Temperatures could reach 16C (61F) this weekend, marking the end of frosty weather in recent days, which had seen warnings for ice and snow.
But despite the milder, brighter and spring-like feel for many, some areas are also predicted to get showers and longer spells of heavy rain, increasing the risk of flooding on already saturated ground.
Check the weather forecast in your area
Sky News weather producer Jo Wheeler said some parts of the UK have experienced 51 consecutive days of rain during the start of 2026.
“If we’re looking for a glimmer of hope, let alone a glimmer of sunshine, it will turn milder over the next few days.
“Not a heatwave, let’s not get ahead of ourselves, but temperatures surpassing seasonal norms by a few degrees. However, conditions will remain unsettled with bouts of wet and windy weather spreading from the Atlantic.”
After a spell of widespread frost and snow it is now predicted that temperatures will reach the early teens, with the potential for 16C (61F) in the south of England on Saturday, although it will be cooler further north.
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The highest temperature recorded so far this year was 13.9C (57F) on 6 February.
But Atlantic systems will produce wet and windy conditions at times.
“It will be Northern Ireland and western Scotland that will bear the brunt of the wet weather over coming days, putting the highest rainfall totals in the northwest,” said Wheeler.
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The risk of flooding remains in some parts of the UK after the start of 2026 brought seemingly relentless rain due to a “blocking pattern”.
Recent figures from the UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology reveal Northern Ireland and the southwest of England had their wettest January on record.
It was also one of the five wettest Januarys since 1890 for southern counties of England.
Flooding risk remains
On Friday afternoon, more than 60 flood warnings remained in force in England, including the rivers Ebble, Wylye and Avon around Salisbury, River Avon in Ringwood and Christchurch, River Frome around Dorchester and the River Severn in Tewkesbury and the northern outskirts of Gloucester.
The Environment Agency has also issued several groundwater flood warnings in parts of Wiltshire, Hampshire and Dorset.
Groundwater flooding happens when the water table rises to the surface, with cellars and basements particularly at risk.
‘Don’t be fooled’
Low-pressure systems currently approaching the UK and Ireland are bringing up some warmth from Iberia.
“We can expect temperatures in the low to mid-teens over the weekend and into the coming week, which isn’t bad for late February,” said Wheeler.
But she warned against the change in weather lulling people into believing spring is just around the corner.
“Don’t be fooled!” she said. “There’s still the potential for temperatures to return to average values; maybe even lower than average. Gardeners be warned!”
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Yellow warnings issued
Earlier this week, the Met Office had issued a series of yellow weather warnings for rain, snow and ice, partly caused by Storm Pedro – named by the French equivalent of the Met Office.
In addition, cold weather alerts were issued by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) across most of England, apart from London and the southeast, until 6pm on Friday.
