BRITS soaked up a sizzling 26C scorcher on one of the hottest early April days ever – before being warned to brace for a dramatic drop to just 5C.
Forecasters said yesterday was the hottest day of the year so far and the warmest April day recorded since 1946.
Sun seekers flocked to parks and beer gardens as temperatures soared to 26.6C in Kew Gardens, south west London.
Parts of the UK were even hotter than holiday hotspots like Ibiza, Rome and Marrakech.
But the Met Office flagged a “big change” today, with the warm spell set to come to an abrupt end.
Meteorologist Tom Morgan said the spike in temperatures was “uncommon” before warning of the drop today.
He said: “Temperatures even into the mid 20s are very uncommon at this time of year.
“In the London area, we’ve seen temperatures above 26C, and currently the provisional maximum today is 26.6C in Kew Gardens, London.
“And that is pretty exceptional for at least the first half of April.
“It’s been very, very warm, but it is a brief peak in the heat, with temperatures for most of the UK considerably lower tomorrow.”
Another forecaster said the taste of summer will be “short-lived”.
Met Office Chief Forecaster Paul Gundersen warned: “We’re seeing a brief but notable spell of very warm weather for early April, with temperatures more typically associated with late spring or early summer.
“This could be the warmest spell at this point in April since 2020.
“However, this warmth will be short-lived, with a marked drop in temperatures and more unsettled conditions developing later this week.
“In some areas, daytime temperatures could fall by around 10°C between Wednesday and Thursday.”
From today, cooler air will sweep in from the northwest, bringing a sharp change in conditions.
While parts of the southeast and East Anglia may cling on to some warmth, much of the country will see temperatures fall.
Brits are warned of showers spreading and winds picking up in strength.
By tonight, it will feel a world away from the balmy evenings earlier this week, with a risk of frost in some areas.
And things only get worse heading into the weekend.
Brits can expect blustery winds, frequent showers and far more typical spring temperatures.
The forecast for Friday, Saturday and Sunday looks unsettled throughout, with further bands of rain and showers.
