Today could be the hottest day of the year so far

Today could be the hottest day of the year so far as temperatures soar (Picture: AFP via Getty Images)

For those of you looking for a bit of warm sunshine, today could be the hottest day of the year so far, the Met Office has said.

Temperatures could hit a whopping 20°C in southern areas in the UK today, just in time for the first day of Spring.

It means that parts of southern England will actually be hotter than Mediterranean European destinations.

For example, Barcelona in Spain and Greece in Athens will only reach highs of 15°C and 12°C respectively today.

The hottest temperatures are expected in London, where the mercury could hit 20°C.

Other cities that are expected to see warmer than average temperatures include Cardiff which is set to reach 17°C.

It might feel a little chiller in places like Glasgow 15°C and Belfast 14°C.

The highest temperature recorded during the first day of Spring previously was in 1972, when a temperature of 21.5°C was recorded.

The top temperature recorded this year so far was 19.7°C in Crosby, Merseyside, so it is likely today’s temperature will beat that.

But it is not all good news I’m afraid because this lovely weather will not last long.

Rain is expected to hit on Friday.

The nice weather isn’t expected to last too long though (Picture: AFP via Getty Images)

Stephen Dixon from the Met Office said: ‘Today’s weather is going to be a widely dry, fine and sunny day for many, with temperatures well above average at the time of year.

‘Temperatures are going to peak on the Thursday and they’ll decline into the weekend, heading closer towards average but still relatively warm for this time of year.’

Higher pressure to the east of the UK is currently helping to draw warmer air north across the country, he said.

The sunshine will be only broken by some cloud in central parts of England on Thursday, according to the Met Office.

While Friday is still set to stay warm for many, rain will move in from the south west.

Today will be the perfect opportunity for people to sunbathe (Picture: Getty Images)

These will start off in Cornwall but will then move north east during the day and hit parts of Wales, central and southern England.

It is then a rainy outlook across the country into the weekend.

Met Office deputy chief meteorologist Steven Keates said: ‘This heralds the move to something more unsettled for the UK’s weather on Saturday, with more rain or showers developing for much of England, Wales and Northern Ireland through the day, and some heavier bursts likely in places.

‘Western parts of Scotland are also likely to see rain on Saturday, with this gradually moving eastwards across the rest of Scotland through the weekend.

‘Unsettled weather, with occasional rain or showers for many, will continue on Sunday, with plenty of cloud around as well.’

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