Parts of the United Kingdom Could See the Warmest Day of the Year as Spring Warmth Spreads

A Sudden Taste of Spring

After days of rain and gusty winds, the atmosphere over the United Kingdom is shifting again.

Clouds are breaking apart. Sunlight is returning. The air feels noticeably milder.

Meteorologists say Wednesday could become the warmest day of the year so far for many parts of the country. High pressure settling over the region is allowing temperatures to climb well above what is typical for mid March.

Across England and Wales the afternoon will feel distinctly springlike. Temperatures are expected to rise into the high teens, and in a few places they may climb even higher.

For a short time, parts of the United Kingdom may feel warmer than some well known Mediterranean destinations.

Temperatures Climbing Toward 20°C

Forecast charts show a broad swath of the country warming quickly through the middle of the week.

Sunshine and light winds will allow the air to warm steadily through the afternoon. Many areas are expected to reach between 18°C and 19°C. In some spots the thermometer may briefly touch 20°C, and a few projections even suggest temperatures could approach 22°C.

Dan Harris, Chief Forecaster at the Met Office, described the expected conditions.

Dan Harris: “Wednesday looks likely to be the warmest day of the week for many, with high pressure dominant. The warmest spots are likely to be in parts of west Wales and western England, where under sunny skies, 18 to 19°C, possibly even 20°C is on the cards."

If the forecast holds, it could surpass the highest temperature recorded earlier this month.

Warm Air Drifting North From Spain

Part of this warming trend is linked to a plume of milder air drifting northward from Spain.

Meteorologists say this warmer air will linger across Wales, southwest England and central England through midweek. With clear skies overhead, sunshine will help temperatures rise steadily during the afternoon.

A Netweather forecaster described the pattern in a recent blog update.

Netweather forecaster: “The warm plume of air from Spain will linger for Wales, southwest and central England and temperatures will be around 14°C to 16°C but could move into the high teens with more sunshine. Bristol could see 20°C on Wednesday and will have a lovely day."

Cities Across the Country Set for Mild Weather

Many cities across the United Kingdom are expected to enjoy this brief spell of warmth.

Manchester in England, United Kingdom and Aberystwyth in Wales, United Kingdom could experience some of the highest temperatures during the afternoon. Hereford in England, United Kingdom may approach 19°C, while London, England, United Kingdom is forecast to reach around 18°C.

Similar springlike readings are possible in Birmingham, Nottingham and Sheffield. Across parts of Wales and central England, including Wrexham in Wales, United Kingdom, Stoke-on-Trent in England, United Kingdom, Milton Keynes in England, United Kingdom and Peterborough in England, United Kingdom, temperatures are also expected to rise into the upper teens.

Earlier this month the highest temperature recorded this year occurred in Northolt in London, England, United Kingdom, where the mercury reached 19.2°C. Wednesday’s warmth could rival or exceed that mark.

A Local Boost From the Foehn Effect

Meteorologists say another atmospheric process may help push temperatures slightly higher in some areas.

The phenomenon is known as the Foehn effect. When air moves across higher terrain and then descends on the other side, it warms and dries as it sinks. This process can produce noticeably warmer conditions in nearby regions.

Forecasters say this effect could enhance the warmth expected across western parts of the United Kingdom.

Cloudier Conditions Farther North

The warmest and sunniest weather is expected across England and Wales, though conditions may differ farther north.

Northern Ireland and southern Scotland may see thicker cloud at times, with occasional patches of light rain. Farther north in Scotland, sunshine may alternate with scattered showers.

Despite the daytime warmth, nights could still feel chilly. Clear skies allow heat to escape quickly after sunset, and rural areas may wake to a touch of frost in the early morning hours.

Weather Pattern Later in the Week

The settled pattern is expected to continue into Thursday with another largely dry and bright day across much of the country.

Some northern regions may remain cloudier, particularly across parts of Scotland and northern England. By Friday, temperatures are expected to ease slightly as conditions drift closer to seasonal averages while dry weather continues across many areas.