February 2019 continues in its own remarkable way. On Monday 26th there was a new UK February record of 20.6c (69F) at Trawsgoed, Ceredigion in west Wales. Assisted by a slight Foehn Effect, this highest ever winter temperature was reached at 2pm. Here in the UK, we have never recorded 20+c in winter time. Meteorologically winter is Dec/Jan/Feb for statistical and climate purposes.
That wasn’t it. Northolt Gt. London reached 20.4c at bit later in the afternoon, so a new February record for England with Gogerddan 20.1c and Bala in north Wales 20.0c. A phenomenal spring-like day. Official observations are taken under certain conditions so, if your garden thermometer said higher, it doesn't count.
Click image to see the live temps across the UK
Again this morning it is chilly to start the day, with temperatures down below freezing in places. February is an incredible month for temperatures change by day, the diurnal range, (a blog by Nick Finnis). Strictly in February weather forecasters wouldn't be using "warm" and certainly not "hot". There are set stages for temperatures above average; mild, very mild and exceptionally mild. Whilst accepting that people will be out and about saying "isn't it warm!" that has to wait until March.
Not only is it exceptionally mild, think what it could be like in February. At the start of the month, the overnight min was -15.4c in northern Scotland, last year we had the Beast from the East with lasting bitter cold and proper snow.
We’ll watch the temperatures records again today, SE England looks ready to break the UK February record again.
More chat about this bizarre February weather, love it or missing the cold and snow, on the Netweather community forum
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