Brits hit beaches, parks and beer gardens to bask in 21C mini-heatwave after Saturday washout

BRITS flocked to beaches, parks and beer gardens today in scorching 21C temperatures.

Large swathes of the country enjoyed a mini-heatwave this afternoon following heavy showers yesterday.

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Locals headed out punting along the River Cam in Cambridge as the South East of England saw wall to wall sunshine. 

Hyde Park in central London was also packed with Brits enjoying picnics and takeaway food – while others took part in fitness classes and rollerskating. 

Temperatures soared to 21C in the capital just after midday, while the mercury hit 20C in Kent and the Norfolk coast.

In the North West of England, temperatures hovered between 14C and 16C while most of Wales saw cloudy skies and a dry 13C day.

It comes ahead of a wet week for most of the UK, with heavy showers expected to start on Monday across most of the North of England.

Temperatures will remain mild across the country, with highs of 17C in London and the South East.

BBC weather presenter Susan Powell said it is "going to be quite soggy for many of us through the week".

She added: "Through the week ahead it will be milder but it is also going to be showery some of the showers are going to be quite punchy as well.

“To the east of the UK we’ve pulled in some very warm air from across the continent hence the mild night.

"And it will turn out to be quite warm here through this afternoon.”

The Met Office's outlook for Monday to Wednesday says: "Generally unsettled with a mixture of sunny spells and showers, as well as some more prolonged periods of rain.

"Some heavy bursts likely at times with a risk of thunderstorms."

It follows heavy showers in parts of the country on Saturday, with the Brecon Beacons in South Wales recording 125mm of rain.

The Environment Agency issued a flood alert as two rivers in the Midlands rose following a night of downpours.

And five flood alerts were in force in South Wales amid heavy rainfall.

With more rain forecast, the Environment Agency urged Brits to check their website frequently for the latest advice.

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