UK data warmest day of the 12 months as far as sunseekers flock to seaside to take pleasure in 22.4C warmth
The UK has seen the warmest day of the year so far as people flock to the beach to enjoy widespread sunshine.
A temperature of 22.4C has been recorded in Mona, on the island of Anglesey in Wales, making it the hottest day in the UK so far this year, the Met Office said.
The warm weather is expected to continue tomorrow, particularly in central and south-east England, with temperatures set to reach as high as 26C, according to the forecasting body.
Met Office meteorologist Greg Dewhurst said the weather was ‘unusually warm’ for this time of year and ‘well above’ the early April average of 12C to 15C.
It means the UK will be even warmer than parts of Greece this week, with Paxos set to see highs of 19C on Wednesday and 17C on Thursday, while Chania, Crete is facing highs of 20C and 18C respectively, according to Met Office data.
The warmer spell comes in the wake of Storm Dave, which caused widespread damage and disruption over the Easter weekend as 70mph winds battered parts of northern England, Scotland and Wales.
Met Office chief forecaster Paul Gundersen said: ‘We’re seeing a brief but notable spell of very warm weather for early April, with temperatures more typically associated with late spring or early summer.
‘This could be the warmest spell at this point in April since 2020, a year many will remember because of the Covid-19 lockdown.’
Temperatures will continue to rise through the day and tomorrow, with temperatures expected to reach as high as 25C, according to the Met Office. Pictured: People enjoying the spring sunshine in Saint James’s Park
Met Office meteorologist Greg Dewhurst said the weather was ‘unusually warm’ for this time of year. Pictured: People picnic and enjoy the warm sunshine at Potters Fields Park during lunchtime
Sunbathers enjoying the hot weather on Bright beach as temperature reach 22C
People row along the River Thames in Wallingford, Oxfordshire, as temperatures soar past 20C
Wednesday will feel even warmer, particularly in central and south-east England, where temperatures could reach 26C
For some, the warmth is particularly well-timed, coinciding with school Easter holidays.
Brighton and Hove City Council leader Bella Sankey said: ‘There really is no place like Brighton when the sun is shining and we’re definitely seeing people keen to take advantage of the sunshine today – not just on the beach itself, but also visiting our brilliant seafront cafes and bars, or enjoying a walk along the prom.
‘Our new seafront park in Hove has been incredibly busy as well, with families making the most of the school holidays at our skatepark.
‘We’re officially the sunniest city in England and we know how to have fun when the sun it out.’
A spokesperson for Weymouth Town Council said: ‘It’s been wonderful to see so many people choosing to enjoy the sun on Weymouth beach and we’re looking forward to welcoming more visitors to our town, so they can enjoy all the fun our resort has to offer.
‘Roll on summer!’
Webcams also show crowds sunbathing at Lyme Regis beach in Dorset.
People queue to buy ice-cream as they enjoy the warm sunshine during lunchtime along The Queen’s Walk near Tower Bridge
People enjoying the sunshine amongst tulips in bloom in Whitehall Gardens
Horse riders out by the woods on a warm and sunny afternoon in Dunsden, Oxfordshire
People enjoy the warm sunshine during lunchtime along The Queen’s Walk near Tower Bridge
Pictured: People gather in Saint James’s Park to enjoy the sunny weather
However, not all parts of the UK will see sunshine. It will be cloudier and cooler across Northern Ireland and northwest Scotland, with outbreaks of rain at times.
And Met Office chief forecaster Mr Gundersen said the hot weather is set to be ‘short-lived’.
He said: ‘With a marked drop in temperatures and more unsettled conditions developing later this week.
‘In some areas, daytime temperatures could fall by around 10C between Wednesday and Thursday.’
Although Wednesday may be warmer than Tuesday, the Met Office warned of a ‘big change’ on Thursday when temperatures are expected to drop to between 10C and 13C.
‘It’s all purely down to wind direction at this time of year,’ a Met Office spokesperson said.
‘For the next couple of days we’re dragging in that warm, southerly wind, which will allow us to see temperatures reach the mid-20s.
‘As we go into Thursday, we’ll see temperatures return to normal for the time of year as we see the weather turn more changeable with advances of rain and showers.’
Temperatures are forecast to hover around 10C in the north and 14C in the south over the weekend.
