Skip to content 
Search

Latest Stories

UK set for warmest day of 2025 as spring equinox brings higher temperatures

The brief spell of higher temperatures on Thursday provides an early taste of the coming season

warmest day

The warmth will persist into Friday, with many regions continuing to enjoy higher temperatures

Getty Images

The spring equinox on Thursday is expected to deliver the warmest day of 2025 so far, with temperatures forecast to be “well above average,” according to the Met Office.

On Wednesday, the highest recorded temperature was 18.7C in Northolt, west London. Simon Partridge, a meteorologist at the Met Office, said Thursday will remain largely dry with plenty of sunny intervals, adding, “It will be a little warmer too.”


Partridge continued, “The highest temperatures are expected in areas from London and the home counties to the southern Midlands. Here we are likely to see 19C or 20C widely, with one or two spots likely to reach 21C.”

These warmer conditions coincide with the arrival of the spring equinox, which marks the first day of astronomical spring. Parts of the UK may even experience warmer temperatures than traditionally hot cities like Barcelona and Athens, where temperatures are forecast to peak at 15C and 12C, respectively.

However, despite the expected rise in temperatures, it is unlikely that 2025 will surpass the UK’s highest recorded temperature on a spring equinox. That record was set in 1972 when temperatures reached 21.5C. Stephen Dixon, another Met Office spokesperson, noted that while the weather would be warm, it probably would not exceed that previous record.

So far, the highest temperature recorded in the UK in 2025 was 19.7C in Crosby, Merseyside, on 9 March. While Thursday may offer a glimpse of spring warmth, wetter weather is expected to move in from Friday, bringing more unsettled conditions for the weekend.

Explaining the warmer conditions, Dixon attributed the rise in temperatures to higher atmospheric pressure to the east of the UK. This pressure is drawing warmer air north across the country, leading to the sunny spells forecast for Thursday. Some fair-weather clouds are expected in central parts of England, but overall, sunshine will dominate.

The warmth will persist into Friday, with many regions continuing to enjoy higher temperatures. However, rain is expected to arrive from the southwest, starting in Cornwall before spreading northeastward throughout the day. Showers will gradually affect parts of Wales, central England, and southern England. By the weekend, much of the UK is likely to experience rain.

While the equinox signals the official start of astronomical spring, the meteorological spring in the UK begins earlier on 1 March. The difference between the two lies in how they are defined. Meteorological seasons are based on calendar months, while astronomical seasons are determined by the position of the Earth in relation to the sun.

The spring equinox, which occurs around 20 March each year, marks the moment the sun crosses the celestial equator. This event occurs twice a year, with the other equinox taking place in September. At these times, the sun is positioned directly above the equator, resulting in nearly equal lengths of day and night.

As the spring equinox approaches, the anticipated rise in temperatures offers a glimpse of warmer days ahead, even if the forecast for Friday and the weekend suggests rain and unsettled weather are on the horizon. Despite this, Thursday’s warmth could still be the UK’s best chance to enjoy spring-like conditions before the rain moves in.

While the weekend may bring showers and cooler conditions, the brief spell of higher temperatures on Thursday provides an early taste of the coming season. Whether or not the day breaks any records, many across the country are likely to appreciate the arrival of spring-like warmth, even if only for a short time.

The UK is poised to experience a mix of sunshine, warmth, and rain as the week comes to a close, offering both a reminder of the unpredictability of British weather and the promise of warmer, longer days ahead.

More For You

Southport

Floral tributes left by members of the public are seen following the fatal knife attack on three young girls in July in Southport.

Reuters

Public inquiry begins into Southport girls' murders

A PUBLIC inquiry begins on Tuesday into the murders of three young girls at a Taylor Swift-themed dance event in Southport last year.

The inquiry will examine whether the attack could have been prevented and how future incidents might be avoided.

Keep ReadingShow less
Starmer-Getty

Starmer is facing a Labour backbench revolt over plans to reform special needs support in schools without guaranteeing existing legal rights. (Photo: Getty Images)

Getty Images)

Starmer faces Labour pushback over SEND reform plans

KEIR STARMER is facing a backlash from Labour MPs over plans to reform special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) support, after ministers stopped short of guaranteeing legal rights for parents.

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said the government was committed to reforming the current system, which costs £12 billion a year. However, she did not confirm if legally enforceable rights, such as those provided by education, health and care plans (EHCPs), would remain.

Keep ReadingShow less
Heavy rain and thunderstorms hit London

Londoners faced a wet and stormy start to the week

iStock

Heavy rain and thunderstorms hit London before 30°C heatwave

Key points

  • Heavy rain and thunderstorms drench London at the start of the week
  • Temperatures set to rise with highs of 31°C expected by Thursday
  • Heatwave could be declared by Friday if warm conditions persist
  • Night-time temperatures to remain high, increasing discomfort
  • UV and pollen levels forecast to be very high across the south

Thunderstorms soak London before summer heat returns

Londoners faced a wet and stormy start to the week as heavy rain and overnight thunderstorms swept through the capital. Monday morning saw widespread downpours, leaving commuters reaching for umbrellas and Wimbledon ticket hopefuls queuing in ponchos.

The unsettled conditions followed a burst of thunderstorms on Sunday afternoon and continued into the early hours of Monday, prompting caution across the city. The Met Office has not issued a formal weather warning for thunderstorms, but conditions remain unstable.

Keep ReadingShow less
National Trust sets vision to heal
nature and engage more Asians

Lisa Nandy, Steve Reed, René Olivieri and Hilary McGrady at a National Trust event marking its 130th anniversary

National Trust sets vision to heal nature and engage more Asians

THE National Trust, which is seeking to broaden its appeal to British Asians, is marking its 130th anniversary with a renewed commitment to restoring nature and widening access under a 10-year strategy.

Its director-general, Hilary McGrady, also aims to inspire more people to get involved in caring for the country’s natural resources.

Keep ReadingShow less
 7/7 bombings

The King said the public should draw on the 'extraordinary courage and compassion' shown in response to the attacks. (Photo credit: X/@RoyalFamily)

Starmer and King Charles pay tribute on 20th anniversary of 7/7 bombings

PRIME MINISTER Keir Starmer and King Charles on Monday paid tribute to the unity shown in the aftermath of the 7 July bombings in London, as the country marked 20 years since the attacks.

On 7 July 2005, four Islamist extremists carried out suicide bombings at Aldgate Station, Edgware Road, King's Cross and Tavistock Square. The attacks killed 52 people and injured hundreds more.

Keep ReadingShow less