The UK experienced its hottest April day in years on Wednesday, with temperatures reaching up to 26.5C (79.7F) at Kew Gardens in southwest London. This marked the highest temperature of 2026 so far and the second warmest early April day on record, according to the Met Office.
Key Takeaways
The UK experienced its hottest April day since 2020 as temperatures reached up to 26.5C (79.7F) in Kew Gardens, southwest London. This warmth is attributed to southerly winds drawing in air from the continent but is expected to be short-lived with a significant drop in temperatures on Thursday.
- Temperatures peaked at 26.5C (79.7F) in Kew Gardens, making it the hottest day of 2026 so far and the second warmest early April on record
- The warmth is due to southerly winds but will turn much cooler by Thursday as a westerly wind develops behind a cold front
- High UV and pollen levels are causing concerns for hayfever sufferers
- Many families flocked to beaches like Bournemouth, Brighton, Weymouth, and Lyme Regis during the school Easter holidays
The warm spell is attributed to southerly winds drawing warmer air from the continent, making it well above the average early April temperatures of 12C to 15C (53.6F-59F). This warmth is expected to be short-lived, with a significant drop in temperatures anticipated on Thursday as a westerly wind develops behind a cold front.
The high temperatures coincided with school Easter holidays, prompting many families to head to beaches across the country. Popular destinations included Bournemouth, Brighton, Weymouth, and Lyme Regis, where webcams showed crowds enjoying the sunshine. Local councils reported increased activity at seafront facilities, parks, and promenades.
The Met Office warned of a 'marked drop' in temperatures on Thursday, with daytime highs potentially falling by around 10C. Additionally, forecasters noted that UV levels will be moderate and pollen counts very high across parts of England and Wales. The peak tree pollen season is underway, with ash and birch pollen levels remaining elevated through the rest of the week.
The warm weather follows Storm Dave, which caused widespread damage over the Easter weekend with winds up to 70mph. This contrast highlights the UK's variable spring climate.
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