Spring-like for now, but winter bites back next week
It seemed like it would never happen, but following a cold and generally gloomy few weeks, it is finally warming up – music to the ears of many after a winter of steady cold.
Provisional figures from the Met Office for 1-25 February show that it was colder than normal with the mean temperature for the whole of the UK 0.9C below average.
In terms of sunshine, England was particularly gloomy having had 15 per cent less sunshine than normal. On the other hand, Scotland had 13 per cent more sunshine that would be expected in a typical February.
After an unsettled start, February’s weather became stuck in a rut for the second half of the month. High pressure meant that things didn’t change very much from day to day, with perpetual cloud and cold for many.
A spring-like week ahead
This week will see an active jet stream whip up a large area of low pressure close to the Azores, scooping up warm air originating all the way from northern Africa and pushing it across the UK.
As a result, temperatures are expected to rise significantly across England and Wales compared to what has been experienced in recent weeks. Daytime temperatures will reach 10-15C, with no frost from Tuesday night onwards.
Scotland and Northern Ireland won’t be as mild, with daytime temperatures here reaching 6-11C and still some chilly nights.
The best of the blue skies and sunshine will be during Monday and Tuesday as drier air spreads northwards across the UK evaporating any cloud, giving a definite spring-like feel to things.
However, from Wednesday onwards, there will be more cloud and outbreaks of rain moving over us, with the heaviest and most persistent rain in the west. However, even with the cloud cover, it will still be mild.
Winter bites back next week
March is well known for being a fickle month as spring warmth and winter cold battle it out for supremacy as the seasonal change over.
Following a taste of spring this week, it looks as though winter will be battling its way back towards us beyond next weekend.
The jet stream is going to remain much further south than usual into next week, which means that the low pressures we normally get at this time of year will head towards Spain, Portugal and southern France instead.
As a result, this will allow high pressure to remain to the north of the UK, feeding cold Arctic air in our direction.
Whilst still uncertain, it looks like daytime temperatures next week will be around 3-7C, with frost returning at night. There could also be some wintry showers affecting northern and eastern parts of the UK.
So, don’t pack away the winter wardrobe just yet, you may need the hat, gloves and scarf for one last time. As ever, you can get regular updates by following me on Twitter – @liamdutton