Parts of South East see hottest day of year so far

54 minutes ago

Stuart Maisner

BBC News, South East

Eddie Mitchell Crowds of people on the beach and in the water at Hove — Crowds took to the beach in Hove

Parts of south-east England have seen their hottest day of the year so far.

The temperature in Herstmonceux in East Sussex reached 24.7C (76F) at lunchtime on Wednesday.

That has topped the previous peak for the year on Tuesday when the temperature got up to 24.4C in Wigonholt in West Sussex.

Areas of Kent, Surrey and Sussex could see the "hottest first day of May on record", according to BBC South East weather presenter Nina Ridge.

A paddleboarder heads to the sea at Dover

PA Media A paddleboarder heads to the sea at Dover — A paddleboarder heads to the sea at Dover

She said: "Some places in the South East could see highs of 27C on Thursday."

Coastal areas will be fresher due to the breeze off the sea.

The bluebell display was magnificent at Ightham Mote in Kent on Wednesday

Phil Harrison/BBC A display of bluebells at Ightham Mote in Kent — The bluebell display was magnificent at Ightham Mote in Kent on Wednesday

With temperatures soaring, the RNLI is reminding people taking to the South East's beaches to follow simple safety guidelines.

Choose a lifeguarded beach where possible
Swim between the red and yellow flag
If you see someone in trouble call 999 and ask for the coastguard

Gareth Morrison, RNLI head of water safety, said: "Whilst the air temperature will be high, water temperatures remain dangerously cold."

Parts of south-east England could see their hottest days of the year so far

A map of UK show the maximum temperatures to be achieved over the next few days — Parts of south-east England could see their hottest days of the year so far

The NHS said it recommended spending time in the shade when the sun is strongest, using at least factor 30 sunscreen and reapplying it every two hours, and taking extra care with children.

Kent Fire & Rescue Service has warned about the dangers of wildfires.

A spokesperson said: "Wildfires often happen after lengthy periods of dry weather and can spread rapidly, causing devastating damage to property, wildlife, and natural landscapes.

"Unfortunately, most wildfires are started start by human activity - whether it's a barbecue, discarded cigarettes, bonfires or even arson."

Temperatures are expected to cool for the forthcoming May Bank Holiday weekend.

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