Spring has sprung for many Britons who have been able to enjoy a break from the rain deluge this week during a spell of unseasonably warm weather.
The UK recorded its warmest day of the year on Wednesday, with temperatures hitting 18.7C in Kew Gardens in London, according to the Met Office.
Due to a change to mild south-westerly winds in the Atlantic, much of the south-east of England has experienced sunshine this week. Areas in Essex, Suffolk, and Kent also saw temperatures rise above 18C on Wednesday.
However, the Met Office said temperatures were expected to return closer to the February average by the end of the week, with rain due to hit most of the country by Thursday.
A spokesperson for the weather agency said: “We’re experiencing a spell of mild weather at the moment as a warm front moves across the UK, bringing milder air with it.
“Many areas are seeing a relatively mild week with sunny spells, some rain, and temperatures above what we’d typically expect for late February.”
Wednesday’s weather follows maximum temperatures of 13.6C in January and 17C in December. The last time the temperature hit 18C was in mid-November in Chertsey, Surrey.
The number of flood warnings dropped to 41 in England, compared to 65 on Wednesday last week.
However, not all of the UK has experienced the sunshine, with several areas in the north and north-west of England having received rain on Wednesday.
The rain in the West and the North West will track across the entire country, Met Office meteorologist Aidan McGivern said, but will get pushed along by the end of the day on Thursday.
Met Office weather forecast for the week
Wednesday
Rain moves South East from the West and North West, with brief heavy showers in western Scotland. Eastern and south-eastern areas stay mostly dry. Late clear spells in the far West and North West may allow temperatures to dip, elsewhere it remains mild overall.
Thursday
A bright start in the East, otherwise generally rather cloudy with outbreaks of rain. The rain turning heavier and more persistent later in the West. Brisk winds but staying mild.
Outlook for Friday to Sunday
Unsettled with rain for many on Friday. Brighter but with some showers on Saturday, before cloud and rain returns from the West on Sunday. Often windy, especially in the West.
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