UK weather: Cold, wet and windy Easter weekend to follow potential record March temperature

Arctic winds set to bring bleak conditions for many

Parts of the UK were warmer than Benidorm by midday on Wednesday ahead of a dramatic change of weather forecast for the later part of the week.

People flocked to beaches and parks around the country for the third day running as the Met Office said the March temperature record could be broken.

Forecasters said there was a 10 per cent chance temperatures would rise above the 25.6C record set in Cambridgeshire in 1968.

Temperatures in parts of London and the southeast climbed higher than Benidorm, Valencia and Marbella ahead of an expected drop in temperatures on Thursday.

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Grahame Madge, a Met Office spokesperson, said although Wednesday should be the warmest day of the year so far, the chance of rain in some areas could prevent a temperature record.

Mr Madge said temperatures should hit 24.7C in London and the southeast, up from Tuesday’s 24.5C peak, while parts of central and eastern England and Wales should be around 20-22C.

People were on the beach at Barry Island in Wales by mid-morning (PA)

People made the most of the sunny conditions after Monday's easing of coronavirus rules, but concerns have been raised over large outdoor gatherings.

Government ministers urged people to be “cautious” when visiting parks and beaches after large crowds gathered in the Tuesday heat.

Parks in Nottingham city centre were closed after what council leader David Mellen said were “appalling scenes” on Tuesday with crowds ignoring social distancing rules and leaving behind lots of litter.

Bins overflow with rubbish in London’s Battersea Park on Wednesday morning (PA)

Temperatures are expected to plunge across the UK from Thursday, when a cold front moves down from the north.

Arctic air will bring strong northerly winds, snow showers and freezing overnight temperatures to Scotland and the far north of England by Easter Sunday, while elsewhere conditions will be wet.

Southern and eastern parts will also experience a cold spell with many areas of the UK set to be in single figure temperatures by the start of next week.

Farmers have warned a sharp drop in temperatures could have a devastating impact on lambing season, while horticulturalists said it would threaten fruit and vegetable yields.

Additional reporting by PA