Britons could be basking in up to 16C in hours within hours, but more rain and flooding is forecast in the coming days, a weather expert has said.
England and Wales are covered by yellow Met Office rain alerts lasting from Saturday afternoon (February 17) to Sunday evening (February 18), with Northern Ireland and Scotland also getting a lashing.
The alerts warn of possible flooding, travel disruption and power cuts, with as much as 40mm of rain set to fall on already saturated ground after downpours earlier in the week.
But temperatures will hit highs up to 16C, some five degrees higher than the average for the time of year, amid a mild spell in the country due to winds coming up from the south.
Weather expert Phil Morrish told Express.co.uk the first half of this week will be very mild as temperatures in southern Britain rise to 13C-16C between Sunday and Wednesday (February 21), with even more rain and possible flooding.
Mr Morrish added: “On Wednesday, strong winds are likely as a gale comes in from the west with more rain. After this it looks like winds will switch into the north west on Thursday and temperatures will return to average which is 7C-8C in the south, 5C-7C in the north.
“A few wintery showers are possible but there is not yet a signal for anything significantly cold. A few overnight frosts are possible but snow is confined to high ground above 200m in Scotland at the moment.
“Apart from the high ground late next week I don’t see much snow falling but temps will return to normal next weekend so it will feel cooler.”
Weather maps generated by WX Charts using MetDesk data show maximum temperatures up to 13C in parts of the south east and East Anglia at midday on Sunday.
The mercury looks set to rise into double figures in south west England, Wales, the Midlands, north of England and Northen Ireland on the same date. Scotland will be cooler with 6C – 7C, according to WX Charts. Days later, temperatures are set to plunge into single digits.
Met Office Senior Operational Meteorologist Dan Stroud told Express.co.uk after a mild few days, the forecaster expects temperatures to return to something closer to the average for mid to late February.
He added: “As winds swing around to more of a north-westerly later next week there is an increasing chance of showers, some of which could prove wintry, particularly over higher ground and in the north of the country.
“As we move towards the end of the month there is an increased chance of colder, but drier conditions developing as we move into March.”
Met Office UK five day weather forecast
Saturday, February 17 – Wednesday, February 21
Headline: Often cloudy with rain pushing eastwards during the afternoon.
Today (February 17): A largely dry day to start with some mist and fog patches though a few spots of drizzle. Turning unsettled from the west through the afternoon with a band of rain, heavy at times, pushing eastwards. Remaining mild and breezier
Tonight: Outbreaks of rain and drizzle continuing to push eastwards, turning heavy at times. Rain gradually clearing much of the country by dawn, though lingering in the southeast. Another mild night
Sunday (February 18): Some early mist and fog patches to start in the west, with rain in the east slowly clearing. Elsewhere, a largely dry day with occasional sunny spells and showers. Mild.
Outlook for Monday (February 19) to Wednesday (February 21): Showery rain pushing southeastwards on Monday followed by showers in the north. Further rain in the north overnight Tuesday sinking southwards. Unsettled for many on Wednesday. Staying fairly mild.
