The Met office’s long-range forecast has reported the UK is set to experience a “quick change” in weather conditions in the run up to the end of the month, following a recent cold snap.
The forecaster has advised the public that “cyclonic conditions [are] expected to dominate”.
A sharp departure from the icy gusts and downpours witnessed at the start of this week, rain is now set to clear across parts of England towards the end of the week, with showers still expected in northern Scotland. Temperatures are set to be mild, with sunny spells.
Yet towards the latter half of March and the start of April, despite the milder temperatures, a series of weather conditions are expected such as heavy rainfall, wind and storms, with potential for snow to return.
The Met Office ’s long-range forecast from March 21 to 30 states: "Initial cloud and rain clearing northeastwards on Tuesday, likely followed by sunny spells interspersed with showers, these perhaps heavy at times especially in the north.
"Further cloud and rain may then spread from the west later. Locally strong winds possible, with a low risk of coastal gales. The rest of the period will likely be characterised by continued unsettled weather, with cyclonic conditions expected to dominate initially, bringing rain and showers, these heavy at times.
"The west seeing the most precipitation and the east staying comparatively drier. Windy at times, with a continued risk of coastal gales.
"Wintry showers may return at times in the north later, however precipitation totals generally less here than in the south. Temperatures generally normal to mild, however brief widely cold spells are probable."
Dr Mark McCarthy from the Met Office National Climate Information Centre said this type of weather is not unusual for the time of year.
He said: “If we look back at the start of March in 2021, the maximum temperatures for the UK were very similar to the values we’ve seen at the start of March 2023.
"With sudden stratospheric warming taking place in February, the very same weather event which brought in the Beast from the East 2018, many will be forgiven for thinking a repeat performance was due to occur this month.”
UK weather forecast
Today:
Most areas seeing sunny spells today but also some showers, heavy at times with the odd rumble of thunder. Northern Scotland and parts of eastern and southern England cloudier with some more persistent rain for a time. Milder than yesterday.
Tonight:
Variable, and at times, large amounts of cloud tonight and also some showers, mainly in the south and west. Fog patches also developing, mainly away from the southeast. Mild.
Saturday:
Another changeable day with sunny spells and showers, heavy at times. Parts of Northern Ireland and northern and western Scotland cloudier with some more persistent rain. Quite mild again.
