Parts of the UK experienced the warmest April day in almost 70 years with temperatures in central London reaching 28C (82F), prompting warnings for competitors in the marathon. The temperatures made the day the warmest of the year so far and the hottest April day since 1949 when the mercury soared to 29.4C. The event director, Hugh Brasher, said: “The previous highest temperature on race day was 22.2C in 1996 and 2007. Now summer has come unusually early: the hot spell far exceeds the average maximum temperature for April of 11.4C. Thursday is expected to be the hottest day of the warm spell, with weekend temperatures dipping slightly before showery outbreaks on Sunday.

Source: The Guardian April 19, 2018 08:26 UTC