The UK has basked in its warmest temperatures of the year this weekend, with some areas experiencing weather hotter than popular European holiday destinations. However, forecasters warn that a sharp drop in temperatures is on the way as Arctic air moves in from the north.
Spring Warmth Brings a Taste of Summer
Temperatures soared to 19.7°C in Crosby, near Liverpool, making it the hottest spot in the UK over the weekend. Other regions also enjoyed unusually warm conditions:
- Hawarden, Wales: 18.7°C
- Threave, Scotland: 17.3°C
- Killowen, Northern Ireland: 17.2°C
These figures are five to eight degrees above the seasonal average, which typically ranges from 8°C to 11°C in March. The unseasonal warmth is attributed to a south-easterly airflow drawing in warmer air from continental Europe.
The UK’s temperatures even outshone popular Mediterranean destinations. Marbella in Spain peaked at 15°C, Ibiza at 17°C, and Italy’s Sorrento saw just 14°C, making Britain unexpectedly warmer than some of Europe’s holiday hotspots.
Cold Front Set to End Spring Tease
While many have enjoyed a glimpse of spring, meteorologists warn that the warmth will be short-lived. From Monday, a northerly wind will push colder Arctic air southward, causing a significant drop in temperatures.
- Scotland will be the first to feel the chill, with highs plunging to 4°C to 8°C.
- By Tuesday, the colder air will spread across the UK, dragging temperatures down two to three degrees below the seasonal average.
- There is even a chance of snowfall on higher ground and wintry showers in some areas.
Weather Extremes: The Unpredictability of UK Spring
The rapid transition from warm, sunny days to cold Arctic conditions is a hallmark of British springtime, often described as a season that can bring “all four seasons in a day”. The dramatic fluctuations are common due to shifting wind patterns and the battle between winter’s lingering cold and summer’s encroaching warmth.
A Weekend of Outdoor Bliss
Across the country, people took full advantage of the sunshine. Beaches, parks, and lakes saw crowds enjoying picnics, walks, and even early swims. Images from Clevedon Marine Lake in Somerset showed swimmers and kayakers relishing the brief heatwave, while Felixstowe’s beach huts stood under clear blue skies.
In Scotland, the Royal Botanic Garden in Edinburgh recorded 16.8°C, marking the highest temperature ever recorded so early in the year at the site.
Meanwhile, in Wales, a lamb was spotted nestled among daffodils in Nantmel, symbolising the essence of an early spring awakening.
A Return to Winter’s Chill
As temperatures prepare to dip, Britons are advised to enjoy the last of the mild weather before reaching for their winter coats again. While this weekend offered a tantalising glimpse of spring, the UK remains firmly in the unpredictable grip of early-season weather shifts.
For those looking to plan their week, checking local forecasts will be essential, as wintry conditions could return sooner than expected.
