New maps show the exact date thermometers will start to push upwards – marking the end of a cold and snowy period for many.
The Met Office has said that February “may turn out to be remarkable on many fronts”, with exceptionally mild and wet conditions taking hold across the UK.
It also cited the influx of cold air from Scandinavia flooding towards the nation – the reason why parts of northern Britain are currently being pelted with snow – while the south is today (February 8) drenched in downpours.
But towards the latter end of February, maps from WXCHARTS and Netweather show a milder period creeping in, and now experts are explaining why. Average temperatures look set to go into double-figures from around February 18 – with highs of 14C in the south.
Paul Davies, the Met Office’s Principal Meteorologist, said: “Against this backdrop, the tropical Atlantic is very warm. Sea temperatures off the north-west African coast are currently comparable to values more typical for July.”
But before anyone gets out their sunglasses and puts away their winter coats, the end of winter isn’t here yet – with the Met Office actually predicting more cold weather to come in March.
Paul Davies added: “It’s a close call with only minor wobbles in the weather patterns changing the course of the evolution and associated impact to the UK.
“Through to early March, there is increasing chance of sleet or snow, especially in the north and east of the UK with greater than normal potential for disruptive snow. The specific locations wintry hazards will become clearer as the lead time decreases.
“Our advice therefore is to keep abreast with the latest forecasts and warnings.”
Jim Dale, a senior meteorologist for British Weather Services, said the UK will experience a mild period within the next week to 10 days, but that this outlook may change.
He told Express.co.uk: “It will be milder for sure, the limited snowfields will soon be gone and while no records will be broken, mostly mild is the upcoming theme. It will be changeable too, with some heavy rains at times especially in western regions.”
Weather maps show Sunday, February 18 being the date when temperatures start to rise – with places such as Stoke and Norwich seeing highs of up to 11C. Areas in the vicinity of Cambridgeshire could even see warmth of around 14C.
But by February 24, early indications suggest a cold return could be on the cards – with thermometers dipping once again to just above freezing.
