A significant shift in the United Kingdom’s weather pattern is expected in the coming days, bringing an end to the recent spell of frost, ice and hill snow.
Forecasters say temperatures could rise by as much as 10C from Friday onwards as milder Atlantic air replaces the cold conditions that have dominated much of the year so far. Daytime temperatures are forecast to reach between 10C and 14C (50-57F) across many areas over the weekend and into next week.
Recent days have seen daytime highs of just 4C to 5C, with nighttime temperatures dropping as low as minus 9C in parts of Scotland. Strong south-easterly winds have also made conditions feel even colder.
The cold spell has been linked to a blocking area of high pressure over Scandinavia, which is now being pushed away. As winds shift to a south-westerly direction, milder air from the Atlantic will spread across the UK and much of northern Europe. The jet stream is also expected to move further north at times, helping maintain the warmer air flow.
Nighttime temperatures are expected to stay between 5C and 9C in most places, significantly reducing the risk of frost. In Scotland, the change is particularly notable, with 2026 marking the longest wait since 1986 for temperatures to reach 12C.
However, the warmer conditions will also bring continued spells of rain. Western hills are expected to see the heaviest downpours, and the ongoing threat of flooding is likely to persist.
Parts of Cornwall have experienced rain on each of the last 50 days, while Katesbridge in Northern Ireland and Aboyne in Scotland have already recorded around half a year’s rainfall within just weeks.
With ground conditions already saturated and flood warnings still in place in parts of England, authorities warn that the flood risk could remain a concern well into March. Additionally, recent snowfall is expected to melt quickly as temperatures rise, potentially adding to water levels in affected areas.
