The arrival of the spring equinox on Thursday, March 20, 2025, could coincide with the warmest day of the year in the United Kingdom so far. According to the Met Office, temperatures are expected to soar “well above average” for this time of year, with potential highs of up to 21°C. The sudden burst of warmth marks a seasonal turning point and may even make parts of the UK hotter than traditional European hotspots like Barcelona and Athens.
What is the Spring Equinox?
The spring equinox, also known as the vernal equinox, is the point in the year when day and night are approximately equal in length. Astronomically, it marks the beginning of spring in the Northern Hemisphere. This event occurs when the Sun crosses the celestial equator, heading north.
In 2025, the equinox falls on March 20, ushering in longer days and the symbolic end of winter. While meteorological spring begins on March 1 each year, the astronomical version is marked by this celestial alignment, which brings with it the promise of warmer days and blooming landscapes.
A Taste of Summer: UK Temperatures Set to Surge
Wednesday’s Warm-Up a Precursor to What’s Ahead
On Wednesday, the UK saw a peak temperature of 18.7°C in Northolt, West London, already hinting at the summer-like weather to come. But Thursday’s forecast promises even more dramatic warmth.
According to Simon Partridge, a meteorologist at the Met Office, the weather will be “generally dry and fine with plenty of sunny spells.” He added: “It will be a little warmer too.” The highest temperatures are anticipated in a belt stretching from London and the home counties to the southern Midlands. Here, widespread highs of 19°C to 20°C are expected, with a few local areas possibly hitting 21°C.
Record-Breaking Potential – But Not Quite There
While Thursday could mark the hottest day of 2025 so far, it is not expected to break the all-time spring equinox record in the UK, which stands at 21.5°C, recorded in 1972. The current high for the year is 19.7°C, reached in Crosby, Merseyside, on March 9.
Met Office spokesman Stephen Dixon noted that while the forecasted highs are impressive, they are unlikely to surpass the 1972 benchmark.
Why the Sudden Heat?
Atmospheric Conditions Behind the Warmth
The unusually warm weather is being driven by a high-pressure system situated to the east of the UK. This system is drawing warmer air from southern Europe and North Africa northward across the British Isles.
Stephen Dixon explained: “Temperatures are going to peak on Thursday and they’ll decline into the weekend, heading closer towards average but still relatively warm for this time of year.” He added that sunshine will dominate most areas, with only some fair-weather clouds over central parts of England.
Hotter Than Barcelona and Athens?
In a striking twist, parts of the UK could be warmer than Mediterranean cities such as Barcelona and Athens. On Thursday, Barcelona is forecast to reach 15°C while Athens is expected to see highs of around 12°C—significantly lower than what’s predicted for southeastern and central England.
Friday and the Weekend: A Weather Shift Ahead
Rain Returns as Pressure Drops
While Thursday is expected to offer a brief flirtation with summer, conditions are set to change quickly. On Friday, the weather will remain warm in many areas, but a band of rain will begin to push in from the southwest.
Showers are forecast to begin in Cornwall and then spread northeastward into parts of Wales, the southern Midlands, and eventually central and southern England. By Saturday, a more unsettled weather pattern will take hold.
What to Expect This Weekend
Steven Keates, deputy chief meteorologist at the Met Office, said the weekend would usher in more traditional spring weather for the UK. “This heralds the move to something more unsettled for the UK’s weather on Saturday, with more rain or showers developing for much of England, Wales, and Northern Ireland through the day,” he explained. “Some heavier bursts [are] likely in places.”
Scotland won’t be left out either, with western regions expecting rain on Saturday that will move eastward through the weekend. By Sunday, much of the UK will be experiencing overcast skies and occasional showers.
Understanding Seasonal Trends and Climate Context
How Unusual Are These Temperatures?
Spring warm spells in the UK are not unheard of, but they are becoming increasingly common. The country has seen a number of unseasonably warm March days in recent years. While temperatures in the low 20s Celsius are still relatively rare, they are not out of place for the modern British spring.
This year’s warm weather during the equinox highlights the broader pattern of rising temperatures due to climate change. Long-term data from the Met Office and other meteorological institutions shows a clear trend toward warmer springs, shorter winters, and longer summers.
The Role of High-Pressure Systems
High-pressure systems are often responsible for settled, dry, and warm conditions. When positioned over or to the east of the UK, they can create what meteorologists call a “blocking pattern.” This essentially prevents the usual Atlantic weather systems from moving in, leading to prolonged periods of sunshine and still air.
In this case, the high pressure to the east is bringing in warm air masses, elevating surface temperatures across the southern half of the UK.
Tips for Enjoying the Warm Spell
Make the Most of It While It Lasts
With Thursday likely to be the best day weather-wise for the foreseeable future, it’s a perfect time to enjoy outdoor activities—whether it’s a lunchtime walk, a garden BBQ, or a visit to a local park.
However, don’t forget that UV levels can still be high even in March. Use sunscreen if you’re out for extended periods and stay hydrated.
Travel and Outdoor Event Considerations
With dry and sunny conditions expected, roads and transport services should run smoothly on Thursday. However, with the incoming rain from Friday onward, those planning weekend getaways or outdoor events should keep an eye on local weather updates and be prepared for wet conditions.
A Glimpse Ahead: Will the Warm Trend Continue?
What the Long-Range Forecast Says
While temperatures will dip slightly after Thursday, the general trend for the rest of March appears to remain relatively mild. Though some rain and cloud are expected, conditions should be less wintry than in previous years.
Long-range forecasts suggest that April may also lean toward warmer-than-average conditions, although spring in the UK is notoriously variable. Some colder snaps are still possible, especially during nighttime.
Final Thoughts: A Spring Equinox to Remember
The spring equinox of 2025 will likely be remembered as the moment the UK shook off its winter blues and embraced a welcome burst of warmth. With potential highs reaching 21°C, the day is set to offer a brief but glorious preview of summer.
Although rain and unsettled weather will return by the weekend, Thursday stands out as a timely reminder of the changing seasons. It also underlines the evolving nature of British weather and the increasing frequency of warm spells—some delightful, others worrying—in the age of climate change.
Sources
- Met Office Weather Reports
- Interviews with Simon Partridge and Stephen Dixon, Met Office Meteorologists
- Historical Temperature Data (UK Government Climate Archives)
If you’d like a version formatted for publishing or optimized for SEO, let me know—I can tailor it to your outlet’s style guide or include metadata and internal linking suggestions.
- How to buy TikTok recharge coins? - April 24, 2025
- Spring equinox could be hottest day of 2025 so far and ‘well above average’ - April 24, 2025
- Wicked stars Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo look scarily thin: and it makes me uncomfortable - April 24, 2025
