Hottest April day in almost 70 years sparks marathon warning.
Temperatures in the region could reach around 26C today as the spell of fine weather continues into the weekend.
East Anglia: It will be another dry day across the region, with long sunny spells, and afternoon temperatures reaching 26 C for inland areas, a light onshore breeze breeze bringing fresher weather to the coasts.
— Weatherquest (@weatherquest_uk) April 20, 2018
Thursday was the hottest April day for nearly 70 years, with the mercury soaring to 29.1C (84F) in St James’ Park in London.
Friday’s highs are likely to be around 28C (82F) in the South East, the Met Office said, with most parts enjoying warmer conditions than normal for the time of year.
“It’s going to be pretty hot again tomorrow, with a lot of sunshine around,” said meteorologist Alex Burkill.
“We will see highs of 26C, 27C and maybe 28C in the London area. Low 20s are likely for much of England and Wales, while Northern Ireland and eastern Scotland will see temperatures in the high teens.”
All four home nations enjoyed their hottest day of the year so far, with everywhere seeing a high of at least 20C (68F) on Thursday.
The hot weather, which is a result of warm air moving up from the Azores in the south, is set to last into the weekend.
The London Marathon is forecast to be the hottest yet, with a high of 23C (73F) possible, beating the 1996 record of 22.7C (72.9F).
Mr Burkill said: “It’s going to be very hot and humid, and very close to, if not breaking the record.”
Race organisers have announced they will add more water, ice and shower stations along the 26.2-mile route.
Conditions may be especially difficult for fancy-dress runners, including the almost 100 attempting Guinness World Records dressed in outfits like a suit of armour, a Paddington Bear costume and ski boots.
Regular runners are being advised to consider dropping their goal times and to run more slowly.
It’s thought that the warm weather will start to break on Sunday with showers possible on Monday.
