The UK has officially recorded its hottest day of the year so far, with the mercury hitting a sweltering 28.3°C in the picturesque town of Faversham, Kent. The Met Office confirmed the reading, which was taken on Friday afternoon, signalling the start of a promising warm spell for much of the nation.
Forecasters are now predicting a weekend dominated by glorious sunshine and unseasonably high temperatures for many. While the southeast of England basked in the highest heat, large swathes of the country, including Wales and other parts of England, also enjoyed abundant sunshine and warm conditions.
Weekend of Sunshine on the Horizon
The promising forecast suggests the fine weather is set to continue. Met Office spokesman Stephen Dixon provided an optimistic outlook, stating, "There will be a good deal of sunshine for many on Saturday, with temperatures likely to peak around 27°C in the South East."
He further elaborated that the fine, dry conditions are expected to hold for most areas, making it an ideal weekend for outdoor activities and soaking up the early summer sun.
Balancing Enjoyment with Caution
While the news of the sunshine will be a welcome relief for many, health officials and the Met Office have issued gentle reminders to the public to enjoy the weather responsibly. Key advice includes:
- Seek shade during peak hours: The sun is at its strongest between 11am and 3pm.
- Apply high-factor sunscreen liberally and reapply regularly.
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day.
- Be aware of the UV and pollen levels, which are also expected to be high.
This early taste of summer has set a positive tone for the season ahead, breaking records and lifting spirits across the United Kingdom.
