Mercury soars as Suffolk and Essex bask in temperatures hotter than Nairobi and the Canary Islands

Families flocked to the region’s beaches and parks to make the most of the abnormally high April temperatures on the hottest day of the year so far.

Weather experts predicted temperatures reaching 27C (80.6F) this morning, and although levels today didn’t quite reach those heights there were recordings of 25C (77F) in Wattisham.

Tomorrow will see temperatures of 24C (75.2F) in parts of Suffolk, which means that some of the region could be warmer than the Kenyan capital Nairobi and Las Palmas in the Canary Islands over the next two days.

Norwich-based Weatherquest said that the western parts of Suffolk would receive the best of the Spring sunshine, while some areas closer to the coast could be up to 10 degrees cooler owing to onshore winds.

People enjoying the hot weather in Abbey Gardens, Bury St Edmunds. Picture: GREGG BROWN

Met Office meteorologist Alex Deakin said: “Don’t forget the sunscreen today, it’s another day of blue sky and sunshine.”

The warm weather marks the continuation of a mini heatwave, which has seen temperatures around 10 degrees above the average for this time of year.

Sarah and Jacob Hudson and David and Christine Dalby enjoy an ice cream in the sun. Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWN (Image: Archant)

“We are going to see those temperatures soar,” Mr Deakin added.

On Tuesday, Santon Downham in Suffolk recorded the warmest day this year so far, 20.9C (69.62F). But that was quickly surpassed by yesterday’s highest temperatures of 25C (77F) recorded in Gravesend, Essex.

Those looking to enjoy some sunshine revelry will have to make the most of it before Saturday evening though, as there is an increased risk of showers in the early hours of Sunday once this week’s abnormally strong cold front has cleared.