Britain is basking in unseasonably warm spring sunshine today, with temperatures reaching a pleasant 17°C in London and Cardiff. This makes some UK cities warmer than traditional holiday hotspots such as Marbella and the Costa del Sol.
However, the Met Office has warned that this early taste of summer won’t last, as a sudden drop in temperatures is expected next week due to a polar vortex collapse.
UK Warmer Than Holiday Destinations
Many European holiday spots known for their mild climates are experiencing cooler temperatures than parts of the UK today.
- London and Cardiff: 17°C
- Ibiza (Balearic Islands): 17°C
- Marbella (Costa del Sol): 15°C
- Amalfi Coast: Cooler than parts of Britain
Some regions of East Anglia, north-west England, the north Midlands, and north Wales could even reach 18°C, according to Met Office meteorologist Craig Snell.
“For much of the UK, it will be a fine and sunny day,” he said.
With bright skies and warm temperatures, many Britons are making the most of the unexpected sunshine, heading outdoors for walks, picnics, and even swimming.
Why Is the UK So Warm Right Now?
This mini heatwave comes as a welcome break from what has been described as one of the dreariest winters in history. The warm conditions have been caused by:
- High-pressure systems bringing settled weather
- A southerly airflow carrying mild air from Europe
- Clear skies, allowing for longer sunshine hours
However, this pleasant spell will soon be replaced by a much colder and wetter weather pattern.
Polar Vortex Collapse to Bring Cold Snap
The Met Office has warned that the UK is set for a dramatic temperature drop due to Sudden Stratospheric Warming (SSW), a phenomenon that disrupts the polar vortex and can bring cold, unsettled conditions.
A Met Office spokesman explained:
“The stratosphere polar vortex is now weakening rapidly.”
“We are almost certain there will be a sudden stratospheric warming in mid-March. This is when the mid-stratospheric wind is predicted to reverse from westerly to easterly.”
As a result, next week will bring:
- Rainy showers
- Overnight frosts
- Temperatures dropping to 8°C in London
- Stronger winds and more unsettled weather in the following week
This sudden change follows recent weather warnings, including a yellow alert for dense fog on Thursday, which reduced visibility to less than 100 meters in some areas.
How Does This Compare to a Typical March?
The current warm spell is far above average for March. According to Met Office data (1991-2020), the usual daily high temperature for March in the UK is around 9°C.
Today’s conditions stand in stark contrast to the usual cool, damp weather Britons expect at this time of year. However, the return of cold conditions next week will bring temperatures back in line with the seasonal norm.
Britain is enjoying a rare taste of spring warmth, with some UK cities even hotter than Spanish resorts. However, this sunshine won’t last long—forecasters warn that a polar vortex collapse will bring a dramatic temperature drop, rain, and overnight frosts by next week.
For now, Britons are soaking up the sunshine, making the most of the unseasonable heat before winter’s chill makes an unwelcome return.
