A WARM WELCOME
BBQ weather for new rules ..but enjoy it while you can
RIDING HIGH: Cyclists near Castleton, Derbys
A HEATWAVE is ready to sweep in – just in time for England’s lockdown restrictions easing tomorrow.
British Summer Time started today and temperatures are expected to go as high as
25C this week – making it warmer than Ibiza. Hot air from Spain will see balmy weather hit tomorrow as restrictions around socialising outdoors are lifted.
And the conditions are expected to last until Wednesday.
Bookmaker Coral cut odds to 11/10 on beating the 25.6C March record.
The betting film’s spokesman Harry Aitkenhead said: “Mad March weather looks like ending with record heat.”
But there is a warning that Easter could be one of the coldest on record as a 1,200 milewide “polar plunge” follows, with snow forecast in some areas.
Met Office spokesman Greg Dewhurst said: “Large swathes of southern England and Wales will be dry, with warmer temperatures than expected for this time of year.
“The mercury could reach a high of around
18C on Monday, with Tuesday seeing highs of
24C. Much of the UK will remain dry and bright until Wednesday.”
Experts are even predicting that the country could have its hottest March temperature since records began.
The highest ever recorded, of 25.6C, was in Cambridgeshire in 1968.
And air flowing from the continent could mean that is topped on Tuesday.
The upcoming heatwave will mean that people can make the most of the new freedoms from lockdown when they kick in tomorrow. We will be allowed to meet outdoors in groups of up to six in parks and private gardens.
Groups can be more than that if everyone comes from just two households.
It will mark the first major easing of rules around socialising since the current lockdown began in early January.
Outdoor sports will also be allowed, including the use of tennis courts, golf courses and outdoor swimming pools. Further restrictions are set to be eased on April 12 – for gyms, non
essential shops, hairdressers and outdoor hospitality, including pub beer gardens.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson says he is confident the Government will be able to stick to its framework out of lockdown.
He said: “As things stand, I can see absolutely nothing in the data to dissuade me from continuing along our roadmap to freedom, unlocking our economy and getting back to the life we love.”
FROM TOMORROW
Rule of Six from different households for outdoor gatherings.
Outdoor sports and swimming pools reopen.
Weddings can go ahead with up to six guests.
Funerals are allowed 30 attendees and wakes with six attendees.