Lockdown Brits pack beaches as 28C hottest day of the year sees UK bathed in sunshine and warmer than Marbella

COOPED-UP Brits packed beaches yesterday to bask in 28C sunshine and enjoy temperatures even warmer than Marbella.

Sunbathers made the most of their new-found freedom following the easing of lockdown restrictions - but many forgot about social distancing.

Thousands of Brits flocked to beaches in Brighton, Bournemouth and Blackpool on what has become the hottest day of the year with temperatures hitting 27.8C at Heathrow Airport this afternoon.

But families on the beach in Southend, Essex, appeared to be shunning social distancing advice as they crammed together to get a good spot.

Others hit parks in central London and beauty spots across the country after lockdown measures were eased by the government.

In the South West, traffic wardens ran out of tickets following an influx of sunseekers flocking to coastal hot-spots.

INFLATABLES BAN

Several routes into beaches in Devon were left clogged with traffic on roads described as "exceptionally busy".

Cops said several beach car parks had to be closed as people flocked to the seaside to take advantage of the hottest day of the year.

The heatwave is set to continue into the bank holiday weekend - with yesterday's pictures causing concern for the RNLI who revealed there are no lifeguards on any beaches due to the coronavirus outbreak.

For the first time ever, they are urging people to not use inflatables in the sea with treacherous surf conditions expected in some areas.

All lifeguard training and recruitment was stopped when the lockdown was announced on March 23.

It means Britain's 200 plus beaches are currently unmanned for the first time since the life-saving patrols were introduced in 2001.

The RNLI now fears they will only have enough bodies to patrol 70 of the UK's beaches during the peak summer season - around 30 per cent.

For most it’s dry and it’s increasingly sunny during Wednesday afternoon, with temperatures reaching mid-20s widely, and up to 28C in the South East.

Met Office meteorologist Aidan McGivern

Last weekend, the Coastguard was called out 194 times to rescue people and they have now teamed up with the RNLI to launch a joint campaign targeting parents and urging them to take responsibility for their families.

Met Office meteorologist Aidan McGivern said: “For most it’s dry and it’s increasingly sunny during Wednesday afternoon, with temperatures reaching mid-20s widely, and up to 28C in the South East.

“It stays warm and bright into the evening, but you can see some thicker cloud approaching Northern Ireland, and outbreaks of rain.”

The hot weather is likely to be a test of the new lockdown measures after Boris Johnson announced that Brits can now spend as much time as they like outside – as long as social distancing is observed.

Local councils have urged Brits to stick to social distancing and reminded the public that facilities such as outdoor pools and public toilets remained closes.

Officers will also be patrolling popular beauty spots and parks to ensure people are abiding by the government’s guidance.

HOTTEST DAY

Tourist spots have also asked people to stay away with many attractions remaining closed – with the majority beaches not being lifeguarded.

After today’s heatwave, there is a risk of thunderstorms on Thursday in East and South East England as a band of rain pushes eastwards.

Temperatures are predicted to cool from 24C or 25C before the rain to a fresher 17C to 21C on Friday.

Met Office meteorologist Greg Dewhurst said: "There will be a bit of a grey, misty start for some first thing but that will quickly burn away.

"The vast majority of the UK will have a dry day with sunny spells, if not blue skies all day for some."

Mr Dewhurst predicted a windy start to the weekend with sunshine and showers for many with the weather gradually turning drier from the south on Sunday and into bank holiday Monday.

While there has been no immediate end to the lockdown, the easing of restrictions meant plenty made the most of the sun – sunbathing and enjoying picnics.

The PM said: “You can sit in the sun in your local park, you can drive to other destinations, you can even play sports – but only with members of your own household.”

However, he warned: “You must obey the rules on social distancing and to enforce those rules we will increase the fines for the small minority who break them.”