End to wintry weather with temperatures up to 16C forecast this weekend

Temperatures Set to Reach 16C — But Forecasters Warn: ‘Don’t Be Fooled’

Friday 20 February 2026 | UK

Spring-like temperatures are arriving across parts of the UK this weekend, with highs potentially reaching 16C (61F) in southern England on Saturday.

After days of frost, snow and ice warnings, the milder weather may feel like a turning point. Daffodils are already beginning to bloom in parts of Kent. However, forecasters are urging caution.

Sky News weather producer Jo Wheeler said the shift could be misleading.

“Not a heatwave, let’s not get ahead of ourselves, but temperatures surpassing seasonal norms by a few degrees,” she said.
“Don’t be fooled!”

Milder — But Still Unsettled

While temperatures are expected to climb into the early teens widely — with the south possibly peaking at 16C — conditions will remain unsettled.

Low-pressure systems moving in from the Atlantic are bringing warmer air from Iberia, but they will also produce wet and windy spells.

Northern Ireland and western Scotland are forecast to bear the brunt of the rain, with the highest rainfall totals expected in the northwest.

Some areas have already endured 51 consecutive days of rain at the start of 2026.

Flooding Risk Persists

Despite the brighter outlook, the risk of flooding remains significant after a record-breaking wet January.

Recent figures from the UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology show Northern Ireland and southwest England recorded their wettest January on record. Southern counties experienced one of their five wettest Januarys since 1890.

On Friday afternoon, more than 60 flood warnings were in place in England, including along:

• The River Ebble, Wylye and Avon near Salisbury

• The River Avon in Ringwood and Christchurch

• The River Frome near Dorchester

• The River Severn in Tewkesbury and northern Gloucester

The Environment Agency has also issued groundwater flood warnings in parts of Wiltshire, Hampshire and Dorset. Groundwater flooding occurs when the water table rises to the surface, putting basements and cellars particularly at risk.

Recent Cold Snap

Earlier this week, the Met Office issued yellow warnings for snow, ice and rain, partly linked to Storm Pedro, named by France’s meteorological service.

Cold weather alerts were also issued by the UK Health Security Agency across most of England until Friday evening.

The highest temperature recorded so far this year was 13.9C on 6 February.

What Happens Next?

Forecasters say the coming days will feel milder than average for late February, but a return to more typical — or even below-average — temperatures remains possible.

“Gardeners be warned,” Wheeler added.

While the frost may be easing, winter is not over just yet.