Sun-seekers pack out seashores and parks as temperatures rise above 20C
The warm summer weather this weekend has the nation crossing their fingers in hope for a June heatwave as sun-seekers head to beaches and parks to enjoy the heat.
After a damp May, June is off to a balmy start with temperatures across the UK reaching as high as 24C today.
The sudden spell of hot weather has been welcomed by Brits who have headed outside to enjoy the sunshine while they can.
In Dorset and the surrounding areas, revellers have been pictured flocking to the areas picturesque beaches.
In the South East of England, the Met Office forecasts that the mercury levels could rise as high as 24C in Southampton this afternoon. While the rest of the south enjoys an average temperature of around 20C.
A woman enjoying the sunshine on Branksome Chine beach in Dorset. After a damp May, June is off to a balmy start with temperatures across the UK reaching as high as 24C today
Revellers enjoying the sunshine in Wimbledon Common in south west London. In the South East of England, the Met Office forecasts that the mercury levels could rise as high as 24C in Southampton this afternoon
Cyclists on a sunny bike ride in Berkshire. Those Brits hoping for a heatwave might be in for a disappoint as rain are expected later on in the week
In Weymouth (pictured) and the surrounding areas, revellers have been pictured flocking to the areas picturesque beaches
It is a similar picture in the Midlands and most the North – with the temperature slightly dipping to a still pleasant 18C in Manchester.
North of the border in Scotland, areas of the Highlands are a full 10C cooler than in parts of England but remaining mostly in the high teens for most of the country.
Those Brits hoping for a heatwave might be in for a disappoint as rain are expected later on in the week.
The Met Office have also reportedly prepared the government for an extremely soggy weather.
Between the start of June and the end of August, they estime wet weather will be 50 per cent more likely than average.
The bleak forecast threatens to interrupt a number of summer events, including Wimbledon and Glastonbury. If predictions are correct, it could be the dampest summer since 1912 – when rain fell on 55 days across the summer season.
The sudden spell of hot weather has been welcomed by Brits who have headed outside to enjoy the sunshine while they can
Families enjoy the warm weather at Hathersage Swimming Pool in the Peak District. The Midlands are enjoying similar warm weather to the South with temperatures dipping slightly in the North
Two ladies out punting near Cambridge. The warm summer weather this weekend has the nation crossing their fingers in hope for a June heatwave
Punters out in force on the River Cam to enjoy the warm weather
The Met Office long-range forecast said: ‘The chances of a wetter-than-average period are higher than a drier-than-average one.
‘Rainfall at this time of year has a greater risk of localised heavy downpours and thunderstorms.’
Low pressure systems have been blamed by forecasters as the reason for the wet summer.
It comes after the Met Office revealed April was the sixth wettest since records dating to 1836.
