The UK can finally breathe a sigh of relief as the dreariest week of February in half a century comes to an end.

For the past seven days, much of the country has experienced a total lack of sunshine, marking the longest stretch since 1979 without a glimpse of sunlight.

A Bright Turnaround Expected Today

Forecasters are predicting a much-needed change in weather today.

After a week of constant cloud cover, the sun is expected to shine through near London around 7am on Friday, offering a glimpse of hope as the weekend approaches.

According to data from the Met Office, the past seven days of no sunshine in London are an anomaly, with the last occurrence dating back nearly 50 years.

A Look at the Past Sunshine Records

The 1970s saw a similar pattern, with the last instance of over seven consecutive days without sunshine recorded in 1972.

But the longest period on record was in 1959 when London went a full 13 days without any sun.

It’s clear that such an extended period of gloom is incredibly rare.

Weather Forecast for Friday

Looking ahead to Friday’s weather, the Met Office forecasts a mix of cloudy and breezy conditions for Northern Ireland, Wales, and southwest England, along with rain and possible snow on the hills.

In contrast, much of the rest of the UK will see frost clear and some sunshine, although temperatures will remain on the cold side.

Warmer Weekend Ahead

As for the weekend, the forecast calls for milder temperatures across some areas.

While the east and northeast will remain cold and often cloudy, the west and southwest will see weakening rain bands moving through, bringing warmer conditions.

However, the weekend will still be breezy, and some areas could experience snowfall.

Freezing Rain and Its Hazards

Britons are also being warned about the possibility of freezing rain in the coming days—a rare weather event that can lead to hazardous conditions.

This type of rain forms when droplets fall through warm air, melt into liquid, and then freeze upon contact with cold surfaces, forming a layer of clear ice.

Freezing rain can cause trees and power lines to collapse and create dangerously slick roads.

It’s a phenomenon more commonly seen in the United States but could make an appearance in the UK this weekend.

Dangers of Freezing Rain

The weight of the ice can cause significant damage, including power outages and the danger of accidents on the roads.

The ice’s impact can also be troublesome for aircraft, as thick layers of ice on planes are difficult to clear, posing safety risks.

Although freezing rain is rare in Britain, the Met Office has warned that it could be seen later this week.

Outlook for the Week Ahead

Looking further ahead, the week of February 18-27 is expected to start off dry and cold, with a brisk southeasterly breeze.

However, the second half of the week will see a shift towards milder and more unsettled conditions, including rain, wind, and the possibility of snow.

By the end of the week, temperatures will likely become milder, with wetter and windier conditions.

March Weather Predictions

As for late February and March, there’s still a slight chance of colder weather lingering at the start, but overall, the pattern will likely be milder and unsettled.

Weather systems will move across the UK, bringing rain, strong winds, and some drier, brighter spells.

Overall, the country can expect above-average rainfall, particularly in the west, and temperatures are expected to rise slightly above the norm by early March.

Weather Troubles for Travelers

For those planning travel, especially by air, the freezing rain poses a unique challenge.

The ice buildup on roads, power lines, and even aircraft could disrupt travel plans.

While the weekend will bring a mix of cloud and possible snow, the icy conditions will be something to watch closely for those heading out.

Britain’s weather is definitely keeping everyone on their toes as we move from one extreme to the other this February.

This article was published on TDPel Media. Thanks for reading!

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