west. Showers will ease in the west through Sunday.