England experienced its warmest Valentine’s night on record as temperatures remained in double figures in some areas, with highs reaching 16.5°C (61.7°F) by the afternoon.
St Mary’s on the Isles of Scilly broke records with an overnight temperature of 11.5°C (52.7°F), well above the average minimum for February on the archipelago.
This broke the previous record of 11.1°C (52.0°F) set in Teignmouth, Devon, in 1914.
Spring-Like Conditions Across Britain
Spring-like conditions were enjoyed across Britain, especially in England, as winds from the Azores brought warmer air.
Temperatures soared to 16.5°C (61.7°F) in Hereford by 1pm, with Suffolk, Cambridgeshire, Norfolk, and Lincolnshire all reaching 15°C (59°F).
Despite the mild conditions, it was unlikely to be the warmest Valentine’s Day ever, with the record set at 19.1°C (66.4°F) in 1988 at Trivington in Somerset.
Contrasting Temperatures in Scotland
In contrast, parts of Scotland experienced sub-zero temperatures overnight, with Aboyne, Aberdeenshire, recording a low of -4.1°C (24.6°F), while Inverness and Glasgow fell to -2°C (28°F).
Weather Outlook
Today, cloud and rain are expected to spread into southern Scotland with some hill snow, while the day will stay mostly dry further north.
Tomorrow, Greater London is expected to be the warmest area in the UK, with temperatures reaching 16°C (61°F), surpassing those in Milan and Nice.
The Midlands should also see highs of 16°C (61°F), while the rest of England and Wales should range between 12°C (54°F) and 15°C (59°F).
Mild Weather Continues
The Met Office has predicted rising temperatures through the middle of the week, making it feel more like spring in some places on Wednesday and Thursday.
Despite some showers in England and Wales, Friday is expected to be drier and brighter across the country, with rain in the west on Saturday but remaining mild for the time of year.
Recent Weather Patterns
Recent weeks have seen very mild temperatures in parts of the UK, with families enjoying the sunshine on half-term holidays.
Despite the mild weather, parts of England have been on flood watch due to torrential rain, with numerous alerts and warnings in place.
Historical Temperature Records
The highest temperature recorded across Britain so far this month was 15.9°C (60.6°F) at Pershore in Worcestershire on February 3.
The warmest ever February day in the UK was recorded five years ago on February 26, 2019, when Kew Gardens in London reached 21.2°C (70.2°F).
Last month, the village of Achfary in the Scottish Highlands reached 19.9°C (67.8°F) on January 28, setting a new UK maximum temperature record for January.
Temperature Divide Across the UK
Despite the generally mild temperatures, there has been a noticeable north-south temperature divide on some days this month, with a 32°C (57°F) gap observed on February 8.
Yesterday, the warmest temperature recorded across the UK was 13.8°C (56.8°F) at Exeter, while Fyvie Castle in the Highlands had a low of -1.8°C (28.8°F).
Science News