SOUTHAMPTON has recorded the hottest day of the year today as temperatures rose to 22C.
The Met Office said this is the result of an air mass from the south bringing up mild air, particularly impacting areas in the South East.
Parts of the country were warmer than some Greek islands such as Santorini, Crete and Mykonos, and even topped Los Angeles in California by Tuesday afternoon.
Southampton resident, Jason Hue, who was enjoying the sunny weather in East Park, said: "It sure is getting warm today. I got to take my son out for a bike ride, and he is very happy.
"I hope it stays like this a little longer."
Gemma, who was also relaxing in the park with her friend Alex, said: "It is a great day, honestly, and the sun has instantly lifted my mood.
"I was at university for classes before, but it feels good to be outside now."
But those hoping for a longer spell of hot and sunny weather will be disappointed.
Temperatures are set to slowly decline as the week goes on and the air mass moves, bringing in fresher air and temperatures closer to the average for this time of year.
Met Office forecaster, Oli Claydon, said: "We’ve got an air mass moving up from the south, which is helping to bring some warm air with it and why we’re seeing some of the highest temperatures of the year.
"It’s the same reason why we’ve been seeing thunderstorms over the past few days as well. That will change as we go through the week, with fronts moving in and bringing ever so slightly fresher air."
The highest temperature recorded so far this year was 23.6C in Faversham, Kent, on May 6.
According to the Met Office, the high temperatures are only confined to the South East.
The temperature in Northern Ireland will be stuck in the mid-teens, and Belfast today has recorded 15C as its high.
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