Forecasters say we're in for a warm day - but the chill will return

Just one week since there was snowfall on the south coast temperatures may hit 17C (62.6F) in some parts later today.
The arrival of snowdrops means that spring is on the way, but forecasters say the end of the week will turn chilly againThe arrival of snowdrops means that spring is on the way, but forecasters say the end of the week will turn chilly again
The arrival of snowdrops means that spring is on the way, but forecasters say the end of the week will turn chilly again

But the fleeting glimpse of spring is set to be blown away by gales by the end of the week, with snow flurries forecast once again for northern areas.

An unusually mild start saw 13C (55F) recorded in Aberdeen at 3am on Monday - far above the 0C (32F) that would be normal for the time of year.

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Met Office forecaster Emma Salter said: “It’s looking like everywhere will have a mild start with most places in double digits already.

‘Temperatures will climb in the south to 16C (61F), with a small chance of 17C in London and parts of East Anglia.’

Despite the balmy temperatures most places will be beneath cloudy, drizzly skies all day, with sunny spells confined to the south east of England.

For the rest of the UK highs of between 11C (53F) and 14C (57F) can be expected.

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The brief respite from winter is thanks to a bulge of high pressure pushing the jet stream further north than usual.

However this is set to change as the week goes on, with rain, wind and some snow moving in.

‘Today parts of Scotland will see some early rain pushing in that will sink southwards through the day and behind that rain the system will introduce some colder air,’ Ms Salter said.

‘When that rain makes its way south it will ease, without the cloud around it’s going to be a cold night.’

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Still two weeks from the beginning of meteorological spring on March 1, winter will return as low pressure beats back the warm air.

Potentially severe gales are expected for Orkney and the north coast of Scotland, while gale force gusts could hit exposed areas further south on Tuesday night.

The Met Office said it may issue warnings and encouraged people to check the website.

‘The rest of the week will remain unsettled with some gales on Thursday, but turning much colder with snow on high ground,’ Ms Salter said.

‘By Friday this could possibly come down to lower levels in the north of the UK.’