BRITS are set for a balmy weekend with thousands flocking to beaches and parks as temperatures are expected to climb up to 21C today.

This weekend is set to be hotter than with the return of warmer weather and clear skies.

Lyme Regis, Dorset, UK. 8th Apr, 2026. UK Weather: Sunseekers and holiday makers flock to the packed beach at the seaside resort of Lyme Regis to soak up the hot spring sunshine on the hottest day of the year so far. Credit: Celia McMahon/Alamy LiveTemperatures are set to soar to highs of 21C today Credit: Alamy Brighton UK 8th April 2026 - Visitors enjoy the hot sunny weather on Brighton beach on the hottest day of the year so far with temperatures forecast to reach 25 degrees in some parts of the South East today : Credit Simon Dack / Alamy Live NewsThousands of Brits are expected to flock to the beaches and parks to bask in the sunshine Credit: Alamy

Across the south of and , today’s temps are expected to soar up to a glorious 21C, according to the .

Other parts of the UK such as , and could see highs of 19C this afternoon, as seen on the Met Office’s weather map.

For many, today will see blue skies and sunshine with moderate UV levels, said the forecaster.

The warm weather will continue into the weekend with cities including , London and expected to at least see 21C tomorrow.

In contrast, Ibiza is set to reach highs of 18C over the weekend, according to the Met Office.

Steven Keates, Deputy Chief Forecaster said: “High pressure will remain broadly in charge of the UK’s for the remainder of this week and into the weekend.

“Most places will remain dry with a fair amount of sunshine too.

“As is often the case, there are a few exceptions, with cloudier conditions for some at times and patchy rain possible for northern later in the weekend, so keep an eye on the forecast as the week progresses

“In the sunshine, we’re expecting temperatures to steadily climb, likely peaking in the low twenties on Friday and over the weekend.

“Onshore breezes will keep some coastal areas somewhat cooler.

“And gardeners beware, where skies are clear and winds light overnight, a patchy frost is also likely.” 

Eddy Leviten, Executive Director at Tourism Alliance said: “This is when the UK shows what it does best.

“Few destinations can match the range on offer, with coast, countryside, heritage, events, attractions, culture, and cities, all within easy reach.

“For our members, it’s a clear window to drive bookings, support and deliver real value to the . The visitor economy is one of our biggest economic sectors, worth £147bn.”

After days of bright sunshine and above-average temperatures boosted growth, the UK is set to see home-grown strawberries arriving on supermarket shelves today.

Punnets will begin to arrive on shelves in , , and some London stores from Friday, with nearly half the country to follow on next week, the supermarket said.

The grocer expects to receive 300 tonnes of UK-grown fruit next week – roughly one million punnets – up by more than 100% just three weeks ago.

The whole of the UK is set to be supplied by mid-May, meaning retailers will have to rely less on Spanish and Moroccan imports in the next few weeks.

Norfolk WeatherThis morning’s sunrise over the Wells-Next-The-Sea harbour on the Norfolk coast Credit: LNP Brighton UK 8th April 2026 - Brighton seafront bars and restaurants are packed as crowds enjoy the hot sunny weather on the hottest day of the year so far with temperatures forecast to reach 25 degrees in some parts of the South East today : Credit SThe UK is also set to see home-grown strawberries on shelves today Credit: Alamy Norfolk WeatherThis weekend is expected to be hotter than Ibiza Credit: LNP