Brits go barmy for the hottest day of the year... but will it last?

Rex

Brits are today flocking in their droves to beaches and parks as the glorious warm sunshine continues.

After weeks of grey skies, freezing temperatures and rain, the UK is even hotter than the Rome, Turkey and South of France - and forecasters say there's more balmy weather to come.

Most of the country is set for a second and possibly third day of sunshine, with temperatures looking set to beat Tuesday's 25C.

In coastal regions from Tenby to Bournemouth - recently voted Britain's favourite beach destination - deckchairs and sunloungers have been the order of the day.

The Met Office says: "Temperatures are likely to stay hot, and may reach 26C today (Wednesday). By Friday they may drop slightly to around 22C but this should continue into the weekend," said a spokesperson.

City Park, Bradford, Wednesday May 23/PA

But most forecasters are cautious to predict whether the sunshine will last until the Diamond Jubilee weekend.

According to the Weather Channel, sunshine will remain until next weekend, but after that the signs are that the weather will be more patchy, with clouds and possible thunder storms. Highs of around 18C are expected towards the middle of next week in the south of England.

In the north, sunshine will remain until early next week, when rain is forecast. However, there are signs that the sunshine will return in time for the weekend.

Rex

In the meantime, we've suddenly become a nation of sun worshippers. Jools Oliver made the most of the sunshine with her son Buddy Bear in Primrose Hill, London (above) while keepers at Chester Zoo gave their Indian elephants a cold shower to cool them down (below).

Even the queen (below) was enjoying the warmth. Along with 8,000 guests, she appeared to be enjoying the sunshine at the first Buckingham Palace garden party of the summer on Tuesday.

PA

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