UK weather: Thousands hit the beach on hottest day of the year so far

People were urged to stay alert and respect social distancing as thousands flocked to parks and beaches on the UK’s hottest day of the year so far.

Temperatures peaked at 27.8C (82F) on Wednesday afternoon, beating the previous day’s high.

Sunbathers and picnickers were spotted taking full advantage of the easing of lockdown restrictions, which since last week have allowed people in England to sunbathe and spend an unlimited amount of time outdoors

However, police were still encouraging those who were out enjoying the sunshine to stay alert – and maintain social distancing with people from outside their household.

The Metropolitan Police tweeted earlier in the day, saying: “It is important that we all continue to #StayAlert.”

The force said people “can relax, have a picnic, exercise or play sport”, so long as they are on their own, with people they lived with, or with just one other person from another household.

London was where the hottest temperature of the day was recorded, at Heathrow Airport, topping St James’s Park’s balmy high of 26.2C (79F) on Tuesday.

The previous record for 2020 was 26C (78.8F), which was set last month.

Outside the capital, people in Bournemouth appeared to be making the most of the sun.

Thousands of people laid on the town’s beaches, soaking up the rays and defying criticism from some on social media who have been urging beach-goers to stay at home.

Dorset Police have been contacted for comment.

Police in Devon were fining those who had lined the streets and parked on double yellow lines following an influx of visitors to the area, with people in England now allowed to drive away from their local area to enjoy the outdoors.

An officer from North Devon Roads Policing Unit said: “Sadly every double yellow line from Woolacombe to Morthoe is covered with cars and vans.

“Cars mounting pavements to get by whilst pedestrians try to cross the road.

“All the offences have been recorded and will be processed in due course.”

While there were images of packed beaches on the south coast, other places appeared to be much quieter, with the public opting to stay away and stay indoors.

In Wales, where stricter lockdown restrictions have remained in place, police have been stopping motorists trying to use the Brecon Beacons and turning them around.

The temptation to head outdoors may not be quite so strong on Thursday, with temperatures expected to cool – and there is even a risk of thunderstorms and rain across the east of the UK.

Temperatures are predicted to cool from 24C (75.2F) or 25C (77F) before the rain, to a fresher 17C (62.6F) to 21C (69.8F) on Friday.

The weekend is expected to be a windy affair, before becoming more settled into the start of next week.

(c) Sky News 2020: UK weather: Thousands hit the beach on hottest day of the year so far