UK weather: Temperatures set to reach 26C - but cooler conditions on the way

Temperatures in parts of the UK are expected to hit 26C (78.8F) on Wednesday as part of what is likely to be the warmest early April spell in six years.

Forecasters said southeast and central England can expect the top temperatures, but also warned people to be aware of high UV and pollen levels.

It comes after the Met Office said northwest Wales enjoyed Tuesday's highest temperature in the UK with 24.8 (76.64F), making it the hottest day of the year so far and the "warmest 7 April on record".

The warm temperatures are "well above" the early April average of 12C to 15C (53.6F-59F), the agency said.

The UK is expected to be hotter than many popular European destinations on Wednesday, including Rome, Corfu and Barcelona.

Forecasters said the warmth is due to southerly winds, but it will turn much cooler on Thursday as a more westerly wind develops behind a cold front.

Find out the forecast for your area

Sky News weather producer Jo Robinson said: "This is likely to be the warmest early April spell since 2020.

"UV levels will be moderate - which may catch people out after the long winter, while the pollen count will be very high for most.

"On Thursday, temperatures will be much lower just about everywhere, but southeast England will hold onto the warmth with temperatures into the low twenties."

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The Met Office said daytime temperatures could fall by around 10C between Wednesday and Thursday ahead of "more unsettled" conditions later in the week.

Despite the warm sunshine across many parts of England, there will be cooler conditions in Northern Ireland and northwest Scotland.

The Met Office said there could also be outbreaks of rain.

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