BEACHES across the UK were packed today with those on their Easter break as temperatures soared to a toasty 17C.
Countless sunseekers piled onto the shores of Brighton, East Sussex, and Bournemouth, Dorset, among others, to enjoy the warm weather.
The Met Office said there was “plenty of blue sky on offer” on Monday, with temperatures being above average for this time of year.
It has also released its extended forecast for the first week of the Easter break, with conditions expecting to remain warm and sunny for many.
Maximum temperatures on Tuesday are expected to be around 17C in parts of central Scotland and southern England, while Wednesday could see this rise to a very comfortable 18C.
By Thursday, many might be unable to fight the urge to flock to the beach as parts of north-east Scotland may break the 20C mark, according to the Met Office.
On Friday, temperatures could reach the same level in much of south-east England.
Met Office Meteorologist Kathryn Chalk said: “Through the rest of this morning and during much of Monday, it’s a fine, settled day.
“Plenty of blue sky on offer.
“Still going to be feeling warm in that sunshine too – temperatures still above average, especially out towards the west.”
While most areas will be basking in the sunshine, Kathryn did warn that much of Shetland and parts of Orkney in northern Scotland would be cloudy.
She also advised that there would be light winds across the English Channel and much of the southern coast.
By 5pm today, areas such as Bristol, Yeovil, and Taunton in western England, and Monmouth in Wales, are expected to reach a toasty 17C.
In Brighton, huge crowds of revellers flocked to the shores to soak up the 17C sunshine.
Bournemouth beach was equally packed, as families unpacked picnics and enjoyed the first weekday of the Easter holidays, basking in the sun’s rays.
The Met Office added that Barnstaple in Devon and Bude in Cornwall would also see the highest temperatures today.
Heading north, Derry in Northern Ireland could have also seen highs of 17C, alongside Omagh and Enniskillen, as could some areas of the Scottish Highlands.
However, due to the clear skies, temperatures are expected to drop during the night, potentially leading to frost.
Kathryn added: “We hold on to lengthy clear skies, temperatures will fall away once again and we will see some mist and fog patches just developing, and a touch of frost in places.”
The rest of the week is also expected to be warm, with conditions improving as we head towards the weekend.
On Tuesday, highs of 18C are predicted, again for the western regions of England.
Kathryn continued: “Temperatures will start warming up as we head through the week.
“[There will be] fine, dry, settled conditions.
“As we look ahead through Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, much of the same – plenty of sunshine.”
She explained that temperatures are expected to continue to rise as the week progresses, especially across northern and eastern areas.
The forecaster expected temperatures to head over the 20C mark this Saturday in parts of southern England, helping extend the stretch of recent warm weather.
On Friday, parts of the UK were warmer than the Algarve in Portugal as temperatures rose to a staggering 23.7C.
The average daily high temperature for this time of year is around 13C in England and 10C in Scotland, according to the Met Office.
Sunseekers were seen basking in rays across the UK, with many flocking to parks and beaches to enjoy the warm conditions.
Some were seen lounging in deck chairs while others opted to have picnics in the 23C heat.
[boxout headline=”Met Office five-day forecast”]This Evening and Tonight:
A fine evening to come for many, with plenty of sunshine before dusk.
Dry overnight with mostly clear skies, however there will be a few isolated mist and fog patches developing by dawn.
Feeling chilly with a widespread rural frost.
Tuesday:
Another chilly start, with any early morning mist or low cloud soon lifting.
Dry with plenty of strong April sunshine, however some cloud bubbling up across the south and east.
Outlook for Wednesday to Friday:
High pressure continues to bring fine weather with plenty of warm sunshine by day.
Cooler near the North Sea coast with cloudier skies developing across the east from Wednesday.
