Britain is about to experience above-average temperatures of 21C soon as weather conditions warm up following a chilly start to the week. In recent days, many regions have faced frost and cool autumn weather, with temperatures dropping to -2C overnight in some northern areas on Monday. However, a shift in pressure systems is pushing the colder air towards Scandinavia, making way for a warmer front from the Mediterranean.
This change will be noticeable quickly, with higher temperatures expected as early as this morning. Daytime highs will reach the high teens across various areas on Tuesday. On Wednesday, London and parts of the southeast will enjoy summer-like temperatures of 21C, which is five degrees above the average maximum of 16C.
Alex Deakin from the Met Office stated in a recent bulletin: “Yes, it’s mild on Tuesday, but it’ll be warmer still going into Wednesday. That warmer air will be wafting its way north – these weather fronts, though, are introducing moisture and outbreaks of rain. The overnight temperatures as we head into Wednesday are significantly above the average for the time of year, by three to six degrees, and in some places even higher than that.”
It’s a warm week ahead but it won’t be dry and sunny…
Find out all the details about the weather this week with Alex and our Week Ahead forecast 👇 pic.twitter.com/MDDHkktNPM
— Met Office (@metoffice) October 14, 2024
However, Deakin cautioned that higher temperatures do not ensure widespread sunshine and mentioned that “pulses of rain” will be “tracking northwards” throughout the day. Early forecasts indicated that eastern Northern Ireland, Wales, northwest England, and eastern Scotland are at risk of the heaviest downpours.
Looking ahead, the weather is expected to become more autumnal, with colder spells and frosty mornings. The Met Office’s long-range forecast for Saturday 19 October to Monday 28 October suggests a period that will start changeable and often unsettled but relatively mild, with rain or showers for most places. There is a potential for a deep area of low pressure to develop to the west or northwest of the UK early in this period, bringing very strong winds and heavy rain, especially to parts of the west and north.
Towards the end of October, signs indicate that while northwestern areas may continue to feel the influence of low pressure, southern regions are expected to experience more settled conditions. This could lead to an increasing chance of overnight frost and fog, with the latter persisting well into the day in some areas.
Tonight will be cold in the north and milder in the south. The weather will be mainly dry but fairly cloudy, with northern Scotland seeing the best of the sunshine. There will be patchy drizzle under areas of thicker cloud and heavier rain in the west and southwest later. It will also be breezy.
Wednesday will be unsettled with some heavy rain at times and winds slowly easing. Thursday will be drier and brighter, but the weather will turn wet and windy from the west on Friday, though it will be milder than recently.
What Other Media Are Saying
- Express reports that UK weather maps predict balmy conditions with temperatures ranging from 12C to 21C, especially in southern England, amidst a heatwave influenced by the Iberian plume.(read more)
- YourWeather highlights Mediterranean warmth increasing UK temperatures to 21°C, but rain and thunderstorms are also forecast, bringing a mixed weather pattern.(read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
What temperatures can we expect in Britain soon?
Temperatures will reach up to 21C, particularly in London and the southeast.
Why is Britain experiencing warmer weather?
A shift in pressure systems is pushing colder air to Scandinavia, allowing warmer air from the Mediterranean.
Will it be sunny with the warmer temperatures?
Not necessarily. There will be pulses of rain and moisture tracking northwards.
Which areas are at risk of heavy rain?
Eastern Northern Ireland, Wales, northwest England, and eastern Scotland are at risk of the heaviest downpours.
What is the long-term forecast for October in the UK?
The weather will be changeable, often unsettled but mild, with potential for strong winds and heavy rain, especially in the west and north.