Spring has sprung! Sunny skies forecast for Saturday… earlier than Britain is buffeted by 12 hours of heavy rain
After weeks enduring leaden skies and freezing winds, sunshine and mild conditions will bring a spring-like feel for many today.
However, before you dust off the garden furniture, be warned – as tomorrow is expected to bring gales and up to 12 hours of heavy rain.
Temperatures are expected to hover in the low teens today, having peaked at 17C yesterday.
And in all but eastern counties, where cloud and rain is due to clear in the morning, the country will wake up to sunny skies.
The conditions are a far cry from earlier in the week, where the mercury struggled to reach 3C for many.
However, with a deep area of low pressure moving close to the UK, winds will strengthen and heavy rain will spread to most parts tomorrow.
Yellow warnings for winds of up to 70mph have been issued by the Met Office for all but the south-eastern corner of Britain between 6am and 6pm, while the West Country and South Wales will see heavy rain of up to 70mm (23¾ inches) from 9am until 9pm.
Severe flooding could leave communities ‘cut off’ and there are warnings of dangerous waves in coastal areas.
After weeks enduring leaden skies and freezing winds, sunshine and mild conditions will bring a spring-like feel for many on Saturday
With a deep area of low pressure moving close to the UK, winds will strengthen and heavy rain will spread to most parts tomorrow (stock image)
Yellow warnings for winds of up to 70mph have been issued by the Met Office for all but the south-eastern corner of Britain between 6am and 6pm
Heavy rain is expected to hit the UK on Sunday with yellow weather warnings in place
The worst gales are expected in the west along exposed spots of Irish Sea coastlines, in the Scottish islands and on areas of high ground further inland.
The Met Office said: ‘Winds will ease from southwest to northeast of the warning area through the afternoon and early evening.’
It is due to be drier on Monday and Tuesday with sunny spells and showers, although some will be locally heavy and slow to clear at times.
Until now, temperatures for February have been 1.7C lower than the average for the past 30 years.
