Wish you were here? What a difference 12 miles makes on hottest day of the year
PARTS of Wales and England experienced their hottest day of the year so far yesterday. But as temperatures soared above 200C on each side of the border, there was a stark difference between how people reacted.
Temperatures above 280C in parts of England sent hordes of sun-worshippers flocking to beauty spots and beaches.
Scores of people were photographed gathering on the Westonsuper-Mare seafront in England – just 12 miles as the crow flies from Barry Island. Similar scenes could also be found in Bournemouth, Cornwall and Southend in Essex.
The mercury climbed to 27.80C (820F) near Heathrow Airport yesterday, as sunbathers across England enjoyed new found-freedom following the easing of lockdown restrictions.
London’s St James’ Park recorded a high of 26.20C (790F) on Tuesday – beating 2020’s previous top of 260C (78.80F) set last month.
It comes as the UK Government announced an easing of lockdown restrictions in England on May 10.
Boris Johnson gave the all-clear for people living in England to begin driving to other destinations for exercise, spending time outdoors with people not part of their household, and even sunbathing in public spaces.
Meanwhile Wales’ First Minister Mark Drakeford, who routinely said he’d prefer a four-nations approach to easing restrictions, confirmed the same rules would not apply west of the English border.
In Wales, unlimited daily exercise is now permitted, but it must be solo or alongside members of your own household.
Gatherings with those from other households are not permitted and nor is unnecessary travel.
The restrictions quash potential beach trips in Wales, unless local and used for exercise, and sunbathing remains prohibited in public.
In south Wales yesterday afternoon, where temperatures peaked at around 240C (750F), few people ventured out to the beach at Barry Island.
There were no signs of sunbathers or swimmers and the area’s ice cream shops and chippies remained shut.
Harriet Williams, 25, of Westonsuper-Mare, told the Western Mail its seafront yesterday looked like “a summer’s day pre-Covid-19”.
“They’re all buying food in the beach shops without standing in a line or at a two-metre distance,” she said. “Two weeks ago the beaches were empty, just a couple dog walkers.”
In Wales, where community transmission of the virus remains higher, many have welcomed the tighter restrictions.
Tracey Adams, of Barry, said: “I know Wales is over the peak now just like the rest of the UK but I think we still have to remain cautious.
“I’d love to go over Barry Island on a day like today but if the beach is busy social distancing could be difficult. I feel anxious enough going out food shopping once a week.”
For 70-year-old Marlene Lodge, it’s a relief the majority of people appear to be following the rules.
“As I am over 70 years of age I am glad of the measures as I feel safer when out shopping,” she said.
Weather conditions are expected to become more unsettled today.
Temperatures are predicted to cool from 240C (75.20F) or 250C (770F) before the rain to a fresher 170C (62.60F) to 210C (69.80F) tomorrow.