Britons who have been enjoying the recent spring-like conditions may face a disappointing weekend ahead, as temperatures are set to drop and heavy rainfall is expected across the country.
Meteorological spring began on March 1, bringing sunny and relatively mild weather after a prolonged period of cold temperatures. On Thursday, the mercury climbed to a high of 19.2C in Northolt, west London, marking the highest temperature recorded so far this year.
However, the recent warm spell is not expected to continue for long, as weather forecasts indicate a significant temperature drop and the likelihood of heavy rain. According to the latest weather maps, temperatures are projected to decrease starting next Friday, March 13, with maximum temperatures reaching 8C. The coldest areas, typically in Scotland and Northern Ireland, may see lows between 0C and 1C, while London and the southeast could experience higher temperatures.
The following day, temperatures are forecasted to range from 4C to 9C, with rain expected to sweep across most parts of the country from north to south. The weather maps show a large band of rain moving in from the west early on Saturday, covering the UK except for the southern coast of England and northeast Scotland. The rain is expected to persist until late Sunday, delivering heavy downpours, especially on the west coast, and significant snowfall in Scotland.
Temperatures on Sunday are anticipated to reach between 10C and 11C in England, while Scotland may experience much colder temperatures ranging from -1C to 0C, a pattern that is likely to continue into the following day. By Monday, March 16, temperatures in England could drop to just 2C, with even lower temperatures of -3C expected in the Scottish Highlands.
The Met Office’s long-range forecast covering March 11 to March 20 suggests unsettled weather conditions across the country with temperatures potentially above average. The forecast indicates a mix of rain and strong winds, with western regions likely to experience more rainfall compared to eastern areas, where drier spells are possible but not without some rain at times.
Overall, the middle of March may see more widespread unsettled conditions with increased chances of rain and stronger winds across all parts of the UK. Despite the unsettled weather, temperatures are expected to remain slightly above average for most areas during this period.