UK weather: This week to feel ‘as warm as May’

Many places could see ‘first signs of spring’ in coming days

The weather this week could feel more like May than February, forecasters have predicted.

Much of the UK could reportedly see “the first signs of spring” in the coming days in what will likely be a welcome relief to Britons currently under coronavirus lockdown restrictions.

Highs of up to 17C are predicted for Norfolk and Cambridgeshire on Wednesday, while the mercury will rise to about 15C or 16C across parts of southeast and central England.

While weather warnings for heavy rain are in place for much of Scotland, Northern Ireland and north Wales, the rest of the UK has been told to expect mild and often dry conditions.

Met Office spokesman Oli Claydon said: "A few days of milder temperatures are forecast.

People enjoy the spring-like weather at a park in London (EPA)

"Through the week we're into double figures for many places, including parts of Scotland.

"It will be a noticeable change from what we've had in recent weeks."

Wednesday's predicted highs are well above the UK average maximum temperature for February, which stands at 6.6C.

In fact, 17C will eclipse the average maximum temperature for May, which is 14.8C for the UK, and 15.8C for England.

The rain is forecast to move down across the UK from Wednesday into Thursday, but is likely to clear by Friday.

More sunshine is predicted for the end of the working week, with temperatures again reaching up to 15C across the UK.

Mr Claydon said: "It will feel more like spring, especially in the sunshine."

The mild weather comes three weeks after fresh snowfall and sub-zero temperatures across much of the UK.

Additional reporting by PA