Spring has sprung but make the most of the fine weather
WALES basked in glorious spring sunshine on the weekend as temperatures hit the high teens for the first time this year.
People headed for the nation’s parks and beaches in their droves as the sun made a welcome appearance on both Saturday and Sunday.
It was time to dig out the floppy hats and sunglasses as the country was hotter than some of Europe’s holiday hotspots.
Some parts of Wales hit highs of 17°C on Mother’s Day, which was higher than the 14°C recorded in Barcelona, 12°C in parts of Turkey, 13°C in Lisbon, Portugal and 17°C in Ibiza.
But according to the Met Office, the good weather isn’t expected to hang around for very long.
A spokesman said the sunshine was likely to remain with us for large parts of today, with temperatures reaching a very pleasant 16°C.
But the rest of the week is set to be cloudier and there could be thunder and outbreaks rain on the cards.
Commenting on the outlook for Wales, a spokesman said: “Monday will be another warm day in light winds, with some cloud in the east, and the best of the sunshine in the west. Maximum temperature is expected to be 16°C.”
For the rest of the week, he added: “Partly cloudy skies on Tuesday with some showery rain at times, possibly turning thundery.
“Turning more unsettled on Wednesday and Thursday with outbreaks of rain and strengthening winds.”
For the first time this year temperatures hit 20°C in some parts of the UK – including in the Highlands of Scotland on Mother’s Day.
But most nights this week in Wales are expected to be on the cold side, with some areas expecting to wake up to frost.
The Met Office stated: “A rather more changeable and breezy pattern will be established across the UK by the end of the week, with rain slowly clearing through the day.
“Over the next few days, we’ll see further unsettled weather in the north-west [of the UK], with outbreaks of rain and occasional showers.
“Meanwhile, the driest and brightest conditions are expected in the south and east of the UK, where it will feel pleasantly warm.”