BRITS will see record temperatures for a SECOND day today – with parts of Britain to bask in 25C heat as the March heatwave continues.
It comes after Tuesday saw temperatures heat up to sweltering 24C, becoming officially the UK's hottest March day in 50 years.
The record was set on March 29, 1968 when the mercury hit 25.6C in Mepal, Cambridgeshire.
Crows will once again flock to beaches to enjoy record-high March temperatures as Covid restrictions on outdoor gatherings were eased in England.
Temperatures increased by more than 20C in less than four hours, the Met Office said, as the UK entered a period of "exceptional warmth".
The warmer and brighter weather coincided with the relaxing of England's lockdown earlier this week, when the "stay home" order ended and groups of up to six people, or two households, were able to meet outside.
But by Easter weekend, cold air from the north may bring another dip in temperatures, with the Met Office forecasting showers spreading to most areas.
It said temperatures are likely to be around or below average for the time of the year, with a potential for widespread overnight frosts.
The coldest Easter weekend on record was in 2013 when minus 12.5C was recorded at Braemar in Aberdeenshire, on Easter Sunday.
Read our live blog below for the latest weather news and updates…
- Alice Peacock
RECORD-BREAKING TEMPERATURES YESTERDAY
Brits basked in record-breaking heat yesterday, as temperatures rose to their highest level in March for over 50 years.
Highs of 24.2C were recorded in St James' Park, London – the first time a figure so high has been seen in March since 1968.
The record was set on March 29, 1968 when the mercury hit 25.6C in Mepal, Cambridgeshire.
The warmer and brighter weather coincided with the relaxing of England's lockdown earlier this week, when the "stay home" order ended and groups of up to six people, or two households, were able to meet outside.
- Alice Peacock
ANOTHER WARM DAY AHEAD FOR ENGLAND AND WALES
- Alice Peacock
CROWDS GATHERED FOR PICNICS ON PRIMROSE HILL ON WARMEST DAY OF THE YEAR
Huge groups were pictured picnicking on Primrose Hill yesterday, making the most of soaring temperatures.
It came after groups of up to six people were allowed to meet outdoors for the first time on Monday.
Experts have warned of a spike in infections after cooped-up sunseekers flocked outdoors
- Alice Peacock
SUNSEEKING BRITS WARNED: 'DON'T BLOW IT NOW'
Brits have been warned not to "blow it now" after thousands of sunseeking Brits packed beaches and parks, sparking fears of a lockdown extension.
Experts have warned of a spike in infections after cooped-up sunseekers flocked outdoors to mark the hottest March day in more than half a century yesterday.
It came after groups of up to six people were allowed to meet outdoors. for the first time on Monday.
The mercury is expected to soar again today, but lockdown-wearing sunseekers were warned to stay socially distanced and not risk another spike in Covid infections.
Heath Secretary Matt Hancock tweeted: “Let’s enjoy the sun but let’s do it safely. We’ve come so far – don’t blow it now.”
- Alice Peacock
CROWDS FLOCKED TO BRIGHTON BEACH
Crowds of revellers enjoyed a sundown party at Brighton beach - Alice Peacock
MIXED BAG FOR BRITS THIS MORNING
- Alice Peacock
THOUSANDS OF BRITS PARTY AT SUNDOWN
Thousands of Brits have spent their newfound freedom at sundown parties on the beach and in parks yesterday, to mark the hottest March day in more than half a century.
The crowds of revellers appeared to throw caution to the wind during the 24C scorcher, despite cops banning booze in parks in Nottingham due to rowdy druken brawls on Monday.
In Brighton, celebrations kicked on well into the night with beachgoers erupting into an impromptu party with flame throwers as huge crowds gathered to watch.
While in Leeds, police descended on a park rammed with sun seekers following reports of a stabbing – but West Yorkshire Police found no-one injured after searching with officers and a helicopter.
Cops were forced to ban booze in parks after hundreds of boozy students brawled with each other and peed in bushes at a park in Nottingham on Monday.
- Patrick Joseph DUGGAN
BRITS PACK BEACHES AND PARKS
THOUSANDS of Brits have spent their newfound freedom at sundown parties on the beach and in parks, to mark the hottest March day in more than half a century.
The crowds of revellers appeared to throw caution to the wind during the 24C scorcher, despite cops banning booze in parks in Nottingham due to rowdy druken brawls on Monday.
In Brighton, celebrations kicked on well into the night with beachgoers erupting into an impromptu party with flame throwers as huge crowds gathered to watch.
While in Leeds, police descended on a park rammed with sun seekers following reports of a stabbing – but West Yorkshire Police found no-one injured after searching with officers and a helicopter.
- Patrick Joseph DUGGAN
BIKINI TIME
FORMER WAG Lizzie Cundy and Towie star Amber Turner wasted no time in slipping into bikinis for a day in the sun yesterday.
Amber revealed she was "filming something fun in the sun" for the ITVbe show.
And Lizzy wrote beside her bikini shot: "Hols on hold !! Who needs Barbados when it’s sizzling here !! #sizzling#sunshine#spring#sun#keeppositive"
Read the full story here.
- Patrick Joseph DUGGAN
PARTY TIME
THOUSANDS of Brits have spent their newfound freedom at sundown parties on the beach and in parks, to mark the hottest March day in more than half a century.
The crowds of revellers appeared to throw caution to the wind during the 24C scorcher, despite cops banning booze in parks in Nottingham due to rowdy druken brawls on Monday.
In Brighton, celebrations kicked on well into the night with beachgoers erupting into an impromptu party with flame throwers as huge crowds gathered to watch.
While in Leeds, police descended on a park rammed with sun seekers following reports of a stabbing – but West Yorkshire Police found no-one injured after searching with officers and a helicopter.
- Patrick Joseph DUGGAN
CELEBRITY STRIP OFF
CELEBS stripped off in the sunshine yesterday as Britain basks in a two-day mini heatwave.
It's hot out there… and so are this lot, with the likes of Maura Higgins, Towie's Ambe Turner, and Girl Aloud star Kimberley Walsh slipping into bikinis.
Pregnant Kimberley, 39, showed off her natural beauty in this fresh-faced snap.
While Geordie Shore star Chloe Ferry sunbathed in her huge home as she posed in a black bra.
- Joseph Gamp
BRITS URGED: 'DON'T DROP YOUR GUARD' DURING MINI HEATWAVE
Yesterday, large crowds of more than six gathered at the Arboretum in Nottingham – where revellers enjoyed beers and danced in the warm weather.
Revellers could then be seen spraying bottles of alcohol in the air – chanting and clapping as many joined in and danced in the centre of the madness.
One party-seeker, pulling his shirt over his nose as a make-shift mask, said: "Everyone is feeling happy again, and that's what's important."
Boris Johnson yesterday urged people to remain cautious as the relaxation of lockdown measures in England coincides with the ongoing “exceptionally warm” spell of weather.
The PM has lifted the stay-at-home guidance to allow groups of up to six, or two households, to meet outside in England. He said yesterday in a video message to the nation to mark the unlocking: "You'll no longer have to stay at home, but many restrictions will stay in place.
- Joseph Gamp
HOT ONE
Brits have today basked in record-breaking heat as temperatures rose to their highest level in March for over 50 years.
Highs of 24.2C were recorded in St James' Park, London – the first time a figure so high has been seen in March since 1968.
Disease expert Dr Bharat Pankhania, a senior clinical lecturer at Exeter University, has warned that Brits must keep their circles small in the continued fight against Covid.
He added that caution and care are needed, as people brace for the hottest day of the year so far.
Dr Pankhania told ITV’s Good Morning Britain: “People have been kept in their homes for a very long time and there is of course a build-up of frustration.
“What is important is that people do not extend their circle of friends extensively because this is a human-to-human spread of infection.
“What we need to do is keep your circle of friends small and tight.”
- Joseph Gamp
COPS BAN BOOZE IN PARKS AND BEACHGOERS TOLD TO STAY AWAY AS BRITS ENJOY RULE OF 6 FREEDOM IN 24C SCORCHER
Cops have banned booze in parks and beachgoers have been told to stay away today as Brits enjoy their newfound freedom during today's 24C scorcher.
It comes after hundreds of boozy students brawled with each other and peed in bushes at a park in Nottingham yesterday.
Read more here.
- Joseph Gamp
WATCH: UK WEATHER FORECAST – MINI-HEATWAVE TO CONTINUE ON WEDNESDAY AS BRITS FLOCK TO PARKS AND BEACHES
UK weather forecast: Mini-heatwave to continue on Wednesday as Brits flock to parks and beaches
- Joseph Gamp
MET OFFICE: WARM SPRING SUNSHINE ON WEDNESDAY
The Met Office: "Plenty of warm spring sunshine for England and Wales on Wednesday
"Cloudier, wetter and cooler for Scotland and Northern Ireland Cloud with rain."
- Joseph Gamp
HEATWAVE PET WARNING: WHY YOU SHOULD NEVER LEAVE DOGS IN HOT CARS
The RSPCA has warned that dogs could die in hot cars in just 20 minutes.
The animal charity said owners should pay extra attention especially in the recent hot weather.
An RSPCA spokesperson said: "As temperatures soar we're urging people to take extra care of their pets.
"Animals can struggle in the heat and some of our pets can suffer heatstroke or heat exhaustion which can be fatal."
- Joseph Gamp
HOW TO KEEP BABIES AND YOUNG KIDS COOL IN THE HEAT
We explain ten ways to keep your little ones cool in the hot weather.
Some of the tips include keeping your home at a suitable temperature, dressing them appropriately and checking their temperatures.
Read our other ways to keep babies and kids cool here.
- Joseph Gamp
FEELING HOT, HOT, HOT: UK TEMPERATURES THIS WEEK
Here's how things are hotting up over the next few days:
- Joseph Gamp
FEELING SCORCHED? WE EXPLAIN HOW TO HEAL SUNBURN
Forgetting to wear lotion could leave you with nasty burns, which can be hot and painful.
As part of our handy sunburn guide, we explain how to cool your skin if you've spent too long in the rays.
Tips include applying aftersun, cooling your skin and using yoghurt and tea.
What are your home remedies for sunburn?
- Joseph Gamp
ODDS CUT ON HOTTEST SPRING ON RECORD IN THE UK
Bookmaker Coral has cut the odds to 6-4 (from 2-1) on this spring being the hottest on record in the UK.
The firm is offering 5-4 for this Easter to be the hottest of all time, while it is 2-1 that 30C or higher is recorded in the UK next week.
“Spring will have finally sprung next week, with temperatures in the mid-20s.
“We have not only slashed the odds on it being a record hot Easter this year, but also on a record hot spring,” said Coral spokesman John Hill.
“The betting also says there is strong chance temperatures could even reach as high as 30C in some parts of the UK next week,” added Hill.
- Joseph Gamp
TEMPERATURES ROCKET FROM MINUS 1.6C TO 19C IN LESS THAN FOUR HOURS
Temperatures increased by more than 20C in less than four hours as the UK entered a period of “exceptional warmth”.
The mercury climbed from a frosty minus 1.6C at 7am in Santon Downham, west Suffolk, to 19C shortly before 11am on Tuesday, the Met Office said.
Temperatures are forecast to hit 23C in parts of south and east England later in the day, rising to 24C on Wednesday around London.
The figure comes close to the UK’s hottest March temperature of 25.6C, recorded in 1968 at Mepal in Cambridgeshire. Should temperatures exceed 23C, it would be the first time in March since 2012.
The Met Office tweeted there would be “some exceptional warmth” and “massive” temperature contrasts as the month comes to a close.
- Joseph Gamp
HOTTER THAN IBIZA IN THE UK
The weather will continue to improve for many areas from tomorrow with sizzling March temperatures.
Parts of the UK will be hotter than Ibiza today as the mercury soars as high as 23C in eastern England.
It is even set to hit 24C on Wednesday in southeast England, London, Herefordshire and Cambridgeshire, making it the second highest temperature recorded in March since 1884.
The maximum temperature recorded in the month was 25.6C on March 29, 1968, at Mepal in Cambridgeshire.
Elsewhere, temperatures will be above 20C across southern and central England, and in the high teens in the north.
- Joseph Gamp
COVID FACE MASKS COULD HELP PROTECT HAY FEVER SUFFERERS FROM POLLEN
Those with hay fever may be pleased to know that mask wearing against Covid may also help to suppress their allergies. A recent study carried out in Birmingham, Alabama shows that nurses with hay fever had significantly reduced symptoms when wearing a face mask.
Max Wiseberg, airborne allergens expert and creator of HayMax, said: “It stands to reason that if you’re allergic to grapes then you avoid eating the grape. So if you’re allergic to pollen, you avoid the pollen.
“But it’s difficult to do that when you’re outside because it’s everywhere. And we can’t see it, so if you put a mask on your face then it will obviously shut out some of the pollen."
What’s more, pollen has been shown in some research to increase the risk of catching the coronavirus, another compelling argument to wear a covering.
It’s also important to notice when your symptoms of hay fever may in fact be caused by Covid.
- Joseph Gamp
UK POLLEN COUNT MAPPED: WORST AFFECTED AREAS FOR HAYFEVER SUFFERERS
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