15 February 2024 , 08:48
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The UK is set to enjoy a heatwave warmer than Greece, thanks to a 500 mile-wide steamy subtropical air plume.
This week, balmy weather could see temperatures soaring to a record-breaking 18C (64F). However, winter is expected to make a comeback in March. This warm spell is due to a waft of warm air from the Azores, pushing temperatures potentially beyond the February 15 record of 18.2C this Thursday. The UK will be hotter than 16C Corfu after a balmy Valentine's Day.
BBC weatherman Simon King said: "We could see 17C in the South-East on Thursday. Temperatures will be more like early May than mid-February. Winds from the Azores are bringing warmer air, with temperatures peaking on Thursday." A Met Office spokesperson added: "Temperatures are rising and it will feel more like spring in places, with highs well above the 8C UK average at this time of year. There will be bright spells and it will feel very mild. But there will also be further cloud and rain."
However, they warned that winter isn't over yet, with chills and snow predicted for March. They said: "It will be a mild couple of weeks ahead across the UK, with signs of some drier weather next week."
Early March might bring colder weather than usual, and there's a chance we could see some snow where the warmer and cooler air meet. "During late February and early March, there is a slightly higher than normal likelihood of northerly or easterly winds occurring, which would increase the chance of colder and drier than average conditions. Spells of milder and wetter weather are still likely to occur at times, especially in the south and southwest, with the potential for snow on the boundary between milder and colder air."
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On Thursday, temperatures could hit 17C in the south east (PA)
But the unseasonable weather will be accompanied with rain (PA)The mercury looks set to rise, particularly around the East Midlands, where Brits will see 16C to 17C during the day. In contrast, Milan is set to be a cooler 13C. The spring-like temperatures, however, will be accompanied by showers in many parts. Forecaster Annie Shuttleworth said on Wednesday evening the weather would remain cloudy throughout Thursday with the chances of heavy rain. "We've got mild Atlantic across the whole of the UK," she said.
"It's been pushing northwards through the course of today, but we've also got these weather fronts that are strong across the country and that's where the focus for the heavier rain will be." Scotland and parts of the North will see heavy showers from Thursday morning.
Brits'll be basking in it earlier than ever (AFP via Getty Images)But those optimistic that the mild spell signals an early end to the winter should think again, as the mercury is once again set to nosedive towards the end of the month. Meteorologists have already warned snow is a possibility from late next week, when the UK will be once again hit with a cold snap from the 22nd.
A Met Office spokesperson said: "Higher pressure on Sunday with bright or sunny spells across much of the UK, though this could bring a greater incidence of night-time frosts and fog." It added: "Risk of a few heavier showers developing by day across the west and north, but for most staying dry. Staying mild and feeling warm in the sunshine.