Istanbul experienced highs of 25C over the weekend but a major change is on the way, meaning that by the middle of this week, parts of Britain will be warmer than the Turkish city
Parts of the UK will be hotter than Istanbul this week as temperatures soar with the arrival of spring.
The average temperature in March is around 9.2C, but starting from Wednesday, the weather will be warmer in England than in the major Turkish capital. Istanbul experienced highs of 25C over the weekend but a major change is on the way, meaning that by the middle of this week, the city will be hit by 6C temperatures and cloudy conditions.
Then on Thursday, which marks the spring equinox, Brits living in the south of England could enjoy highs of 19C. This is estimated to be hotter than Ibiza, where temperatures will reach highs of 17C on Thursday, and Corfu where the maximum temperature will be 16C.
While the warmest conditions are expected in London and the South East, Scotland will also feel warmer than usual, with temperatures above 10C. Liverpool, Sheffield and Manchester will all enjoy temperatures between 13C and 15C. Met Office meteorologist Becky Mitchell said: “We’re expecting quite a lot of dry weather, increasing amounts of sunshine as we head through the next few days.
“By Wednesday, we’re looking at highs of about 17C in the south. And then on Thursday, we could get as high as 19C.” She added: “”The spring equinox will coincide with some nice warm weather, definitely feeling spring-like.”
But towards the end of the week, rain or showers will start to arrive from the south or west, the Met Office warned. Most parts of the country could experience wetter weather, as well as strong winds at times.
The long-range forecast from Friday, March 21 to Sunday, March 30 reads: “Still fine for many at the start of this period but by Friday and into the weekend, there is an increasing likelihood that rain or showers will start to arrive from the south or west. Wetter weather will probably spread to all areas, at least for a time and could be accompanied by strong winds at times.
“Into the following week, unsettled conditions will probably continue across many parts of the UK. Some heavy rain or showers are possible at times, these most likely across southern parts of the country. Temperatures are likely to be widely above average at the start of this period before probably falling back and then fluctuating around average for the remainder of the period.”
Currently, confidence is low in the forecast for April, according to the Met Office. The long-range forecast from Monday, March 31 to Monday, April 14 says: “Confidence is low, but blocked patterns are most probable for the first half of April.
“This can lead to slow-moving areas of low and high pressure and, depending on their location, can result in extended periods of either dry conditions or, perhaps more likely, wetter episodes in the form of rain or showers. Either way, whilst temperatures overall may be near average, given the time of year this type of regime tends to increase the chance of periods of below average temperatures at times.”
UK 5 day weather forecast
This Evening and Tonight:
Skies will remain fairly cloudy, especially across central and eastern parts. A few light rain showers are also possible here. A patchy frost forming where any clearer breaks develop, particularly in the north.
Monday:
Monday is looking settled with some bright or sunny spells developing. Most places will remain dry, but the odd light shower may still be possible in one or two spots.
Outlook for Tuesday to Thursday:
After a frosty start, Tuesday is looking dry with increasing amounts of sunshine for many. Staying sunny on Wednesday and Thursday too and feeling warmer as temperatures rise above average.
