4:34 pm - February 23, 2025
After a spell of persistent dullness and chilly weather, the UK is set to experience a welcome change in its weather pattern. By the middle of the week, temperatures could rise to a relatively warm 14°C, signaling a shift from the recent gloomy conditions. The Met Office has suggested that sunshine could return as early as Monday in some parts of the country, bringing much-needed relief after a period dominated by what meteorologists have termed “anticyclonic gloom.” This weather phenomenon has brought overcast skies, cold temperatures, and even occasional sleet and snow in some regions.
The weekend saw a mix of wintry conditions, with parts of England experiencing sleet, snow, and even rare freezing rain. Snowfall was expected to continue in some areas throughout Sunday evening and into Monday, but the outlook for the rest of the week appears more promising. The transition from cold and gloomy weather to milder conditions is a result of a slow-moving battle between cold air from Scandinavia and Central Europe and milder air pushing in from the Atlantic. This clash of air masses has been creating a “battleground” over the UK, with the Atlantic slowly but surely pushing the cold air out of the way.
The predicted rise in temperatures to 14°C by mid-week is notably above the average for February, which typically sees much cooler conditions. In Scotland, the average temperature for the month is around 6°C, while in southern England, it is about 9°C. This warming trend represents a “noticeable shift” after a fortnight of below-average temperatures, according to Met Office meteorologist Jonathan Vautrey. While the forecast is promising, it’s unlikely to break any records. The highest temperature ever recorded in February was 21.2°C in 2019 at Kew Gardens, a level this week’s temperatures won’t reach.
The recent gloomy weather has been attributed to an “anticyclonic gloom,” a meteorological phenomenon where a high-pressure system traps moisture near the Earth’s surface. This leads to prolonged periods of dull, cloudy skies, mist, and fog. Met Office spokesman Stephen Dixon explained that while anticyclones are often associated with stable, sunny weather, especially in summer, they can produce different effects in autumn and winter. During these seasons, the weaker sun and light winds allow moisture to become trapped, resulting in a layer of cloud cover that can thicken overnight. This weather pattern also contributes to higher pollution levels as aerosols become trapped in the stagnant air.
The prolonged lack of sunshine has been particularly notable, with some areas potentially going 10 days without any significant sun. Meteorologist Tom Morgan noted that if Lyneham in Wiltshire remains cloudy on Sunday, it would tie the site’s February record for consecutive days without sunshine. While the western parts of the UK are expected to experience some rain during the week, the eastern regions are forecast to remain drier. However, areas such as East Anglia and Lincolnshire could see rain and potentially snow over the weekend, with similar conditions moving into Scotland by the start of next week.
Looking ahead, the UK can expect a gradual improvement in weather conditions as the Atlantic air continues to push eastward, displacing the cold air that has dominated the country. While the process is slow, the mid-week forecast suggests that milder and sunnier weather is on the horizon, bringing a welcome respite from the recent cold and gloom. The battle between the two air masses may have brought challenging weather in the short term, but the eventual arrival of warmer conditions promises a brighter and more pleasant start to the coming week.