UK Records Hottest April 7 Ever as Temperatures Soar to 24.8C in Wales
The United Kingdom has officially recorded its warmest April 7 on record, according to the Met Office, with the country also enjoying the hottest day of the year so far. Temperatures surged dramatically on Tuesday, reaching a peak of 24.8C in Mona, located on the island of Anglesey in Wales.
Forecast for Even Warmer Conditions
Wednesday is predicted to feel even warmer, particularly across central and south-east England, where temperatures could climb as high as 26C. This figure is well above the typical early April average, which usually ranges between 12C and 15C. The Met Office highlighted that the highest temperatures in the UK were concentrated in north-west Wales, marking not only the warmest April 7 on record but also the highest temperature recorded in 2026 to date.
We are very likely to see higher temperatures as we move through the rest of spring and towards summer, a Met Office spokesperson stated, indicating a trend towards warmer weather in the coming months.
Coastal Towns Embrace the Sunshine
The unseasonable warmth coincided perfectly with school Easter holidays, prompting large crowds to flock to beaches and coastal areas to bask in the sunshine. In Brighton, council leader Bella Sankey expressed enthusiasm, noting that the city's seafront cafes, bars, and new park in Hove were bustling with activity. There really is no place like Brighton when the sun is shining, she remarked, emphasising the city's reputation as the sunniest in England.
Similarly, spokespeople from Weymouth Town Council and Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council reported high visitor numbers enjoying beach facilities. They encouraged safe practices, such as following RNLI water safety advice and adhering to regulations on disposable BBQs. Webcams also captured scenes of sunbathers crowding Lyme Regis beach in Dorset, underscoring the widespread appeal of the warm spell.
A Brief but Notable Warm Spell
Met Office chief forecaster Paul Gundersen described the conditions as a brief but notable spell of very warm weather for early April, with temperatures more commonly associated with late spring or early summer. He noted that this could be the warmest period at this point in April since 2020, a year marked by Covid-19 lockdowns.
However, Gundersen cautioned that the warmth will be short-lived. A marked drop in temperatures and more unsettled conditions are expected to develop later this week, he warned, adding that in some areas, daytime temperatures could plummet by around 10C between Wednesday and Thursday.
