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UK Weather Alert: Spring's False Dawn Amidst Flood Fears
20 Feb
Summary
- Temperatures may reach 16C, offering a brief spring-like feel.
- Heavy rain and showers increase flood risk on saturated ground.
- Some UK areas faced 51 consecutive rain days early in 2026.
Warmer weather is forecast for the UK, with temperatures potentially reaching 16C over the weekend. This mild spell might suggest spring's imminent arrival, but forecasters caution against being misled. Despite a respite from recent frost and snow, many areas will still face showers and prolonged heavy rain.
The increased rainfall poses a significant flood risk, particularly on ground already saturated from earlier persistent wet weather. Early 2026 saw some parts of the UK endure 51 consecutive days of rain. The highest temperature recorded so far this year was 13.9C on February 6.
Northern Ireland and western Scotland are expected to bear the brunt of the wet weather. Recent figures confirm that Northern Ireland and the southwest of England experienced their wettest January on record. This was also one of the five wettest Januarys since 1890 for southern English counties.
Over 60 flood warnings remain in effect across England, affecting numerous rivers. Several groundwater flood warnings are also active in parts of Wiltshire, Hampshire, and Dorset. While temperatures are predicted to be in the low to mid-teens for the coming week, experts warn that conditions remain unsettled, and colder temperatures are still possible.
