Britain has experienced an extraordinary weather phenomenon today as temperatures surged by an incredible 26 degrees in just eight hours.
The Met Office highlighted this remarkable temperature swing as parts of the UK basked in glorious sunshine.
After a chilly start to the day, the mercury has rocketed upwards, bringing summer-like conditions to much of the country.
Northern Ireland is enjoying the highest temperatures, with the mercury set to hit 21C around 4pm today.
Met Office has highlighted the temperature jump
PA/Met Office
Eastern Scotland is also experiencing warmer conditions between 17C and 20C, with Edinburgh reaching 20C while Glasgow remains cooler at 15C.
Across the border in Northumberland, temperatures near Newcastle are hitting 20C. Yorkshire is also basking in the warmth, with Leeds reaching 19C and Hull staying between 17C and 18C.
Met Office Chief Meteorologist Andy Page said: "Those living along North Sea coasts, who have so far had generally lower temperatures and more cloud at times, will start to see the higher temperatures on Thursday, possibly reaching as high as 23°C in eastern Scotland and northeast England.
"This is due to a shift in the dominant wind direction from the east to the west."
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Temperatures are set to soar over the weekend
WXCHarts
The temperatures are significantly above average for this time of year, with meteorologist Dan Stroud adding: "The average for this time of year is around 13C, so it's going to be about 10C above average on Friday."
Some areas could reach highs of 23C today, making parts of Britain hotter than Barcelona at 18C and Athens at 20C.
Friday could even eclipse the 23.7C recorded on April 4, potentially becoming the hottest day of the year. The warm spell is set to come to an end soon, with the Met Office forecasting a change in conditions this weekend.
High pressure that has brought the pleasant weather is gradually shifting away.
A person paraglides over the cliffs above Boscombe beach in Dorset
PA
Rain is expected to arrive first in the far northwest of Scotland on Friday. By Sunday, fresher conditions with showers are expected to move in from the west.
Met Office Deputy Chief Meteorologist Mark Sidaway said: "The high pressure that has been responsible for our recent high temperatures gradually shifts away over the weekend, as more of an unsettled regime begins to take charge and introduces more frequent rain and cloud, as well as a drop in temperatures."
Saturday will start dry for much of the UK, but showers are likely to move in from the south later in the day. Looking ahead to mid-April, the Met Office warns of "a wetter period" with showers or longer spells of rain.
There is "a low risk of heavier, possibly thundery showers" early in the period.
