Brighton revellers enjoyed a sundown party on the beach on the hottest March day for more than half a century today – after police were forced to ban alcohol in parks in Nottingham due to rowdy druken brawls yesterday.
Although lockdown restrictions were eased slightly on Monday, people are still only supposed to gather outdoors in groups of no more than six.
But many appeared to throw caution to the wind as temperatures soared beyond 75F (24C) – and it emerged 55 per cent of people in England now have Covid-19 antibodies – with pictures showing packed beaches, parks and promenades.
Earlier in the day, Health Secretary Matt Hancock shared a Tweet urging Britons to ‘enjoy the sun but let’s do it safely’, adding: ‘We have come so far, don’t blow it now.’
And visit Devon urged people to only make a trip when it is ‘safe and legal’, while Visit Cornwall said non-locals should ‘hold off on your Cornish dreams for a bit longer’. Cumbria Tourism asked people to ‘follow the guidance’.
But in Brighton, celebrations continued well into the evening, with beachgoers erupting into an impromptu party with flame throwers as huge crowds gathered to watch.
Among the most packed locations in England earlier today was Woodhouse Moor in the Hyde Park area of Leeds, with hundreds of people flocking to the site, near a main student hub in the city.
One local resident said: ‘There’s hundreds here – literally hundreds. People have barbecues going on. It’s really frustrating, to be honest.
‘I get it, it’s 20C and people want to enjoy the weather, but we’re literally a few weeks away from lockdown ending. Can they not just wait? It’s been busy since around 12pm, but within the last hour or so, it’s become rammed full.’
But one student, who was sunbathing on a quieter side of the park, said: ‘I mean it’s fair enough, you can’t really blame people for coming out and enjoying the sun. But I mean, it is pretty packed but what are you supposed to do? You can’t sit at home when it’s like this. It was always going to happen with weather like this.’
Up to six people or two households of any size are now allowed to meet outdoors in England after the rules were relaxed yesterday – and most Britons in parks across the nation were abiding by the rules in the sunshine today.
But after large crowds blatantly broke the rules last night in Nottingham and left huge amounts of litter, police in the city said alcohol would be seized from anyone entering parks there and a dispersal order was imposed.
Furious local councillor David Mellen said a selfish minority had abused the easing of restrictions at Nottingham Arboretum following a series of brawls yesterday, criticising people for ‘acting so thoughtlessly and recklessly’.
There were also concerns over more chaotic scenes in Bristol tonight as police warned Kill The Bill protesters against further violence ahead of another demonstration which is expected to take place in the city.
Protests have already begun in the city centre – with Britons gathered to demonstrate against the powers granted by the Government’s Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill.
Brighton revellers enjoyed a sundown party on the beach (pictured) on the hottest March day for more than half a century today – after police were forced to ban alcohol in parks in Nottingham due to rowdy druken brawls yesterday
The performance garnered a crowd of supporters in Brighton. People in England can gather outside in groups of six from Monday
A woman was seen performing with fire in Brighton. Many Britons continued their outdoor revelling into the evening
And celebrations continued well into the evening, with beachgoers in Brighton erupting into an impromptu party (pictured)
Hundreds of people flock to Woodhouse Moor in Leeds today as they make the most of the warm weather conditions
Huge numbers of people gather at Woodhouse Moor in the Hyde Park area of Leeds in West Yorkshire this afternoon
Enormous crowds were seen in aerial pictures of Hyde Park in Leeds, West Yorkshire, today as countless Britons enjoyed the sun
Hyde Park in Leeds, West Yorkshire, was rammed with visitors and the air was clouded with smoke from various barbecues
Aerial images showed the vast crowds of people gathered in Hyde Park in Leeds, West Yorkshire, as Britons rushed to green spaces
Police were seen in Primrose Hill, London, today as they urged visitors to abide by the rule of six – or maximum of two households
A large number of police officers arrived at Primrose Hill today where Londoners were taking advantage of the warm weather
Police officers were seen on motorcycles in Primrose Hill to make sure Britons were following lockdown rules – which were partially relaxed on Monday
Police officers were seen in Primrose Hill today. Health Secretary Matt Hancock earlier shared a Tweet urging Britons to ‘enjoy the sun but let’s do it safely’, adding: ‘We have come so far, don’t blow it now’
Meanwhile in Bristol, Kill the Bill protests erupted in the city centre. Demonstrators are taking a stand against the Government’s Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill
A woman with a sign reading ‘Kill the Bill’ is seen on sitting on the grass as demonstrations began again in Bristol
Kill the Bill protests in Bristol city centre saw demonstrators take their place on the grass, with one girl seen dancing with a hula-hoop
Police were out in force in Primrose Hill as Londoners made the most of the sunny day
Huge crowds were seen gathered in Primrose Hill as Londoners sat on the grass to soak up the sun with picnics
Two men were seen soaking up the sun in Brighton today. The warm weather sent countless Britons flocking to the beach
Two police vans were seen in Primrose Hill as officers ensured visitors were following the rules. Six people or two full households can meet outdoors
Britons were seen enjoying the sunshine in Primrose Hill, London, as a police van waits nearby to ensure lockdown rules were followed
People had barbecues as they sat outside in the sunshine at Woodhouse Moor in the Hyde Park area of Leeds this afternoon
Crowds are seen sunning themselves on the beach in Brighton, England, as Britons head for beauty spots across the country
And Health Secretary Matt Hancock shared a Tweet (pictured) urging Britons to ‘enjoy the sun but let’s do it safely’, adding: ‘We have come so far, don’t blow it now’
Huge crowds of people were seen gathered on the grass in Greenwich, south east London, as temperatures soared today
Groups were gathered on a hill in Greenwich, London, today as they enjoyed the warm weather. Groups of six – or two full households – are allowed to meet up outside
Police were on patrol in the Forest Recreation Ground in Nottingham on March 30 to ensure everyone followed lockdown rules
Crowds of sunseekers were seen soaking up the rays on Primrose Hill. Many stopped to enjoy a picnic
The warmer weather which began yesterday follows a blustery and wet weekend for many – and coincides with the end to the ‘stay at home’ order in the latest stage of the roadmap out of the third national coronavirus lockdown. Pictured: Huge crowds of revellers on Primrose Hill
It comes as a major Office for National Statistics testing survey today revealed 54.7 per cent of people in England had the virus-fighting proteins in the week ending March 14, up from 50.8 per cent the week prior. Pictured: People having picnics on Primrose Hill, London
Park visitors queued for the toilets in Primrose Hill today. The line stretched back several meters as countless sunseekers rushed to Britain’s green spaces
Two women were seen trying to fly a kite as they enjoyed the warm spring weather on Primrose Hill in London. The mercury soared today
The warmest conditions today were in South East England, which was on a par with the Spanish holiday island of Majorca, as people enjoyed the newfound freedom of being allowed to meet up in groups of up to six outdoors.
Kew Gardens in West London hit 76.1F (24.5C) at about 4pm – making today Britain’s warmest day of 2021 so far by some distance, smashing the record set only yesterday eight miles away at St James’s Park of 68.7F (20.4C).
The mercury last got above 73F (23C) in 2012 and 75F (24C) in 1968 – a year which also saw the all-time record of 78.1F (25.6C) set in Mepal, Cambridgeshire, on March 29, 1968, in records dating back to 1884.
It comes after a dramatic diurnal range – the difference between low and high temperatures in a day – this morning as the mercury rose by 37.1F (20.6C) in four hours in Suffolk – from 29.1F (-1.6C) at 7am to 66.2F (19C) by 11am.
The warmer weather which began yesterday follows a blustery and wet weekend for many – and coincides with the end to the ‘stay at home’ order in the latest stage of the roadmap out of the third national coronavirus lockdown.
Met Office meteorologist Steven Keates said today: ‘If we do get above 24C (75F) it will be the highest UK March temperature in 53 years. It seems a reasonable chance that’s going to happen.’
It comes as a major Office for National Statistics testing survey today revealed 54.7 per cent of people in England had the virus-fighting proteins in the week ending March 14, up from 50.8 per cent the week prior.
The figure is likely to be even higher now because millions more have been vaccinated since the blood tests were done a fortnight ago, and it takes about two weeks for immunity to kick in. It highlights the success of the UK’s mammoth vaccine roll-out, which has seen 30.5million Brits given their first dose and 3.7million fully vaccinated.
Meanwhile official figures revealed today that Britain’s daily Covid death toll has halved in a week. Department of Health data showed 56 Covid deaths were recorded, down 50 per cent on the 112 fatalities registered last week.
This was the lowest level on a Tuesday since September 22. And Covid cases plunged by a quarter after another 4,040 were announced by health chiefs compared to the 5,379 detected at the same time last week.
Countless sunbathers basked in the sunshine in Brighton. The warm weather came as a welcome break for millions of locked down Britons
A woman is seen sunbathing in Brighton as a spell of warm weather coincides with eased lockdown restrictions across England
Hundreds of people head to Woodhouse Moor in Leeds to enjoy the sunshine today on the hottest day of 2021 so far
People make the most of the warm weather conditions in the Woodhouse Moor area of Leeds this afternoon
Others chose to sit in a more-shaded area in Greenwich, London, as the capital soaked up the sun today
A woman is seen balancing on a friend as she poses for photographs in the blossom in Battersea Park on Tuesday
Countless Britons went out for picnics in Greenwich today. Rules allow groups of six – or two full households – to meet outside
Britons were seen on the pavement in Greenwich as temperatures soared today. Many met with friends for picnics
People formed a long queue for ice cream in the hot and sunny weather Greenwich on Tuesday
Barbecues billowed smoke into the air in Liverpool’s Sefton Park this afternoon as Britons rushed to enjoy the warm weather
Some people were seen kicking a football around as they soaked up the rays. Others chose to lounge on the grass
People were seen taking photographs in Battersea Park on March 30. The trees were covered in pink blossoms
This beach in Southend wouldn’t look out of place in Spain as families had picnics on the sand and children played in the water
Some Britons took out sun loungers as they relaxed on the green opposite the beach in Westcliff, Southend
Huge numbers of people gather at Woodhouse Moor in Leeds this afternoon as they enjoy the sunny weather
People held barbecues as they gathered at Woodhouse Moor in Leeds to enjoy the sunshine this afternoon
People were seen posing for photographs beneath the blossom in Battersea Park on Monday as temperatures soared in the capital
Thousands of people fill Woodhouse Moor in the Hyde Park area of Leeds this afternoon
Huge crowds gather at Woodhouse Moor in Leeds this afternoon as people make the most of the sunny weather
The gathering at Woodhouse Moor in Leeds this afternoon is at a park located near a student hub in the city
Beachgoers enjoy the good weather at Bournemouth in Dorset this afternoon as temperature climb in the South
People gather at Endcliffe Park in Sheffield this afternoon as parts of England enjoy unseasonably high temperatures today
The beautiful conditions brought the crowds down to Brighton beach this afternoon as they enjoyed the hot weather
LAST NIGHT: Brawls yesterday at the Arboretum park in Nottingham city centre. After large crowds blatantly broke the rules, police in the city said alcohol would be seized from anyone entering parks there and a dispersal order was imposed
(From left) Sarah Mason, 20, Faith Adams-Wright, 20, and Olivia D’Monte, 19, enjoy the weather at Bournemouth today
Beachgoers enjoy the good weather at Bournemouth in Dorset this afternoon as temperature climb in southern England
Miss England finalists Alexandra Taylor, 24, and Poppy Gerrard, 18, enjoy the heat on West Kirby Beach on the Wirral today
A police officer talks to people as they have a barbecue in Brighton today following the easing of lockdown restrictions
Beachgoers enjoy the sun in Southend-on-Sea in Essex this afternoon as a mini-heatwave hits the South East of England
Hundreds of people flock to Barry Island beach in South Wales today as the temperatures soar in parts of Britain
Two women enjoy a drink as they walk along the promenade at Barry Island beach in South Wales this afternoon
Beachgoers enjoy the sun at Southend-on-Sea this afternoon as a mini heatwave hits the South East of England
Group of people relax in the sunshine at the Victoria Embankment Gardens in Central London this afternoon
The beach at Southend-on-Sea is packed today as people enjoy the warm weather at the seaside in Essex
People out in the sunny weather near Tower Bridge in London this afternoon as temperatures soar into the 70Fs
Sunseekers enjoy the weather at the Hot Walls pebble beach in Old Portsmouth, Hampshire, today
People go for a walk along the River Thames near Tower Bridge in London this afternoon as they enjoy the warm weather
A woman enjoys sunbathing on Brighton beach today as southern England makes the most of unseasonably warm weather
He added: ‘It’s an exceptionally warm spell of weather with potential for some records to be challenged.’ Mr Keates said conditions would turn ‘cooler’ through Thursday ahead of the arrival of the Easter weekend.
But while southerners can expect conditions to be dry and sunny from today, northerners might still need to pack an anorak – with showers still a possibility until tomorrow.
Mr Keates also said Scotland’s highest temperature of the year was equalled by the 66.7F (19.3C) at Aboyne in Aberdeenshire yesterday and a new top temperature for 2021 so far in Northern Ireland was set by the 63.1F (17.3C) recorded at Helen’s Bay in County Down.
Sally Everton, director of Visit Devon, said the public should only visit the county when it is ‘safe and legal’ to do so and encouraged local resident to report anyone from out of town to the police.
She told the Daily Telegraph that ‘Coming up on the A30 [on Monday] all I saw was cars with surfboards on the roof. Either they’re going to get their surfboards waxed or serviced, or they’re looking for some waves.
‘I’m quite disappointed because people will flout the law. What we need is an enforcement notice from the Government to say that while people can move around, they should stay local and to still minimise travel.’
And Malcolm Bell, of Visit Cornwall, asked people to ‘hold off on your Cornish dreams for a bit longer’ until restrictions on single households staying in self-catering accommodation are lifted on April 12.
He told the Telegraph: ‘The only thing you are permitted to do is day trips. When you look at the location of Cornwall, we wouldn’t be expecting anyone to travel more than an hour or so on a day trip.
‘We’d love to see people later in the year – and in the not too distant future – but for now please explore within an hour or so of where you live at a maximum.’
Meanwhile Jill Hague, the managing director of Cumbria Tourism, said: ‘As has been the case this past year, just follow the guidance. We have done a great job collectively as a country and it’s great to see the vaccine rolling out so successfully.’
Meanwhile in Nottingham, a dispersal order was put in place after large crowds gathered in a city park as lockdown restrictions were eased yesterday.
People out in hot weather near Tower Bridge in London this afternoon as they enjoy the sunshine
People flock to Brighton beach this afternoon to enjoy the warm and sunny weather on the South Coast
A woman takes a dip in the water as beachgoers enjoy the sun at Southend-on-Sea on the Essex coast this afternoon
Beachgoers enjoy the sun in Southend-on-Sea this afternoon as a mini-heatwave hits the South East of the UK
Three women enjoy their lunch on a park bench in the sun at the Victoria Embankment Gardens in London this afternoon
Sunseekers soak up the rays by the Hot Walls in Old Portsmouth this afternoon as temperatures soar across the South
Warm spring sunshine at Camber Sands in East Sussex today as families enjoying the hot weather on the beach
Visitors enjoy the warm weather on Brighton beach in East Sussex today as temperatures soar in southern England
A man takes advantage of the unseasonably warm weather and relaxing of lockdown restrictions at Brighton beach today
People make the most of good weather at Falmouth in Cornwall this afternoon where non-locals are urged to stay away
Police officers speak to a man as people enjoy the weather at Clapham Common in South London this afternoon
People enjoy the warm weather and sunshine on Primrose Hill in North London this afternoon
Three-year-old Hugo Clark from Cullercoats enjoys the sunshine on Tynemouth Longsands beach
Police officers walk among the crowds as the warm spring sunshine encourages people out to Wimbledon Common today
People out enjoying the hot weather at Cullercoats Bay in North Tyneside this afternoon
People enjoy the sunshine in Cambridge this afternoon as forecasters reported temperatures in the 70Fs today
People enjoy the sunshine at Battersea Park in South West London today as the capital experiences hot weather
Police officers talk to people as they enjoy the weather at Clapham Common in South London
People sit on the sand at Langland Bay in Swansea today on a fine spring day in South Wales
People out enjoying the hot weather at Cullercoats Bay in North Tyneside this afternoon
People enjoy the spring sunshine on Blackpool promenade in the Lancashire seaside resort this afternoon
People enjoy the sunshine in Battersea Park in South West London this afternoon
People on the sand at Langland Bay in Swansea, South Wales, on a fine spring day this afternoon
Police officers walk through Wimbledon Common today as the warm sunshine has encouraged people to meet outdoors
Crowds head for Brighton beach today as a spell of hot weather coincides with lockdown restrictions being eased
People enjoy the sunshine in Battersea Park in South West London this afternoon
Crowds head for the beach today as a spell of hot weather coincides with lockdown restrictions being eased in Brighton
People play rugby as they enjoy the hot weather at Bournemouth Beach on the Dorset coast this afternoon
Thousands of people flock to Barry Island beach in South Wales this afternoon as the temperatures soar
Families head to the beach at Southend-on-Sea in Essex today as they make the most of the warm weather conditions
People enjoy their lunch on a park bench in the sun at the Victoria Embankment Gardens in Central London today
Visitors to Brighton enjoy the warm sunny weather on the beach this afternoon as the South East enjoys hot weather
People enjoy the warm spring weather at Walton-on-the-Naze in Essex this afternoon as temperatures rise in the South
People enjoy the sunshine at St James’s Park in London today, one day after it was the joint warmest place in the UK
People enjoy the warm weather on Bournemouth beach in Dorset this afternoon as temperatures soar
Men carry boxes of beer as people flock to Barry Island beach in South Wales this afternoon to enjoy the weather
Groups of people sit in the sunshine on Primrose Hill in North London this afternoon as they enjoy the warm weather
Families enjoy the warm weather at Ruislip Lido in North West London this afternoon
A group of people enjoy a boat ride in the sunshine on Regent’s Canal in London this afternoon
People out in hot sunny weather near Tower Bridge in London this afternoon as temperatures soar in the capital
Members of the public enjoy the beach in Bournemouth in Dorset today as a spell of warm weather covers the South
People cycle through Richmond Park in South West London today as parts of the country enjoy the warm weather
People enjoy the warm weather on Bournemouth beach in Dorset this afternoon as temperatures soar in southern England
The warm spring sunshine has encouraged people to meet outdoors on Wimbledon Common in South West London today
People go for a walk near Tower Bridge in London this afternoon as they enjoy the warm temperatures
Groups of people sit in the sunshine on Primrose Hill in North London this afternoon
People enjoy the warm weather today at Ruislip Lido in North West London as temperatures hit the 70Fs in London
A group of six young women make the most of the warm weather as they sit on the grass at Primrose Hill this afternoon
Members of the public enjoy the beach in Bournemouth in Dorset today amid a spell of warm weather in the South
There was a huge brawl as dozens of people were seen drinking and ignoring social distancing rules, leaving behind large amounts of litter at Nottingham Arboretum.
The scenes led the leader of Nottingham City Council to call for everyone to take personal responsibility for sticking to rules as they are eased.
Councillor David Mellen said a selfish minority had abused the easing of restrictions, adding: ‘We have all made sacrifices over the last year to keep each other safe. Over 600 local people have died due to the virus.
‘We owe it to their families, to each other and to frontline workers not to jeopardise the strides we have made towards reducing the spread of Covid by acting so thoughtlessly and recklessly.
‘The road map is a cautious way out of this terrible situation and we all need to abide strictly to its rules. They currently allow up to six people or two households to meet outside but other necessary precautions such as social distancing remain in place.’
Alcohol will be seized from people entering parks from today, Mr Mellen said, amid an increased police presence.
Nottinghamshire Police Assistant Chief Constable Steve Cooper said: ‘While we can of course understand people’s desire to want to be out in the sun and enjoying these mild temperatures we are currently experiencing, the Government and our health colleagues remain extremely cautious and advise that people continue to minimise social contact.
‘We would like to remind people that we are still only partly out of lockdown measures. This week has seen the easing of some of the restrictions but we are still required to keep our distance from each other and only mix with one other household outdoors, up to six people.
People out in sunny weather near Tower Bridge in London this afternoon
People enjoy a drink near Tower Bridge in London this afternoon
Police officers talk to people as they sit in the sun following the easing of lockdown restrictions in Brighton today
People out in hot and sunny weather near Tower Bridge in London this afternoon
People out in the warm weather near Tower Bridge in London this afternoon
People go for a walk along the South Bank in London this afternoon as temperatures get into the 70Fs in the capital
People enjoy the hot weather at Bournemouth beach in Dorset this afternoon
People out in hot sunny weather near Tower Bridge in London this afternoon
A young woman goes paddle boarding today as people enjoying the hot weather at Cullercoats Bay in North Tyneside
People make the most of the warmth on the South Bank in London this morning as England enjoys a mini-heatwave
People sit outside as they enjoy the hot and sunny weather near Tower Bridge in London this afternoon
People out in hot sunny weather near Tower Bridge in London this afternoon
People sit on the banks of the River Thames opposite the Tower of London as they enjoy the heat today
A man enjoys a beer as people sit outside in the sunny weather near Tower Bridge in London this afternoon
A contractor checks a zip line by the beach in Bournemouth today as a spell of warm weather covers the South of England
People enjoy the hot weather at Bournemouth as the Dorset coast is among the areas experiencing good sunshine today
Members of the public queue for food in Bournemouth today as people make the most of the warmth
People walk in the sunshine past a banner asking people to observe the social distancing guidelines in St James’s Park today
People enjoy the sunshine at St James’s Park in London today one day after lockdown restrictions were eased
Cyclists make their way along a cycle path in Brighton today as high temperatures encourage people to the beach
People punt along the River Cam in Cambridge today as temperatures soar in parts of the country
Hundreds of people flock to the Historic Exeter quayside today as Devon enjoys warm weather
Members of the public enjoy the beach in Bournemouth in Dorset as parts of England enjoy warm temperatures
Visitors admire a magnolia tree at Kew Gardens in South West London this afternoon in the warm weather
Hundreds of people flock to the Historic Exeter quayside in Devon today on what is the warmest day of the year so far
People enjoy the sunshine at St James’s Park in Central London this afternoon as the hot weather continues
People punt along the River Cam in Cambridge this afternoon as temperatures are significantly warmer than normal
People enjoy the hot weather at Bournemouth beach in Dorset this afternoon
A group of women enjoy the sunshine at St James’s Park in London this afternoon
People enjoy the hot weather at Bournemouth beach on the Dorset coast this afternoon
People cycle in Richmond Park today as London enjoys balmy temperatures and sunshine this afternoon
People enjoy the warm weather on Bournemouth beach in Dorset today, one day after the rule of six outdoors returned
People enjoying the warm weather at Southsea today as they walk along the seafront in Hampshire
People enjoying the warm weather at Southsea in Portsmouth today as the mini-heatwave sweeps over the South
People enjoying the warm weather at Ruislip Lido in North West London this afternoon
People enjoy the sunshine at St James’s Park in London today as the capital has warm weather conditions
People enjoy the warm weather on Bournemouth beach in Dorset today as temperatures rise in southern England
People go paddle boarding at Southsea in Hampshire today as they make the most of the warm weather
Families walk along the promenade next to Walton-on-the-Naze beach in Essex today as temperatures rise in the South
Beachgoers enjoy the sun in Southend-on-Sea this afternoon as a mini-heatwave hits the South East of the UK
People enjoy the warm weather at Ruislip Lido in North West London this afternoon
People enjoy the warm weather on Tynemouth Beach on the North East coast this afternoon
Beachgoers enjoy the sun in Southend-on-Sea today as a mini-heatwave coincides with the easing of lockdown restrictions
People enjoy the sunshine at St James’s Park in London this afternoon as they meet up outside in the warm weather
People enjoy the warm spring weather at Walton-on-the-Naze beach in Essex this afternoon
A man and his dog go paddleboarding on the River Cam in Cambridge this afternoon in the very warm temperatures
People enjoying the warm weather at Southsea as they walk along the promenade in Hampshire this afternoon
People punt on the River Cam in Cambridge today as temperatures soar in the South East of England
People enjoying the warm weather on the pebble beach at Southsea in Portsmouth this afternoon
Families sit on the beach at Southsea today as they make the most of the warm weather conditions in Hampshire
‘We are aware of a number of residents choosing to be out in the Arboretum. The behaviour yesterday was unacceptable and we are disappointed people decided to behave in this selfish way.
‘That is why we have now taken the decision to put a dispersal order in place. Our officers will continue to engage with people to ensure they are still sticking to the rules.
‘It is up to us all to keep to the measures so we can continue on the road map out of lockdown, by keeping the virus at bay.’
In traditional British topsy-turvy fashion, the weather is expected to change again from the middle of the week, with signs that cold air from the north could bring another dip in temperatures for Easter weekend.
By the end of the week, conditions are due to deteriorate, with showers likely in many areas.
Forecasters predict temperatures will drop to around or even below the seasonal average of 54F (12C) over Easter weekend, which begins this Friday, with widespread overnight frosts a possibility.
The coldest Easter weekend on record was in 2013 when 9.5F (-12.5C) was recorded at Braemar in Aberdeenshire, on Easter Sunday.
The deepest snow recorded at Easter was on Good Friday came in 2010 when 36cm (14in) was measured at Strathdearn, northern Scotland.
People enjoy the warm weather on Tynemouth Beach on the North East coast today as they make the most of a day out
Two women make their way past beach huts on the sea front on Boscombe beach in Dorset this afternoon
People enjoying the warm weather at Southsea today as temperatures soar across the South of England
Families make the most of the warm weather conditions at Southsea this afternoon
People out in hot weather near Tower Bridge in London today as temperatures reach highs of over 70F in the capital
The warm spring sunshine has encouraged friends to meet outdoors on Wimbledon Common in South West London today
A shirtless man looks at his phone while enjoying the sunshine on Wimbledon Common in South West London today
Swimmers take an early morning dip at Cullercoats Bay on the North East coast as the mercury soars in the UK today
People punt along the River Cam in Cambridge this afternoon as temperatures soar in parts of the country
People out in the hot weather near Tower Bridge in London as temperatures soar in the capital this afternoon
People enjoying the warm weather at Southsea today as temperatures get to unseasonably high levels
A group of people enjoy a boat ride in the sunshine on Regent’s Canal in London this afternoon
People out in the sunny weather near Tower Bridge in London this afternoon as temperatures soar into the 70Fs
Two people go for a walk along the promenade at Walton-on-the-Naze on the Essex coast this afternoon
Two women sit on a park bench in the sun at the Victoria Embankment Gardens in central London this afternoon
A child stands amid blooming magnolia flowers at Kew Gardens in South West London today
People out in the hot weather at Greenwich in South East London this afternoon as temperatures soar in England
A group of young people walk through Primrose Hill in North London as they enjoy the pleasant weather conditions
People out in the sunny weather at Greenwich in South East London this afternoon amid the hot conditions
Members of a local scooter club on the sea front on Boscombe beach during a socially distanced meet up today
A man sits topless in the Victoria Embankment Gardens in Central London today as temperatures soar in the capital
People enjoy the sunshine at Stratford-upon-Avon in Warwickshire today as they go for a walk through a park
The wettest Easter was in 1991 when 108.7mm (4in) of rainfall was recorded at Seatoller, in Cumbria, on Easter Monday.
Yesterday much of England away from the South East was cloaked in grey skies as blustery conditions left temperatures feeling three or four degrees cooler than the 54F (12C) to 57F (14C) showing on the thermometer.
Meanwhile Scotland will be hit by rain, wind – and even snow over the Bank Holiday weekend.
A yellow Met Office warning for torrential rain was extended by 15 hours yesterday, meaning it will have been in force for 63 hours by the time it expires at 9am tomorrow.
At one stage yesterday, the Scottish Environment Protection Agency had 46 flood alerts and warnings in place.
Monsoon-like conditions continued to lash the North-West, flooding roads and closing the West Highland rail line between Crianlarich and Fort William.
For the Easter weekend forecasters said Arctic air on Sunday could bring snow showers. Oliver Claydon of the Met Office said: ‘We expect to see a return to wintry conditions.’
In Wales, the stay local order ended on Saturday and people were allowed to stay in self-contained holiday accommodation.
People make their way past beach huts on the sea front on Boscombe beach in Dorset today
People look at the views of London from Primrose Hill today as they make the most of the warm and sunny conditions
A couple walk up Primrose Hill in North London today as they enjoy the warm conditions in the capital
Two people enjoy a picnic on the grass at Primrose Hill in North London today as the warm weather continues
People sit on the grass at Primrose Hill in North London today as they make the most of the pleasant weather conditions
Three friends enjoyed a fresh start to the day as they went for a swim in the North Sea during sunrise at Tynemouth beach
Paddleboarders donned their wetsuits and hit the sea at Cullercoats Bay at as the sun came up this morning
Anna Heslop, 25, paddleboarding during sunrise at Cullercoats Bay on the North East coast
Early morning swimmers brave the cold water in New Brighton marina in the Wirral this morning
Runners made the most of the sunny start as they got out and did some exercise through London Bridge
Friends took the opportunity to have a catch up in the sun in Stratford-upon-Avon today
People punt along the River Cam in Cambridge today as temperatures soar across parts of the UK this afternoon
Commuters enjoyed a sunny walk into the office along London Bridge this morning
Dog walkers took their pets out for an early morning stroll in Wimbledon, south west London today
Runners were out in force in Wimbledon, south west London early this morning
Commuters cross London Bridge in the the morning sunshine today, with temperatures expected to climb throughout the day
Tower Bridge and the Thames was a picturesque sight in the morning sunshine early today
The stay home order in Scotland is to end on Friday, while in Northern Ireland up to six people, or two households, will be able to meet outdoors from Thursday.
Meanwhile the Prime Minister has urged people to remain cautious as the relaxation of lockdown measures in England coincides with an ongoing ‘exceptionally warm’ spell of weather.
Across the country yesterday, people made the most of sunny conditions and the easing of rules which means groups of up to six, or two households, are now able to socialise in parks and gardens while outdoor sports facilities can reopen.
The lifting of some restrictions saw golfers return to the fairways and swimmers take the plunge in outdoor pools as temperatures rose.
