Toasty Easter Weather Across Most Of United Kingdom - Up To 25C By Thursday - Guardian

The clear skies that have seen sunseekers flock to the coast over the bank holiday appear likely to continue today with the Met Office forecasting temperatures of up to 20C (68F) in southern England. The north is forecast to be slightly cooler and holidaymakers in Blackpool could wake up to overcast skies.

Forecasters predicted temperatures would continue to climb through the week, hitting 25C by Thursday. "By the end of the week we could see the third warmest April day since 1949," said a Met Office spokesman. That year the April temperature reached 29C. More recently, 2003 was warmer during Easter.

The spokesman said warm spring weather did not necessarily mean a long hot summer, but there was a 70% chance it would be warmer than usual. "With climate change we would now always expect higher temperatures and it doesn't mean the summer is going to be a scorcher but there is a good chance that temperatures will be above average."

Motoring groups said in the Easter exodus on Thursday some journeys took 60% longer than usual. RAC spokeswoman Liz Kennett warned motorists could expect more of the same today: "People should be prepared for longer journeys, making sure they have enough fuel and that they take food and drink just in case."

EDIT

http://www.guardian.co.uk/weather/Story/0,,2052904,00.html

Spring temperatures in the UK can vary a lot over quite small distances depending on the direction of the wind and proximity to the sea. According to the weather watchers at UK Weatherworld the temperatures in much of central and northern England was no more than average today after quite a warm day yesterday.

http://www.ukweatherworld.co.uk/forum/forums/thread-view.asp?tid=11272&start=1

Whether any records will be broken later this week remains to be seen.

nt