Spring is finally on the way as temperatures are set to hit a balmy 16C this weekend as Britain’s chilly start to year finally comes to an end.
The warmer weather does not, unfortunately, mean an end to the rainy conditions – with Britain having endured 51 consecutive days of rain since the start of 2026.
Heavy downpours are predicted for some parts of the country and over 50 flood warnings in place for parts of the southwest of England.
This includes areas around Salisbury, Gloucester and Dorchester.
But Northern Ireland and western Scotland will bear the brunt of the wet weather over coming days due to Atlantic systems which will produce damp and windy conditions.
Last month was one of the five wettest Januarys since 1890 for southern England.
Parts of the south of England could see the mercury levels reach as high as 16C tomorrow – the hottest temperature of the year so far, marking a decisive break with the chilly start to year which saw widespread snow and frost.
Low-pressure systems currently approaching the UK and Ireland are bringing up some warmth from Spain and Portugal but don’t bring out the suncream and swimsuits just yet.
A middle-aged couple in St James’s Park enjoying some spring sunshine. Spring is finally on the way as temperatures are set to hit a balmy 16C this weekend
Sun seekers at Bournemouth Beach last year. Parts of the south of England could see the the hottest temperature of the year so far
Speaking about this weekend’s forecast, Sky News’ weather producer Jo Wheeler warned Brits not to be lulled to believing Spring had come early.
She said: ‘We can expect temperatures in the low to mid-teens over the weekend and into the coming week, which isn’t bad for late February,’
‘Don’t be fooled! There’s still the potential for temperatures to return to average values; maybe even lower than average. Gardeners be warned!’
Earlier this week, Britain endured more rainy weather and bouts of snow thanks to Storm Pedro.
The latest weather system, named by Meteo France,brought with it torrential rain on Wednesday and Thursday, with some parts of the south coast including Dartmoor and Devon seeing as much as 50mm.
Other areas in the region saw up to 30mm, while some 10-20mm of rain was forecast to fall more widely across the country, according to the Met Office.
