Enjoy the warm weather while it lasts because temperatures will plunge again

High UV levels have led many to venture out for a bathe in the sun (Picture: PA/Rex)

The UK is seeing warm temperatures today, up to 26C in some areas – but come Friday, the mercury will plummet again.

Across the country today, temperatures reached the hottest they have so far in 2026, reaching 23C in Bristol and a whopping 26C in London.

Met Office Chief Forecaster Paul Gundersen said the lovely spring weather we’re seeing is notable – but brief.

‘These temperatures are more typically associated with late spring or early summer. This could be the warmest spell at this point in April since 2020,’ he said.

‘However, this warmth will be short-lived, with a marked drop in temperatures and more unsettled conditions developing later this week.’

Between Wednesday and Thursday, daytime temperatures could fall by up to 10C in some areas, the Met Office said.

Surfers donned wetsuits to enjoy the sun and waves (Picture: PA)

Beginning tomorrow, while East Anglia and the southeast of the UK will still see balmy temperatures, colder air will move in.

Winds and showers are on their way back – hold onto your brollies.

‘Thursday night will feel notably colder than recent nights, with a risk of frost in some areas,’ the Met Office added.

This weekend, temperatures will be closer to average, with a mix of sunshine and rain across the country.

The Met Office said: ‘It’s all purely down to wind direction at this time of year. For the next couple of days, we’re dragging in that warm, southerly wind, which will allow us to see temperatures reach the mid-20s.

‘As we go into Thursday, we’ll see temperatures return to normal for the time of year as we see the weather turn more changeable with advances of rain and showers.’

People enjoyed the bright sunshine on the Thames Embankment (Picture: Shutterstock)

The warm weather is a welcome change from the blustery conditions much of the UK saw last week.

Storm Dave landed on the British Isles days ago, bringing dangerous winds that grounded flights and closed roads.

Pilots on approach to Dublin Airport navigated 65mph gusts as the high winds made the giant planes teeter like reeds.

At least 25 flights were cancelled, including 12 departures and 13 arrivals, due to ‘challenging wind conditions,’ Dublin Airport said.

Driving conditions were also rough, with National Highways warning of road closures last week as winds ripped across carriageways.

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