GLORIOUS sunshine bathed the county as the mercury soared to 20C - the same temperature enjoyed in parts of the Mediterranean.

Mild weather has arrived in Suffolk bringing with it blue skies, bright sunshine and above average temperatures.

People across the county donned shorts and flip-flops as the temperatures beat those in Barcelona (18C), Paris (17C) and Madrid (15C).

Chris Bell, of regional forecaster Weatherquest, said the eastern parts of Suffolk and north Essex were warmer than the western side of the region.

“The warmer weather yesterday saw temperatures as high as 20C, particularly in Ipswich and Wattisham,” he added.

“The eastern parts of the county were a touch warmer than the west with lots of warm sunshine.

“Today is set to be a cloudier day but still looking at temperatures of 17C to 19C - a good 5C higher than the average of 12C for this time of year.

“It really is very warm for this time of year.” People made the most of the sunshine with a walk along Ipswich Waterfront, picnics in the park or fish and chips on the beach.

But Mr Bell warned the milder weather is not set to last with a cold front arriving in the county tonight.

He said: “We are expecting a cold front to go through the county tonight and behind that there will be a fairly noticeable difference by tomorrow.

“Temperatures will go from around 20C down to 10C.

“There is also the potential for some frost tomorrow night and temperatures will be down close to freezing so gardeners will need to cover tender plants.”

Mr Bell added: “The outlook for next week is that we will remain in the colder area of weather.”