UK records warmest day of the year so far as temperatures hit 18.7C
This week, with warmer weather than seasonal norms, spring has arrived for many Britons who are enjoying relief from the flood of rain.
The UK recorded its hottest day of the year on Wednesday, with temperatures reaching 18.7C in London’s Kew Gardens, according to the Met Office.
Sunshine has been seen across much of south-east England this week as light south-westerly winds have changed in the Atlantic. Temperatures in areas in Essex, Suffolk and Kent also rose above 18C on Wednesday.
However, the Met Office said that temperatures were expected to approach the February average by the end of the week and that rainfall would be effective in most of the country on Thursday.
A spokesman for the weather agency said: “We are currently experiencing mild weather as a warm front moves through the UK bringing with it milder weather.
“Many areas are experiencing a relatively mild week with sunshine, some rain and temperatures generally above what we would expect for the end of February.”
Wednesday’s weather follows maximum temperatures of 13.6C in January and 17C in December. The temperature last reached 18C in Chertsey, Surrey, in mid-November.
The number of flood warnings in England has fallen to 41, down from 65 on Wednesday last week.
But not all of the UK saw the sunlight; Many areas in the north and north-west of England received rain on Wednesday.
Met Office meteorologist Aidan McGivern said rain in the West and North West would continue across the country but continue until the end of the day on Thursday.
Weekly weather forecast from Meteorology
Wednesday
Short periods of heavy showers are possible in Western Scotland as the rain moves from Western Scotland to the South East and North West. Eastern and southeastern regions remain mostly dry. Late clear periods in the Far West and North West may allow temperatures to drop, while elsewhere it may be generally mild.
Thursday
A bright start in the east, otherwise mostly cloudy with showers. The rain will become heavier and heavier in the West later in the day. The winds remain strong but light.
Outlook from Friday to Sunday
Friday caused anxiety for many people due to the rain. Brighter but with some showers on Saturday before clouds and rain return from the West on Sunday. It is often windy, especially in the West.
