The warmth of Thursday bestowed upon England the title of the warmest day of the year so far, with temperatures soaring above 21C in various parts of the country. Northolt in London and Chertsey in Surrey recorded temperatures of 21.3C (70.3F), surpassing the previous high set in March. Wales also experienced its highest temperature of the year with 20.4C (68.7F) in Gogerddan, Ceredigion – making it provisionally the warmest spring equinox on record for Wales.
As the equinox marked the beginning of astronomical spring, meteorological spring had already commenced on March 1st. Moderate UV levels and high concentrations of tree pollen were forecasted across many regions in the UK, adding to the sunny and warm conditions. Despite a frosty start in Scotland and northern England, temperatures rose swiftly under the clear skies, reaching over 21C in some areas, approaching the record for the warmest spring equinox set in 1972.
The warmth predominantly favored England and Wales, with Northern Ireland and Scotland trailing behind in cooler temperatures, though some spots exceeded the seasonal norm by reaching over 16C. The increase in temperatures during this period, while not unusual for March, is attributed to climate change, as scientists from Climate Central suggest that these temperatures have become more prevalent due to climate change in recent years. While the weekend may bring cooler and unsettled conditions, temperatures are expected to remain slightly above the seasonal average.
Friday is forecasted to be the warmest day of the week in Scotland, with temperatures expected to rise to 17C (63F). However, cloud cover and rain are anticipated to make an appearance in the south and west of England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. You can stay informed about your local weather outlook using the BBC Weather app and check the monthly forecast for more details
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