WORCESTERSHIRE residents have been baking in summer-like temperatures, with yesterday the hottest day of the year so far. 

Temperatures reached highs of 23C on Wednesday and that was set to be beaten yesterday as it was expected to reach 24C in some places, more likely to be seen in Athens and Rome. 

Warm air off the coast of Portugal has been dragged up towards the UK by an area of low pressure leading to the brighter than usual April weather, according to the Met Office.

Overnight and into this morning, temperatures were expected to drop to 12C - around the average expected during April in the daytime. 

Today is expected to be a similar dry and warm day, with a high of 21C. Saturday’s temperatures are also likely to be around 20C.

But Malvern-based Frank Hill, who worked for the Met Office for more than 40 years, said the mini- heatwave is not expected to continue past the weekend. 

“I have recorded a high of 23.8C, which is unusual for April,” he said.

“Once we get the wind in the right direction, bringing the heat from the continent, you can get a transformation in temperatures.

“Saturday will still be warm but there is a risk of showers, and thunder.

“The weekend will see the weather change to more typical April weather though - cloudy and around 16C. 

“Enjoy the heat while you can.”