Britain is basking in sizzling temperatures as high at 77F (25C) today – making it the hottest day of the year so far.
A 1,500-mile wide front of hot air branded as the ‘blowtorch’ will reportedly see the hottest April day in a decade before heating up later on in the week.
Temperatures are to rise 55F (13C) above the average for this time of year – and the Met Office has confirmed that today’s predicted 77F in the South East will make it the warmest day of 2018 so far.
St James’s Park in London and Gravesend in Kent both recorded the highest temperatures of the year so far, hitting as high as 24.8C today.
The average temperature in the south east of England was a toasty 24C – the same as Madrid. In comparison, Rome and Athens reached just 22C.
It was not just London which enjoyed hotter than average temperatures for this time of year, with Plymouth recording 21.2C and Cardiff at 21.8C.
Sisters Sophie, 19, left, and Jessica Cheyne, 20, right, take a dip in the sea at Bournemouth beach to keep cool on the hottest day of the year so far
Scotland saw a high of 19.7C in Kinloss while Northern Ireland enjoyed a warm 18.7C in Derrylin, Co Fermanagh.
Tomorrow could see temperatures hit even hotter than today, with Thursday set to soar to between 26 and 27C, which would make it the hottest April day in seven years.
A high over 25.6C would also be Britain’s hottest April day for seven years, Met Office records showed, since 2011’s 27.8C on April 23 at Wisley, Surrey.
The hottest April day ever hit 29.4C on April 16, 1949, at Camden Square, London.
Yesterday was the warmest this year, with 69.6F (20.9C) recorded in Santon Downham, Suffolk, but the mercury is set to rise even further on Wednesday.
At 77F, the temperature is expected to be more than 50F (10C) higher than the UK average for the time of year.
Kitty Lam, 34, sunbathes in Regent’s Park. Sun seekers enjoy the hot sunny weather during the first heatwave of the year in Regents Park, London
Crowds flocked to the stoney beach in Brighton to make the most of the sunshine and enjoy a relaxing afternoon
Even in the hustle and bustle of London this woman, pictured, found a spot in Green Park to soak up the sun’s rays
Members of the public bask in the sunshine in Regent’s Park, pictured, as forecasters predict an even hotter day to come tomorrow
Walkers stroll up Primrose Hill in London and put some effort into it with many looking like they are working up quite a sweat
Meanwhile in Frensham, Surrey, families have been having fun in the sand and needed parasols to shade them from the sun
It wasn’t all about relaxation as these men proved as they went for a run in Primrose Hill, with one shedding his shirt to keep cool in the heat
But running was the furthest thing from this man’s mind as he sat back in a hammock with his young child at Primrose Hill
Children in sunhats are not often a sight associated with mid-April but they were necessary for some in Frensham, pictured
People across the country were pictured out in the sun enjoying themselves and sunbathing in the heat this morning. The hashtag #Heatwave was trending on Twitter in Britain today as people revelled in the scorching temperatures.
Mike Pattisson wrote: ‘The big coat has been put away and flip-flops have made an appearance (without the socks) Bring on the #heatwave’
Georgieporgie said: ‘Off to Portugal tomorrow and it’s going to be warmer here – livid! #heatwave’
By noon today the hottest place in the UK was Gravesend in Kent which had reached 72.14F (22.3C) in the morning.
The Met Office warned about sunburn as the UV levels are similar to that of the August Bank Holiday last year, which saw temperatures reach a sweltering 82.76F (28.2C). There is also a warning for hay fever sufferers.
Sub-tropical Atlantic air is arriving – but it is mixed with dirty air from Spain and France.
Young women in Brighton, pictured, made sure to work on their tans as they enjoyed a day at the beach
Brooke Harris enjoying the warm weather as the Birmingham hits highs of near 80F this afternoon
Temperatures are to rise 55F (13C) above the average for this time of year – and the Met Office has confirmed that today’s predicted 77F in the South East will make it the warmest day of 2018 so far. Pictured is Cambridge today
Bliss: A woman strips off to give her legs a tan as she sunbathes in Kensington Gardens in west London today
People go about their business on the towpaths at Little Venice in London as Britain basks in glorious sunshine
Deer enjoy the sunshine, as spring finally makes an appearance at Studley Royal Park, near Ripon, North Yorkshire
Rowers out on the river Cam in Cambridge enjoying the warm weather. Temperatures are on the rise across much of the UK
Sunseekers soaked up the rays on a glorious day at Brighton beach, pictured, with many enjoying ice creams
Air pollution levels are set to hit high tomorrow and Friday in parts of the South and East, and moderate in parts of the North, The Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs said.
People with asthma or lung and heart problems, as well as the elderly, are advised to reduce exercise levels in high pollution areas to reduce health risks, DEFRA guidance said.
Pollution from factories, power stations and vehicle fumes worsens pollution from the continent.
DEFRA said: ‘Thursday and Friday have the chance of localised high pollution levels near east coasts of England, with isolated pockets also possible in busy urban areas in southern and eastern England.
‘Areas of moderate air pollution are expected across southern parts of the UK, with more isolated moderate levels in the North, mainly close to coasts.
‘This is due to continental air flow.’
A 1,500-mile wide front of hot air branded as the ‘blowtorch’ will reportedly see the hottest April day in a decade before heating up later on in the week
Experts predict these warm conditions are likely to last for the rest of the month, with changeable conditions continuing in the northwest, while the southeast still has some decent dry and bright spells. Pictured is Little Venice in London
A woman out for a morning run in Cambridge. The weather across much of the UK is set to be warming up today
With temperatures expected to hit a scorching 80F, the bookies have slashed the odds into just 1/4 that Thursday notches up the highest temperature of 2018. The River Cam this morning
And the scissors have also been taken to the price that a whopping 86F (30C) is reached (6/4) anywhere in UK. It’s also now a 6/5 shot that despite its sodden start, this April takes home the accolade as being the warmest ever. Pictured is Queen’s Park in north-west London
People enjoy the bright, warm sunny morning in Queens Park in North West London
‘POLLEN BOMB’ MISERY FOR HAY FEVER SUFFERERS
The high pollen levels across Britain today
Hay fever sufferers have been warned of high pollen levels as Spring arrives in Britain.
A ‘pollen bomb’ is set to bring misery as flowers bloom all at once.
The Met Office’s John West said: ‘With these higher temperatures and an area of high pressure in charge, pollen levels are going to be higher than average, affecting those with hayfever.’
Tree pollen – affecting one in four of Britain’s estimated 18 million hay fever sufferers – will be prevalent, Mr West said.
Hay fever traditionally develops in school-age youngsters or during their teenage years and these groups are more likely to visit a GP with symptoms rather than using over-the-counter treatments.
Caused by an allergy to pollen, the condition is estimated to affect about one in ten Britons and Americans.
Grass pollen is the most common cause of reactions and tends to affect sufferers between May and July. Tree pollens tend to be most active from March to May and weed pollens from early spring to early autumn.
Symptoms include sneezing, a runny nose and itchy eyes.
DEFRA guidance for high air pollution said: ‘Adults and children with lung problems, and adults with heart problems, should reduce strenuous physical exertion, particularly outdoors.
‘People with asthma may find they need to use their reliever inhaler more often.
‘Older people should also reduce physical exertion.
‘Anyone experiencing discomfort such as sore eyes, cough or sore throat should consider reducing activity, particularly outdoors.’
Around 29,000 Britons are killed annually by air pollution – 15 times more than the 2,000 who die in road accidents – Department of Health-backed research shows.
With temperatures expected to hit a scorching 80F, the bookies have slashed the odds into just 1/4 that Thursday notches up the highest temperature of 2018.
And the scissors have also been taken to the price that a whopping 86F (30C) is reached (6/4) anywhere in UK. It’s also now a 6/5 shot that despite its sodden start, this April takes home the accolade as being the warmest ever.
Jessica Bridge of Ladbrokes said: ‘The gorgeous weather has got us feeling flush and we’ve been forced to slash the odds of the sunshine sticking around.
‘Bosses ought to expect workers to be pulling sickies left, right and center this week as the mercury rises.’
Supermarket chiefs are stockpiling beer, cider and sun cream as the min-heatwave sweeps in.
Sainsbury’s predict a 300 per cent rise in demand for sun cream and a 100 per cent increase in sales of fake tan over the next couple of days – so punters can look ready-bronzed in the sunshine.
They also estimate 70 per cent more sales of beer and cider, a 30 per cent uplift in Rosé wine and a 150 per cent increase in demand for ice cream.
And as the BBQ gets dusted down for the first time this year, the supermarket believes sales of vegan and vegetarian food will soar by 130 per cent.
A Sainsbury’s spokesperson said: ‘It seems the whole country has been eagerly awaiting the warmer weather, and we’re expecting our customers to celebrate the return of sunshine by bronzing with fake tan, cooling down with ice cream and firing up the barbecue.’
The high temperatures will not just be confined to one part of the country, with 68F-70F (20C-21C) expected in Newcastle, 64F-66F (18C-19C) in Northern Ireland and 63F (17C) in Glasgow.
Two men enjoy a bike ride through the park in Bristol this afternoon on the what is the hottest day of the year so far
The Met Office warned about sunburn as the UV levels are similar to that of the August Bank Holiday last year, which saw temperatures reach a sweltering 82.76F (28.2C). There is also a warning for hay fever sufferers. Pictured is a sunny London today
A woman in a bikini enjoying the spring sunshine in Kensington Gardens in west London this afternoon
People are silhouetted against the farbric of deckchairs as they enjoy the sunshine in St James Park in London
A beautiful start to the day in the seaside town of Hastings on the South East coast, Lots of people are out and about taking advantage of the sunny weather
The Met Office warned about sunburn as the UV levels are similar to that of the August Bank Holiday last year, which saw temperatures reach a sweltering 82.76F (28.2C). There is also a warning for hay fever sufferers. Pictured is a woman taking pictures of flowers in Bristol
With temperatures expected to hit a scorching 80F, the bookies have slashed the odds into just 1/4 that Thursday notches up the highest temperature of 2018. A woman sits and reads her phone in Bristol today
A woman cycles through a park in Bristol on the hottest day of 2018 so far, with temperatures reaching 77F
Horsegaurds practice in the sunshine this morning in Hyde Park, London. The high temperatures will not just be confined to one part of the country, with 68F-70F (20C-21C) expected in Newcastle, 64F-66F (18C-19C) in Northern Ireland and 63F (17C) in Glasgow
The cast of TOWIE were spotted filming in Brighton as members of the public enjoyed the summery conditions today
Sub-tropical Atlantic air is arriving – but it is mixed with dirty air from Spain and France. Pictured are the horseguards practicing in Hyde Park
Met Office meteorologist Mark Wilson said: ‘It’s going to be a pretty nice day – it will be a slow start in places with cloud first thing.
‘But by mid-afternoon there will be lots of unbroken sunshine.’
Thursday could see even higher temperatures – 77-80F (25C-27C) in the South East – as warm air continues to come up through Spain and on to the UK.
Saturday could see isolated showers in parts, while there is ‘uncertainty’ about what Sunday’s weather will bring.
Experts predict these warm conditions are likely to last for the rest of the month, with changeable conditions continuing in the northwest, while the southeast still has some decent dry and bright spells.
Toasty temperatures will even be higher than those in Malibu, Athens and Rome.
The start of the week should see warm weather in the south and the east, but the north and west have a high risk of rain and wind.
The southeast can expect the best conditions in the country with the northwest seeing the bleakest.
Workers enjoy their lunch break out in the sun near Tower Bridge in London as Britain basked in unusually high temperatures for April
Visitors to Brighton pack on to the seaside city’s famous beach on what is the hottest day of the year so far
Members of the public enjoy the sunshine on Primrose Hill as summer temperatures arrived in London this afternoon
Supermarket chiefs are stockpiling beer, cider and sun cream as the min-heatwave sweeps in. Pictured are workers on their lunch break near London Bridge
Sainsbury’s predict a 300 per cent rise in demand for sun cream and a 100 per cent increase in sales of fake tan over the next couple of days – so punters can look ready-bronzed in the sunshine. Pictured are sunbathers on Brighton beach
They also estimate 70 per cent more sales of beer and cider, a 30 per cent uplift in Rosé wine and a 150 per cent increase in demand for ice cream. Pictured are workers on their lunch in London with the Tower of London in the background
Members of the public enjoy the sunshine on Primrose Hill as summery weather hits London and the rest of the UK
Walkers enjoy the views and sunshine up at Old Harry Rocks in Dorset
The high temperatures will not just be confined to one part of the country, with 68F-70F (20C-21C) expected in Newcastle, 64F-66F (18C-19C) in Northern Ireland and 63F (17C) in Glasgow. Pictured is Swanage taken from Nine Barrow Down in the afternoon sunshine
The African plume differs to the Spanish plume the UK experienced last summer which brought with it temperatures of 77F (25C).
A Spanish plume is caused by cool Atlantic air being pushed towards Spain, which in turn pushes warm Spanish air towards the UK, bringing with it hot humid weather.
According to experts at the Met Office, south England will see temperatures of 77F (25C) on Thursday, cooling to a pleasant 73F (23C) on Friday, 66F (19C) on Saturday and 68F (20C) on Sunday.
Rain and windy weather will start off the week in north England, but temperatures will get better as the days go on.
Thursday will be an improvement, with temperatures rising and plenty of sunshine – expect highs of 70F (21C).
For May, the forecast is uncertain but experts expect to see a combination of dry and rainy days, with average temperatures.
People enjoying the sun and warm temperatures in Cambridge today. The UK is experiencing the warmest conditions of the year
The chalks stacks of Old Harry Rocks Handfast Point in the afternoons sunshine in Dorset
A man and woman relax and enjoy the sun and warm temperatures in Cambridge this afternoon as Britain sizzled
Having a wheelie good time: Sun seekers enjoy the hot sunny weather during the first heatwave of the year in Regents Park, London
Sunrise in The New Forest near Ringwood this morning. The UK is weather is set for its warmest conditions of the year that will scorch Britain with a 26C tropical blast on Thursday
The days sun rises over Bournemouth from Durley Chine Cliffs, Dorset. Britain is set to bask in sizzling temperatures as high at 77F (25C) today – the hottest day of the year so far
Met Office meteorologist Mark Wilson said: ‘It’s going to be a pretty nice day – it will be a slow start in places with cloud first thing.’ Pictured is sunrise over east London this morning
Temperatures are to rise 55F (13C) above the average for this time of year – and the Met Office has confirmed that today’s predicted 77F in the South East (London today) will make it the warmest day of 2018 so far
A 1,500-mile wide front of hot air branded as the ‘blowtorch’ will reportedly see the hottest April day in a decade before heating up later on in the week. Pictured is Durley Chine in Bournemouth this morning
At 77F, the temperature is expected to be more than 50F (10C) higher than the UK average for the time of year. Pictured is sunrise over Cambridge this morning
Meanwhile it will be wet and windy across Scotland and Wales at first but by Thursday there will be highs of 64F (18C) and 60F (20C) respectively.
In Northern Ireland, Thursday is expected to be the best day with top temperatures of 63 (17C) and clear skies.
And although those in Cardiff won’t have the warmest weather from the blowtorch, they will have five days of cloud free skies.
He continued: ‘Thursday will be one of the hottest days with highs of 79F (26C) in some areas.
‘However, those living by the coast should still expect a chilly breeze as sea surface temperatures are still below average.
‘Friday will be a bright sunny day and things will start to cool down by Saturday and Sunday.’
