UK set for 800 mile-wide ‘subtropical surge’ as we strive get by means of snowy Arctic Monday
Yes, we know it’s currently absolutely freezing cold pretty much everywhere across the United Kingdom and that it’s still technically winter, but a heatwave of sorts is coming . . . apparently
The sun is finally set to reappear this week as an 800 mile-wide ‘subtropical surge’ brings the first taste of spring. After a grey two-week 5C Scandinavian shiver, temperatures will leap up to 17C by Friday.
The warmest spell of the year will be a welcome boost to families on half-term. But we will have to get through Arctic Monday and more snow first.
The West and North face gales later in the week as three storms arrive, while the South and East see warm sunshine. Today (Mon) will be colder than Iceland, with 4C highs in the North feeling like just 1C, and 6C in the South.
Hill snow is due in the North and West with ice risks after a -5C night. Britain will be chillier than Reykjavik, which will see lows of 2C.
Rain bursts will hit as a 50mph storm is due to buffet Thursday, with a 60mph torment on Friday and a 65mph tempest on Sunday in the West and North. However they will also pull up subtropical air with daffodils set to appear.
The South and East will see the best sunshine, with 14C by Wednesday and up to 17C on Friday. The wetter and windier North is due 14C.
The Weather Outlook forecaster Brian Gaze said: “A big rise in temperatures is expected, with signs of early spring warmth.”
A Met Office forecaster said: “Monday will be rather cold, with some hill snow and possible icy stretches in the North and West continuing. But by midweek we say goodbye to cold air and hello to milder weather.
“Atlantic frontal systems are likely to spread, with the heaviest rain in the West and strong winds at times. But brighter spells are expected further south and east, and eastern areas could be largely dry.”
And looking ahead to March, from March 3 to March 17, the Met Office predicts: Unsettled during early March with Atlantic frontal systems spreading across the UK from the west.
“These will bring spells of rain and strong winds at times, interspersed by some drier, brighter periods between systems. Into the middle of the month, drier, more settled conditions will probably become more prevalent, especially in the south.
“Temperatures are most likely to be above average.”
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