End to wintry weather as temperatures reach up to 16C this weekend

Temperatures are forecast to reach about 16C in parts of southern England this weekend after recent frosty and rainy conditions; forecasters warn the milder spell will be brief and unsettled weather from Atlantic systems will bring further rain and flood risk.

Temperatures are expected to rise into the low to mid-teens across parts of the UK this weekend, with the south of England possibly reaching about 16C. The milder conditions follow recent spells of frost, snow and prolonged rain earlier in February. Sky News weather producer Jo Wheeler said the warmer air is arriving with Atlantic low-pressure systems and that conditions will remain changeable. Parts of the country already have saturated ground and continuing rain could raise flood concerns. Key facts: - Temperatures could reach about 16C (61F) in the south of England on Saturday, while northern areas will remain cooler. - The highest temperature recorded so far this year was 13.9C on 6 February. - Forecasters say showers and longer spells of heavy rain are expected as Atlantic systems move in, which can increase flood risk on already saturated ground. - The UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology reported that Northern Ireland and the southwest of England had their wettest January on record. - More than 60 flood warnings remain in force in England, and the Environment Agency has issued several groundwater flood warnings in parts of Wiltshire, Hampshire and Dorset. - The Met Office issued yellow weather warnings for rain, snow and ice earlier in the week, and the UK Health Security Agency had cold weather alerts across much of England until Friday. Summary: A short milder spell is likely into the coming days, bringing low to mid-teens to parts of the south while weather will stay unsettled with rain and wind arriving from the Atlantic. Flood warnings and groundwater alerts remain active in multiple areas, reflecting saturated catchments after a very wet start to 2026. Agencies have issued weather and cold alerts earlier this week and will continue to update forecasts and warnings as conditions evolve.