UK weather: temperature tops 26C on one of hottest April days of past 80 years

High of 26.5C recorded in Kew Gardens in south-west London, but rain and cooler conditions are on the way

Many across the UK witnessed soaring temperatures as the country recorded its warmest day of the year so far – and one of the hottest April days in the last 80 years.

Temperatures reached a high of 26.5C (79.7F) in Kew Gardens, south-west London, on Wednesday, the Met Office said. It was the hottest day recorded in the first half of April since 1946, according to the forecaster.