After months of persistent rain and strong winds, regions of Gloucestershire are poised to enjoy a welcome burst of spring warmth, with temperatures predicted to surpass those of popular holiday destination Corfu.
The Met Office forecasts that high pressure building over the UK will bring temperatures in Gloucester rising to 16°C on Wednesday, rising further to 17°C on Thursday—one degree warmer than the expected high of 16°C in Corfu, Greece, on the same day.
This surge in warmth will not be limited to Gloucestershire. Neighbouring areas including Bath and Bristol will also bask in higher-than-usual temperatures, continuing into Thursday. This marks a shift following a wetter-than-average winter, with rainfall in the region exceeding normal levels by nine percent.
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Looking ahead, the Met Office predicts that starting this month, high pressure will dominate much of the South West, delivering a prolonged spell of dry and relatively bright weather. From March 8 to 14, southern and eastern parts of the UK can expect fair, dry conditions, while rain-bearing systems will largely affect the northwest.
However, the outlook beyond mid-March suggests that unsettled weather may return to parts of southern England. Between March 18 and April 1, periods of rain and strong winds are anticipated across much of the UK, albeit with low confidence in specific details. There is some potential for slower-moving weather systems by late March, concentrating unsettled conditions in southern areas while northern and northwestern regions trend drier.
Across other parts of the UK, Northern Ireland, northern England, and Scotland will enjoy similar sunny and settled weather as meteorological spring begins. Meanwhile, the south may experience a mix of sunshine and light showers.
Met Office meteorologist Kathryn Chalk commented: “Tuesday will be fine and settled for most, with the best of the sunshine across Northern Ireland, northern England, and Scotland, while southern areas see a mix of sunny spells and drizzly showers.” Temperatures are expected to peak on Thursday, reaching as high as 18°C in the southeast.
While this promising warm spell marks a welcome change, residents are advised to keep their winter coats handy just in case the unsettled weather returns.