The UK experienced its warmest day of the year so far on Wednesday, with temperatures reaching 26.5C (79.7F) in Kew Gardens, south-west London. The Met Office confirmed this as the hottest day recorded in the first half of April since 1946.
A Met Office spokesperson attributed the warm spell to high pressure drawing warm air north across the UK, making temperatures well above average for central, southern and eastern England. London was hotter than popular holiday destinations such as Ibiza, Rome and Marrakech.
Wednesday's temperature surpassed the previous 2024 record of 24.8C set on Tuesday in Mona, Anglesey, Wales. However, the Met Office noted that this week's weather does not meet the definition of a heatwave, which requires temperatures to exceed region-specific thresholds for three consecutive days.
The hot weather coincided with peak pollen season, with ash and birch pollen levels remaining very high. Meteorologist Tom Morgan described the temperatures as very uncommon for this time of year but warned that the heat would be brief, with cooler conditions expected on Thursday.
Thursday is forecast to bring rain and showery weather moving south-east across the UK, marking an end to the short-lived warm spell.
