SUN-SEEKERS in East Anglia are enjoying the hottest weekend of the year so far, with Sunday expected to see temperatures reach 27C (81F).

SUN-SEEKERS in East Anglia are enjoying the hottest weekend of the year so far, with Sunday expected to see temperatures reach 27C (81F).

It is expected to be a bumper weekend for the region's coastal resorts and tourist attractions as people make the most of the weather.

On Friday, the mercury soared to 23C (74F) in places - rivalling holiday hot spots like Ibiza and Corfu.

Ice creams and cold drinks were the order of the day as thousands of people across Suffolk and Essex slapped on the sun cream.

John Bacon, from Norwich based forecasters Weatherquest, said the clear skies were down to air coming down from Scandinavia.

“An area of high pressure has firmly established itself over the North Sea,” he said. “The air we are getting at the moment is coming down from Scandinavia and is very dry, which is why we have these beautiful cloudless skies.”

Temperatures for Friday were between 21C and 23C (70F to 74F) - five degrees higher than average for this time of year.

The Met Office is expecting Sunday to be the hottest day of the year in London, with thermometers in the capital set to reach 27C (81F).

Mr Bacon said the good weather was likely to continue until the middle of next week.

“It is going to last through the weekend,” he said. “The first sign of a breakdown will come on Wednesday.

“The area of high pressure will extend out over the Atlantic and edge further westward. That will bring a more northerly air flow from the Arctic to East Anglia.

“The colder air will mean temperatures will start to drop and there may be a risk of a few patches of rain.”