Britain is set to enjoy an early preview of spring today as temperatures soar to a remarkable 18C for the first time in more than one hundred days, accompanied by widespread sunshine across the nation.
Record-Breaking Warmth Across the South East
The warmest weather of the year so far is expected in the South East, where conditions will turn even milder this afternoon. This follows yesterday's 2026 high of 16.6C recorded at High Beach in Essex, which also marked the warmest day of the year in England and Scotland.
Scotland reached 13.7C in Kinloss, Moray, while Wales and Northern Ireland saw temperatures of 15.2C at Hawarden in Flintshire and 13.4C in Helen's Bay, County Down, respectively.
A Century-Long Wait for 18C
The last occasion the mercury climbed to 18C was on November 13, 2025, making today's forecast a significant meteorological event. However, it remains some distance from the all-time February record of 21.2C set back in 2019.
This sudden rise in temperatures is attributed to a shift to mild south-westerly winds blowing in from the Atlantic. Unfortunately, this pleasant interlude is set to be short-lived, with conditions expected to return to average levels from tomorrow onwards.
Met Office Forecast and Regional Variations
Met Office meteorologist Clare Nasir provided detailed insights, stating, 'It's a mild day wherever you are, but we'll see temperatures up to 17C, 18C in the South helped with some sunshine.'
She elaborated, 'You can see the warmth extending across the country, but still cloud and rain which will push eastwards and north-eastwards through the day.'
Rain is anticipated across parts of Northern Ireland and Scotland this morning, also affecting western Wales and the West Country. However, Nasir added, 'Further east, you'll see some sunshine through the morning into the afternoon, helping temperatures rise very nicely through the day.'
Temperature Breakdown Across the UK
Forecasts indicate temperatures of 12C or 13C across Scotland and Northern Ireland, which Nasir described as 'mild for the time of year.' Northern England and Wales can expect highs of 15C, while eastern areas might reach 17C or even 18C.
Nasir emphasised, 'We haven't seen an 18C since early November last year. Still a breeze coming in, a blustery wind towards more western areas, but feeling mild certainly where you see that drier weather.'
Return to Unsettled Conditions
The respite from winter's grip will be brief. Rain is forecast to return across northern and western areas tomorrow, accompanied by extensive cloud cover. Highs will drop to 14C in the South and 13C in the North.
The working week will conclude on an unsettled note as an area of low pressure moves across the UK, bringing temperatures down to 13C in the South and 11C in the North.
A Welcome Change from Winter's Gloom
This week's warmer temperatures and sunshine provide a welcome contrast to months dominated by storms and persistently grey skies. Official data reveals the UK has experienced only 70 per cent of its average sunshine over the winter months so far.
Additionally, rainfall has been significantly above the 30-year average, making this sunny spell particularly appreciated by many.
Meteorological winter, as defined by forecasters, runs from December 1 to February 28, meaning the official start of spring is this coming Sunday, March 2.
