Blackpool to be warmer than Paris as 'hottest day of the year' nears - Met Office forecast
Blackpool s set to be hotter than Paris and Athens this week, as forecasters predict the warmest day of the year so far.
The hottest day of 2026 so far was March 6, when temperatures reached 19.2°C in London. But, according to the Met Office’s latest forecast, 20°C is ‘on the cards’ tomorrow (March 18).
On Wednesday, France’s capital city can expect temperatures of up to 17°C and Athens will reach 14°C, while 18°C is expected in Blackpool.
Throughout the week, the warm spring conditions will continue with further sunshine on Thursday (March 19) and Friday (March 20), and temperatures in Blackpool of 17°C and 15°C respectively.
Dan Harris, Chief Forecaster at the Met Office, said: “Wednesday looks likely to be the warmest day of the week for many, with high pressure dominant. The warmest spots are likely to be in parts of west Wales and western England, where under sunny skies,18-19ºC, possibly even 20ºC is on the cards.
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“This is due to the additional boost expected from the passage of east to south-easterly winds over areas of higher ground, known as the Foehn effect.
“There’ll be a big diurnal range this week, which is the difference between the maximum daytime temperature and minimum overnight temperature. Thanks to the clear skies during the day, we’ll see some chilly nights after the warmer days with a few places experiencing air frost.
“Thursday looks to be dry and settled with plenty of sunshine, with temperatures cooling towards the seasonal average on Friday.”