The uk saw an unusually warm midweek high, with Kew Gardens recording the top temperature so far; forecasters say a shift to westerly, moister air will cool things off later in the week
A surprise midweek warm spell pushed temperatures well above the usual late‑winter norm in parts of southern England. The Met Office recorded a peak of 18.6°C at Kew Gardens — the highest reading so far this year — as a southerly airstream drew milder air north from the Bay of Biscay and the French coast.
Where the clouds thinned, sunshine did the rest, lifting thermometers into the mid to high teens in sunlit pockets while cloudier areas stayed cooler.
How long will the warmth last?
Forecasters stress the mild interlude won’t hang around. Winds are expected to veer more westerly from Thursday as a southwesterly frontal band pushes in from the Atlantic.
That will usher in cooler, wetter air, increase cloud cover and generally knock daytime highs back toward more typical late‑winter values.
What to expect over the next few days
– Thursday’s highs are forecast around 12–14°C for England and Wales, about 12°C in Northern Ireland and roughly 10–11°C in Scotland.
– Rain associated with the incoming fronts will arrive from the west and spread inland, first affecting northwestern and western counties before reaching the rest of the country. – The sequence of systems looks likely to keep things unsettled through Friday, with persistent rain in places and further wet spells over the weekend. A few brighter intervals may appear on Saturday, but more cloud and rain will return by Sunday.
Regional contrasts and impacts
Western and northwestern coasts will feel the change earliest and tend to see the heaviest rain. Eastern and southeastern districts should cling to drier, brighter interludes for a little longer. Transport operators and local authorities should prepare for reduced visibility and slippery roads during peak travel times. For people, particularly older adults and those with chronic respiratory or rheumatic conditions, rapid shifts from mild to damp, chillier weather can aggravate symptoms — so dress in layers and check local forecasts before going out.
Flood and soil conditions
This winter has been duller and wetter than average, leaving soils saturated and many rivers high. Multiple flood warnings and alerts remain in force across parts of the south‑west and southern counties, so communities there should stay alert to river levels and any emergency advice.
Context and records
While this week’s peak was notable, it didn’t challenge the UK’s February record of 21.2°C at Kew Gardens set in 2019. Such spikes are not unheard of, but meteorologists remind us they’re short‑lived blips within an otherwise changeable late‑winter pattern.
Practical takeaways
– Use any mild, dry windows to get outdoor tasks done, but have a backup plan — wet, windier weather is likely to follow. – Keep an eye on Met Office warnings and local updates for changes in wind, rain and travel conditions. – If organising events or outings, check short‑range forecasts the morning of and consider weather‑proofing arrangements.
In short: enjoy the brief taste of spring while it lasts, but expect a return to cloudier, cooler and wetter conditions as Atlantic weather systems move back in.
