Parts of Suffolk are among the hottest spots in the country today, as temperatures soar way above average for the time of year.

By late morning, the village of Cavendish, between Sudbury and Haverhill, was the warmest place England, with 18.7C recorded just before 11am.

Despite it feeling unseasonably warm for mid-April, experts warned of an impending dip in temperature due to the arrival of north-easterly winds over the coming days, making for more spring-like weather across the county.

It will feel much chillier for coastal areas, with temperatures struggling to surpass 10C over the weekend and going into next week.

Weatherquest forecaster, Chris Bell said better conditions could be expected further inland, where highs will remain slightly above average for the time of year.

He said it would stay dry but that temperatures would struggle to beat 10C on the coast, while reaching 14/15C in west Suffolk.

The average high temperature for this time of year is 12/13C, with average lows of 3/4C.

The rising temperatures led Tendring District Council to issue a reminder to dog owners about the dangers of leaving their pets in cars without sufficient ventilation.

Tendring District Council dog warden Adam McGoldrick attended an incident at Walton just before midday last Friday, when a woman spotted three dogs in a locked car, parked near the town’s pier.

The front windows were open very slightly but were fitted with rain protectors, which prevented any air getting in.

The closed sun roof made the vehicle even hotter for the dogs.

Mr McGoldrick called Essex Police and an officer managed to get into the car, belonging to someone who lives out of the area who had been seen making their way to the beach earlier in the day.

“We gave the dogs some water, opened a window and covered up the front windscreen with cardboard to keep the sun out as much as possible and a note was left for the owners,” said Mr McGoldrick.

“There were two smaller dogs in the vehicle along with a German Shepherd and they were quite distressed when we got into the car.

“Owners need to make sure that there is always plenty of air getting into the vehicle if they are leaving pets inside for any length of time – dogs do die in hot cars.”

The owners had not returned when Mr McGoldrick left at 3pm, some three hours after he got there.

“The forecast is for higher temperatures towards the middle of the week and I would ask people not to leave dogs locked up in cars without proper ventilation,” he added.