THE first signs of spring will be felt across Andover this week with the borough experiencing weather more like May than February.

Highs of up to 13 degrees Celsius are predicted on Wednesday with sunshine, cloud and dry conditions.

Met Office spokesman Oli Claydon said: “A few days of milder temperatures are forecast.

“Through the week we’re into double figures (in Celsius) for many places, including parts of Scotland.

“It will be a noticeable change from what we’ve had in recent weeks.”

Wednesday’s predicted highs are well above the UK average maximum temperature for February, which stands at 6.6 degrees Celsius.

Mr Claydon added: “It will feel more like spring, especially in the sunshine.”

The mild weather comes three weeks after fresh snowfall and sub-zero temperatures across much of the UK.

Here is the weekly forecast for the South East:

Today:

Early low cloud and fog patches will soon clear to leave a fine and dry day, with sunny spells for most. It will be a breezy day, although it will stay on the mild side. Maximum temperature 15 °C.

Tonight:

Overnight will remain fine and dry, with variable cloud amounts and clear spells. It will be a windy night, locally gusty at times, mainly on coasts and hills. Staying mild. Minimum temperature 10 °C.

Wednesday:

Wednesday will be largely fine and dry, with some sunny spells. Cloud will increase from the west later, with some rain arriving overnight. A windy and very mild day. Maximum temperature 16 °C.

Outlook for Thursday to Saturday:

Cloud and some outbreaks of rain will slowly clear southeastwards on Thursday. Turning increasingly settled on Friday and Saturday, with most places dry with sunny spells. Mild overall.