The UK experienced its warmest day of the year so far on Wednesday, with a high of 26.5°C (79.7°F) recorded at Kew Gardens in south-west London. The Met Office confirmed it was the hottest day 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 24.8°C set on Tuesday in Mona, Anglesey, Wales. However, the Met Office stated that this week's weather does not meet the definition of a heatwave, which requires region-specific thresholds of 24°C and 27°C for three consecutive days.
The hot weather coincided with peak pollen season, with ash and birch pollen levels remaining very high. Meteorologist Tom Morgan noted that temperatures in the mid-20s are uncommon for early April, but the heat is brief, with cooler, showery conditions expected to move south-east across the UK on Thursday.
