UK set to be hotter than Corfu next week as temperatures soar for start of spring

Temperatures will soar to 19C in the UK, as warm air from the continent comes in

Temperatures in the South East could hit 18C next week (PA)

Parts of the UK are set to be hotter than Ibiza and Corfu on Thursday for the first official day of spring.

Thursday marks the spring equinox and temperatures could reach 19C in the south of England, which is eight degrees warmer than the average for this time of year.

The Met Office predicts temperatures will peak on Thursday and will be far above the average temperature for March which averages around 9.2C, according to the forecaster’s data.

Met Office meteorologist Becky Mitchell said: “Over the coming days, high pressure is going to remain fairly in charge over the UK, keeping things fairly settled.

“As we go into next week, that high pressure begins to move towards the continent and that allows us to start to drag in some warmer air from the near continent, especially as we move into Wednesday and Thursday.”

Temperatures in the UK are set to be higher than Ibiza and Corfu

This is estimated to be hotter than Ibiza, which is forecast to have highs of 17C on Thursday, and Corfu with forecasted highs of 16C.

Temperatures are set to rise consistently over the week when London and the South East can expect highs of 17 to 18C, while further north into Scotland it will feel warmer than usual, with the temperature set to stay above 10.

The cities of Manchester, Sheffield and Liverpool will all experience warm temperatures of between 13 and 15C.

Skies are predicted to remain clear with only a hint of cloud in the west of the country on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.

Temperatures are set to soar to 18C on Wednesday (Met Office)

Meanwhile, Istanbul will see a major change in temperature following scorching 25C heat this weekend, as from Tuesday onwards the city will drop into single digits with cloudy weather.

While the UK will enjoy warm weather on Wednesday, Istanbul will experience a chillier 6C climate and grey clouds.

Saturday:

Many places dry, with clear spells and light winds. Clearest skies towards southern parts of the UK where frost is likely to develop. Mist and fog patches are also possible under prolonged clear spells.

Sunday:

A bright start, with some clouds developing through the day. A few light showers are possible, mainly in the northeast. Feeling pleasant in the sunny spells.

Monday to Wednesday:

Cloudy for many on Monday, with showers focused towards the south and west. Dry and sunny on Tuesday and Wednesday. Overnight frost and fog continue. Turning warmer by Wednesday.