Brits are enjoying an unseasonably warm weekend, with temperatures reaching up to 17C in some UK cities today. London and Cardiff are expected to bask in the highest temperatures, making them even warmer than popular European holiday destinations such as the Balearic Islands and Costa del Sol.
This unexpected sunshine comes as a welcome relief after one of the dreariest winters in recent history. A week of delightful spring-like weather has allowed people to soak up the sun, flock to parks, and make the most of the early taste of summer.
However, don’t pack away those winter coats just yet—forecasters warn that a dramatic change is on the horizon. Temperatures are set to plummet next week, with wet and frosty conditions expected to grip much of the country from Tuesday onward.
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According to the Met Office, the upcoming cold snap is due to a phenomenon known as Sudden Stratospheric Warming, triggered by a polar vortex collapse. A spokesperson for the Met Office told GB News: “The stratosphere polar vortex is now weakening rapidly. Over the last few days, the forecasts have become very confident, and we are almost certain there will be a sudden stratospheric warming in mid-March. This is when the mid-stratospheric wind is predicted to reverse from westerly to easterly.”
This shift in atmospheric conditions could result in more unsettled weather patterns across the UK, bringing strong winds and heavy rainfall.
Met Office meteorologist Craig Snell has confirmed that the weekend’s warm spell could push temperatures as high as 18C in some areas, including East Anglia, north-west England, the north Midlands, and north Wales. “For much of the UK, it will be a fine and sunny day,” Snell said. “There are a few exceptions in the far north of Scotland, but it will generally be dry and sunny.”
Despite the sunshine, some parts of the country are already seeing hints of the impending change. This morning, thick fog blanketed the River Tyne, obscuring the iconic bridges that connect Newcastle and Gateshead. The famous Quayside Market was also shrouded in mist, making it difficult for pedestrians to see more than a few meters ahead. The fog is expected to clear by late morning, with sunshine returning for the afternoon.
Typically, March temperatures in the UK average around 9C, based on data from 1991 to 2020. However, this weekend, parts of the UK have surpassed that, even outpacing classic European hotspots. For example, Marbella on Spain’s south coast is set to hit just 15C, while Ibiza is expected to reach 17C, making the UK momentarily warmer than these tourist favorites.
But as the warm spell fades, cooler weather is set to take hold by midweek. London’s daytime temperatures are predicted to drop to around 8C.
The Met Office recently issued a yellow weather warning for the south coast of England due to dense patches of cold mist. Motorists were urged to allow extra time for their journeys as visibility was reduced to less than 100 meters in some areas, creating hazardous driving conditions.
So, while this weekend offers a taste of spring, winter’s icy grip isn’t gone just yet—prepare for a chilly turnaround as Sudden Stratospheric Warming takes effect.
