BRITAIN is set for a Bank Holiday heatwave after the country basked in the hottest day of the year so far, with the mercury hitting 28.2C today.

And temperatures could continue to soar into the mid-20s across the UK on Monday as Brits enjoy a balmy bank holiday weekend.

Sun seekers flocked to beaches and beauty spots across the UK as England, Scotland and Wales all had their hottest days of 2020 so far today.

Across the country, sunbathers made the most of their new-found freedom following the easing of lockdown restrictions – but many forgot about coronavirus social distancing.

The hottest spot in the UK on Wednesday was Santon Downham in Suffolk, which saw temperatures climb to 28.2C.

Scotland also saw its warmest day of 2020, with 24.2C recorded in Aviemore in the Highlands.

SUNSHINE UK

And in Wales,  the village of Hawarden enjoyed sizzling 26.4C sunshine.

A Met Office spokesman told Sun Online: "It's well above average. Some places are more than 10 degrees above average.

"Getting above 28C doesn't happen every May. We didn't get above 28C last May.

"It's very hot. Unusually hot – but not exceptionally hot."

Thousands of Brits flocked to beaches in Brighton, Bournemouth and Blackpool on what has become the hottest day of the year with temperatures hitting 27.8C at Heathrow Airport this afternoon.

But families on the beach in Southend, Essex, appeared to be shunning social distancing advice as they crammed together to get a got spot.

Others hit parks in central London and beauty spots across the country after lockdown measures were eased by the government.

In the South West, traffic wardens ran out of tickets following an influx of sunseekers flocking to coastal hot-spots.

BALMY BANK HOLIDAY

And the hot weather is set to continue over into the weekend.

Tomorrow afternoon most of the UK will enjoy temperatures in the low to mid-20s, with an outside chance of 28C around London.

But the South East, East Anglia , Kent and London may also see  thundery showers , heavy rain and thunder and lighting on Thursday afternoon following today's heatwave.

On Friday, a deep area of low pressure is due to arrive on the North West of the UK, bringing heavy rain and the risk of severe gales, with highs of 23C towards the south east.

Scotland should see temperatures in the high teens, with similar temperatures in the east and north east of England on Friday.

Over the weekend, the weather will be drier, with winds towards the north and blustery further south on Saturday, and temperatures rising to around 19C in Birmingham.

But by Sunday most southern parts will have a fine day, with Monday set for more sunny weather.

The Met Office spokesman added: "By Monday temperatures should start to rise again.

"By Monday, we could be back into the mid-20s, 25C or 26C.

"Not quite as hot as today, but still well above average for the time of year.

"There will be high or very high levels of UV at times over the weekend.

"If you do have to go out for whatever reason, do be aware you may have to protect yourself from the sun."

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