Mercury could reach high of 26C (78.8F) in some parts of England before 10C drop is predicted for Monday

This article is more than 3 years old

This article is more than 3 years old

Britons are enjoying the hottest day of the year so far.

The mercury rose to 22.6C (73F) at Kew Gardens in west London by midday and is expected to reach a high of 26C (79F) later on Sunday. The record for this year so far stood at 22.1C.

The east Midlands and western parts of East Anglia are likely to experience the best of the sunshine, the Met Office said.

Forecaster Luke Miall told people not to underestimate the strength of the sun’s rays as they flocked to beaches and parks.

“The sun at this time of the year is as strong as it is in August and September, so people can get burnt quite easily,” he said. “It catches people out so everyone needs to make sure they have their suncream on.”

While much of England and Wales was basking in the sunny weather, conditions are cooler for Scotland and Northern Ireland.



Met Office (@metoffice) Here's how this afternoon is looking: some #sun ☀️for much of England & Wales, cloudier ☁️in Scotland & Northern Ireland with rain ☂️ later pic.twitter.com/nyeS1bLLKG

Temperatures in some parts of the UK are expected to drop by as much as 10C on Monday as temperatures return to normal for this time of year.

Met Office forecaster Emma Boorman said: “From Monday onwards it’s really all change. The rain and cloud across the far north west is associated with a cold front.



“That will be making its way to the south-east during Sunday night and introducing a much colder feel as we head into the start of the new working week.

“Temperatures in some places, for example, could be a solid 10 degrees cooler on Monday than they were on Sunday.”