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The Guardian World1 min read
Scienceneutral
Spring temperatures to bounce back next week after cold snap
TL;DR
After a cold snap, spring temperatures in the UK are expected to rise above 20C next week. However, rain is likely in some areas, especially in the north and west.
Key points
- Spring warmth is returning to the UK next week
- Afternoon highs could exceed 20C in some areas
- Rain is expected in the north and west
- Chilly air will persist for a few more days
After a stretch of unseasonably low temperatures for much of the UK, spring warmth is set to make a comeback next week.
Afternoon highs could climb above 20C (68F) in some places, marking a big change from the cold snap currently affecting the UK.
Warmer weather does not necessarily mean dry weather and sunshine for everyone though, with fronts expected to bring rain at times, particularly in the north and west.
The increase in temperature will not happen quickly, with chilly air expected to cling on for the next few days.
Springtime swings
Northerly winds are currently blowing across the UK bringing cold Arctic air across our shores.
This is holding daytime temperatures several degrees below the seasonal norm with some late-season frosts at night.
This chilly air will stay with us during Wednesday, Thursday and Friday with daytime highs around 9-14C (48-57F), sunny spells and blustery showers, and the ongoing risk of overnight frost.
The cold air is heading our way thanks to a combination of high pressure in the Atlantic and areas of low pressure moving to the north and east of the UK - driving northerly winds.
But over the weekend that pattern will - slowly but surely - start to shift.
Westerly winds will develop and by Sunday temperatures should be back to the mid-May average of 12-18C (54-64F).
Image caption,
Temperatures will swing from below average to above average as the wind direction changes
By the middle of next week the pattern looks likely to flip completely, with low pressure to the west of the UK and high pressure to the east.
That will bring southerly winds from the subtropics - and a very different feel.
How warm will it get?
Next week is still a long way off in weather forecasting terms so the exact numbers may change.
Q&A
What temperatures can the UK expect next week after the cold snap?
The UK is expected to see afternoon highs climb above 20C (68F) next week.
Will the warmer weather in the UK be dry and sunny?
No, warmer weather may bring rain at times, particularly in the north and west.
How long will the chilly air last in the UK before spring warmth arrives?
Chilly air is expected to linger for the next few days before the temperature increase occurs.
What caused the recent cold snap in the UK?
The article does not specify the cause of the cold snap, only that it has been unseasonably low temperatures.
