UK could see highs of 18C on Wednesday as weather turns exceptionally mild

The Met Office forecasts parts of the UK could reach about 18C on Wednesday (Feb 25) after a mild Tuesday, with central and southern areas expecting brighter spells while northwestern parts remain rainier.

The Met Office has forecast an 'exceptionally mild' spell for parts of the UK this week as daylight increases toward the end of meteorological winter. Forecasters said Tuesday (Feb 24) should be mild or very mild for the time of year, with highs around 15–16C, and temperatures could rise further on Wednesday (Feb 25). Central and southern areas are expected to see brighter spells and the southeast is likely to feel the warmest. Northwestern and higher ground are likely to see more cloud and rain during the same period. Key details: - The Met Office described conditions as 'mild or even very mild for the time of year' in a blog post. - Forecast highs of about 15–16C are expected on Tuesday (Feb 24), with possible peaks near 18C on Wednesday (Feb 25). - Temperature maps show around 17C in London at 2pm on Wednesday and daytime highs above 10C widely across southern areas. - Rain and cloud are expected to persist in parts of Scotland, Northern Ireland, and northern and western England, with the heaviest rainfall typically in the northwest. - The Met Office long-range forecast for March 1–10 notes changeable conditions with Atlantic frontal systems, drier interludes in sheltered eastern and southeastern areas, possible snow on high ground in the north at times, and a risk of strong winds or gales. Summary: The Met Office expects a noticeably warmer-than-average end to February for parts of the UK, with mid-to-high teens Celsius possible in the south and southeast and wetter, cooler conditions remaining in the north and west. The forecast period from March 1 to March 10 is projected to be changeable, with a mix of Atlantic systems and drier interludes and some chance of snow on northern high ground.