Quick Reference Common weather temperatures
A handy table of everyday temperatures from a frosty morning to a hot summer's day.
| °C | °F | Description |
|---|
UK Oven Temperature Conversion Gas Mark • °C • °F • Fan °C
British ovens use Gas Marks (1 - 10) alongside Celsius. Fan-assisted ovens typically run about 20°C cooler than conventional. Here is the definitive guide.
| Gas Mark | °C (Conventional) | °F | °C (Fan) | Description |
|---|
Why the UK Uses Both Celsius and Fahrenheit
Official: Celsius
Since 1972, the United Kingdom has officially used the Celsius (centigrade) scale for all meteorological, scientific, and educational purposes. The Met Office reports temperatures in Celsius, schools teach the metric system, and every weather forecast on the BBC and ITV gives readings in °C. The UK officially adopted the metric system for temperature as part of its alignment with the International System of Units (SI) and European standards.
Everyday: Fahrenheit Persists
Despite official policy, Fahrenheit never truly disappeared. The Sun and The Daily Mail, often report summer temperatures in both scales or lead with Fahrenheit for older readers. You will also hear older Britons say things like "it's in the seventies" rather than "low twenties" when describing pleasant weather.
Weather Forecast Conventions
British weather forecasts today almost always use Celsius as the primary unit. However, it remains common to see both scales given during heatwaves or cold snaps, especially in print media. A typical forecast might say: "London will reach 28°C (82°F) on Thursday." This dual-reporting is a pragmatic nod to the substantial portion of the population, both older Britons and international visitors from the United States, who still relate to Fahrenheit intuitively.
- BBC Weather: Celsius primary, Fahrenheit available in settings.
- Met Office: Celsius only, with a Fahrenheit conversion on request.
- British tabloids: Often lead with Fahrenheit during extreme weather events.
- Radio broadcasts: Mostly Celsius, occasional Fahrenheit for older listeners.
Cooking Temperature Guide for UK Ovens
British cookbooks and ovens typically use a mix of measurements. Older recipes (pre-1980s) often list only Gas Marks. Modern recipes give Celsius with a Fan option. Many UK ovens still display temperature in both Celsius and Gas Mark, and some even include Fahrenheit. Here are a few rules of thumb:
- Gas Mark 1 = 140°C:
- Gas Mark 4 = 180°C:
- Gas Mark 6 = 200°C:
- Gas Mark 9 = 240°C:
- Fan ovens: Reduce the conventional temperature by about 20°C.
Confusingly, older UK cookers (pre-1980) sometimes used a different Gas Mark numbering system, but the standard table below is the most widely accepted conversion.