The UK is set to experience an unexpected winter heatwave, with temperatures soaring up to 16°C, making it warmer than Greece this week.
While London, Manchester, and Birmingham bask in unseasonably mild weather, Athens and other parts of Greece will see chilly conditions, with temperatures dropping as low as 7°C to 9°C.
This temperature flip comes as warm air from the Atlantic replaces the usual cold February chill, bringing a brief taste of spring to Britain.
UK’s Spring-Like Weather: What’s Causing It?
The warmer-than-usual temperatures are being driven by:
- A shift in air pressure, allowing mild Atlantic air to push in from the southwest.
- The breakdown of a cold front that had been bringing freezing Scandinavian air in previous weeks.
- Increased cloud cover, preventing heat loss overnight and keeping temperatures unusually high for February.
This rare winter warmth is expected to last for several days, with peak temperatures occurring on Friday, February 21, when the UK could see highs of 16°C, a stark contrast to the usual February average of 7°C to 9°C.
How Warm Will the UK Get?
City-by-City Forecast:
🌤 London – 16°C, mild and cloudy
🌦 Manchester – 14°C, showers and sunshine
🌥 Birmingham – 15°C, overcast but warm
🌧 Glasgow – 13°C, rain but mild
☁ Bristol – 15°C, cloudy and warm
🌞 Brighton – 16°C, sunny spells
These above-average temperatures will feel more like early April rather than mid-February, giving Brits a rare opportunity to enjoy outdoor activities without the usual winter chill.
Colder Than Usual in Greece
While the UK warms up, Greece is experiencing an unusual cold snap, with temperatures struggling to reach double digits.
- Athens – Highs of 7°C to 9°C, cloudy and cold
- Thessaloniki – Highs of 6°C, windy with rain
- Crete – Highs of 10°C, but colder at night
A cold front sweeping through Eastern Europe is bringing lower temperatures and strong winds to parts of Greece, making the UK unexpectedly warmer than some Mediterranean regions.
How Long Will the Warm Weather Last?
The mild spell is expected to last until early next week, with temperatures gradually dropping by Sunday.
- Thursday (Feb 20): 13°C to 15°C, cloudy with light showers
- Friday (Feb 21): Peaks at 16°C, the warmest day
- Saturday (Feb 22): Temperatures start to drop, around 13°C
- Sunday (Feb 23): Cooler at 12°C, with more cloud cover
- Monday (Feb 24): Colder at 9°C, with a chance of rain
By next week, the UK is expected to return to more typical February conditions, with cooler temperatures and possible rain showers.
What This Means for Brits
With an unexpected break from winter, Brits are likely to:
✔ Enjoy outdoor activities, including walking, jogging, and even beach visits.
✔ See parks and gardens come alive early, with early spring blossoms appearing.
✔ Save on heating bills, as the mild weather reduces the need for indoor heating.
✔ Experience brighter, longer days, thanks to less cloud cover and milder nights.
However, meteorologists warn that this is not an early spring, and colder weather could return before the end of February.
Conclusion: A Rare Winter Warmth for the UK
This week’s temperature flip, with the UK being warmer than Greece, is an unusual but welcome break from the winter chill.
While Greece experiences an unexpected cold spell, Brits can enjoy a temporary taste of spring before temperatures return to normal February levels next week.
So, if you’ve been missing warmer weather, make the most of this rare February heatwave while it lasts!
FAQs
1. How warm will the UK get this week?
Temperatures will peak at 16°C in some areas, making it warmer than Greece.
2. Why is the UK experiencing this warm weather?
Mild Atlantic air is pushing in, replacing the usual cold February chill.
3. Will it last?
The warm spell will start fading by Sunday, with cooler weather returning next week.
4. Is this an early spring?
No, it’s a temporary warm spell, and colder weather is expected to return before the end of February.
5. Why is Greece colder than the UK?
A cold front from Eastern Europe is bringing chilly temperatures to Greece, making parts of the UK warmer than Athens.
