Britons should brace themselves for a weather rollercoaster in the upcoming days as the current warm spell, marking the hottest weather of the year so far, is expected to be followed by snow flurries, according to weather forecasts.
Wednesday is anticipated to be the warmest day of the year thus far, with temperatures projected to soar to around 21°C, as stated by the Met Office. However, meteorologists have cautioned that temperatures are likely to plummet before the month concludes.
Certain regions in the UK could experience temperatures up to 9°C higher than the average March temperature, creating an early spring scorcher for many. Scotland observed its warmest day of the year on Tuesday, recording a maximum temperature of 16.1 degrees in Lossiemouth.
The previous record temperature for the year was recorded on March 5 in London at 19.2°C. Tomorrow may surpass this record if temperatures reach 20°C during the anticipated warm period.
The unusual weather pattern is attributed in part to a weather phenomenon known as the ‘Foehn effect,’ according to forecasters. The Foehn effect could lead to highs of 18°C to 20°C in parts of western Wales and western England on Wednesday afternoon.
The Foehn effect occurs when moist air rises on one side of a mountain, causing it to cool and produce rain or snow. As the air descends on the other side of the mountain, it rapidly warms up, resulting in elevated temperatures on the downward slope.
The Chief Forecaster at the Met Office, Dan Harris, highlighted that Wednesday is expected to feature the warmest weather of the week, with temperatures potentially reaching 18-19°C in parts of west Wales and western England, and possibly even hitting 20°C.
Harris explained, “This is due to the additional boost expected from the passage of east to south-easterly winds over areas of higher ground, known as the Foehn effect.”
The weather is expected to shift dramatically, with snow forecasts for later in March in northwesterly parts of the UK. Such unpredictable temperature swings are common during the spring season around this time of the year.
The long-range forecast from the Met Office for the period between Sunday, March 22, and Tuesday, March 31, suggests a transition to a more changeable and unsettled weather pattern at the beginning of this period. This transition is likely to bring colder interludes with northerly winds, potentially resulting in snow, especially in northern areas.