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. According to the Met Office, this was the hottest day recorded in the first half of April since 1946.
A Met Office spokesperson said: 'We are currently seeing a spell of very warm weather for early April, with high pressure drawing warm air north across the UK. For many areas, particularly central, southern and eastern England, temperatures are well above average for the time of year.' London was hotter than popular holiday destinations such as Ibiza, Rome and Marrakech.
Wednesday's high comfortably surpassed the previous record for 2024, set on Tuesday when temperatures hit 24.8C in Mona on the Isle of Anglesey, Wales. However, the Met Office confirmed that this week's weather does not meet the definition of a heatwave, which requires temperatures to exceed region-specific thresholds of 24C and 27C for at least three consecutive days.
The warm weather has coincided with peak pollen season, with ash and birch pollen levels remaining very high. Meteorologist Tom Morgan noted that 'temperatures even into the mid 20s are very uncommon at this time of year. It’s been very, very warm, but it is a brief peak in the heat.' Cooler, showery weather is expected to move south-east across the UK on Thursday.
