Unusually warm weather bursts to hit Brits today as mercury nears mega 20C

15 February 2024 , 05:00

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Brits will see a brief glimpse of spring on Thursday as temperatures rise amidst some spring showers (Image: Alex Lentati/LNP)

Brits face an unseasonably mild week which will see temperatures warmer than Italy and Greece in parts.

Weather forecasters say the mercury will inch up into the teens and even potentially as high as 20C for parts of the UK this week, in a round of mild weather. Thursday could be the warmest day of the year so far if forecasts are correct, providing an early glimpse of spring.

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.

Gales, snow and rain to batter country today with 80mph wind gusts

Temperatures will inch up into the top teens on Thursday

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.

"How long this drier weather lasts is uncertain, as mild, cloudy conditions with outbreaks of rain or drizzle are expected to return from the west or southwest either later in the week or during the following weekend. Northern parts of the UK may see the best of any remaining dry and frosty conditions, with the south most likely to see the majority of the rainfall."

Susie Beever