Parks across the country are packed with sunworshippers today amid 79F heat on what is expected to be the hottest day of the year, as people push isolation rules to the limit on the last weekend before restrictions are lifted.
Temperatures are predicted to hit 26C (78.8F) as most of the country will bask in warm sunshine while London and the South East will be hotter than Ibiza and St Tropez, with ministers struggling to maintain their ‘stay at home’ Covid-19 measures.
But temperatures will plunge by as much as 15C on Sunday, as a cold weather front moves in from northern parts of Scotland. Saturday will be bright for most in the UK, hitting highs of up to 23C in northern England, 21C in Northern Ireland, 20C in southern parts of Scotland and 24C in Wales by the afternoon.
London and the South East could see the hottest temperatures recorded in the UK so far this year, potentially surpassing the 26C recorded in Treknow, in Cornwall, on Good Friday.
It has led the Government to issue reminders to stay at home and obey social distancing rules amid fears people could flock to parks and beaches for days out. It comes after the country enjoyed a sunny VE Day yesterday and a taste of freedom as street parties and celebrations took place.
The glorious weather comes as the public remain confused by the government’s mixed messages, after they briefed to the papers that an easing of lockdown is coming and people will be allowed out to exercise more than once a day, while still insisting people must stay in this weekend.
People enjoy the sunshine in Hyde Park this morning as the temperatures soar to 26C in the south of the country in what could be the hottest day of the year
Britons flocked to parks and open spaces today to enjoy the bank holiday sunshine. Pictured are a group of runners in Hyde Park, London this morning
Richmond Park with lots of people out enjoying the sunshine today. It is expected it will be the hottest day of the year so far, according to the Met Office
People out enjoying the sunshine on Wimbledon Common today. Under current government lockdown rules the public are allowed out once a day for exercise
Today the south will be warm and dry, with temperatures reaching 25C in London – hotter than in Barcelona and Corfu. Pictured are walkers on Wimbledon Common this morning
People headed to parks across the country to enjoy the ‘hottest day of the year’ today, including crowds that headed to Richmond Park in London (pictured)
People enjoying the sunshine in Hyde Park. This cyclist took the precaution of wearing a mask for his outing. Currently people are only allowed out once a day for exercise
Met Office forecaster Craig Snell said: ‘Most of us will have some very warm and pleasant sunshine on Saturday, with London and the South East possibly surpassing the 26C (78.8F) mark, which would make it the hottest day of the year so far.
‘This is because of southern winds coming in from Spain, which will make it warm and dry. But this won’t be the case on Sunday, a cold front will move in from northern Scotland, meaning temperatures will plunge as much as 15C (59F) across the UK, with the possibility of snow in hilly areas.
‘These changes do sometimes occur in spring, as we’re in the middle of winter and summer, but this is quite a high drop we will experience.’
Under current government lockdown rules the public are allowed out once a day for exercise and sunbathing is not allowed.
However in a highly anticipated address to the nation tomorrow night it is expected Boris Johnson will slightly ease some of the strict lockdown measures.
Cyclists enjoy the warm conditions on The Mall in front of Buckingham Palace in London today during the coronavirus lockdown
Families enjoying the sunshine in Richmond Park, London today, as the temperatures soar to highs of 26C today during the coronavirus lockdown
Under current government lockdown rules the public are allowed out once a day for exercise and sunbathing is not allowed. Pictured: people enjoying the sunshine in Hyde Park, London this morning
Two joggers wearing protective masks are out to enjoy the sunshine on Wimbledon Common during the bank holiday VE weekend
Police in Hyde Park today. Ministers are struggling to maintain their ‘stay at home’ Covid-19 measures as the good weather tempts people to go outside
A large group of cyclists head through Hyde Park this morning as they enjoy yet another sunny day during the coronavirus lockdown
Temperatures are predicted to hit 26C (78.8F) as most of the country will bask in warm sunshine while London and the South East will be hotter than Ibiza and St Tropez. Pictured: a runner in Hyde Park, London this morning
A runner in Canon Hill Park, Birmingham this morning. It is expected from next week that the exercise restrictions may be dropped
One dog cooled off in the water during the heat wave today in Hyde Park, London. It is expected to be the hottest day of the year so far
Met Office forecaster Craig Snell said: ‘Most of us will have some very warm and pleasant sunshine on Saturday, with London and the South East possibly surpassing the 26C (78.8F) mark, which would make it the hottest day of the year so far. Pictured: people enjoying the sunshine in Hyde Park
A man tries bike polo in Hyde Park. The hot weather comes as the public remain confused over the ‘stay at home’ message as exercise restrictions may be lifted for next week
The hot weather has led the Government to issue reminders to stay at home and obey social distancing rules amid fears people could flock to parks and beaches for days out. Pictured: Canon Hill Park, Birmingham today
Two people enjoy a work out in Richmond Park, south west London today as it is expected exercise restrictions will be lifted for next week
People enjoying the sunshine in Hyde Park today. The prime Minister Boris Johnson has said the public should stay at home to slow the Covid-19
He is likely to emulate steps announced by Wales yesterday, where limits on outdoor exercise are being dropped. It comes as garden centres will be allowed to reopen next week as part of the country’s coronavirus exit plan.
They can let customers visit again from Wednesday provided strict social distancing and hygiene measures are in place, Government sources said.
Although Downing Street has been frantically playing down the scale of the changes to be announced tomorrow, it is thought Mr Johnson is set to drop the ‘stay at home’ slogan that many believe has been too successful in bringing the economy grinding to a halt.