Shropshire and Mid Wales are set to enjoy one of the hottest weekends of the year so far, with temperatures expected to climb 10 degrees above the seasonal average.
Some county retailers have already reported soaring sales of barbecues and related accessories, as customers take advantage of the early good weather. Staff at the Mere Park Garden Centre in Newport sold twice as many barbecues as this time last year.
John Shaw, supervisor at the centre, said: “The good weather has had an unbelievable effect on sales of barbecues and barbecue equipment.
“We are definitely selling a lot more than this time last year, when they did not really get going until the end of May.
“We have easily doubled up on the units we have sold this year in comparison to last.”
Shropshire Star weatherman John Warner said temperatures in the county could hit 22C (72F) today, but is warning that Mid Wales could be hit by thundery showers tomorrow.
He predicts bright sunshine across all areas tomorrow, but expects temperatures to drop to 16C (60F) in the early part of next week, as cooler winds blow in from the north west.
He said: “We might get a shower or two early next week, but I suspect many will be ready for a drop of rain by then, I know a lot of gardens are getting very parched.
“We have been lucky that there is hardly any rain around at the moment, perhaps the only variation to that will be the potential for thundery showers over Mid Wales tomorrow.”
Meanwhile, racegoers heading to Aintree today for the 160th Grand National were warned to stock up on sunscreen, with forecasters predicting the hottest race ever.
More than 70,000 people were expected at the Merseyside racecourse, which has undergone a £35 million redevelopment, to see the world’s most famous steeplechase.
A spokesman for forecasters MeteoGroup UK said: “We are predicting a great day for racing at Aintree with dry and sunny spells.
“There is a very, very small chance of a shower, but nothing to worry about, it should be a fabulous day.”
Elaine Howlings, training manager for St John Ambulance, which has 150 volunteers working at the racecourse, said: “While we’re all enjoying the warm weather it’s a good idea to be prepared and follow our simple tips to staying healthy in the sun.
“Drink lots of water and try not to drink too much alcohol, find areas of shade, use sun cream and wear a brimmed hat.”
By Andy Walker
3 Comments
Enjoy the good weather and don’t worry that it’s “Global warming”.
Here where I live in the USA. Temperatures are way below normal. We have even been forecast snow tomorrow (Sunday).
Put it down to a fluctuation in world’s weather. There is no global warming. Thats just political clap trap and scientists justifying their existance
You lucky people, we have travelled over to Bermuda and have had nice weather for the last two days. Have to say we were getting worried when we kept hearing back home you had better weather than Bermuda! At last its reached us
Oh to be in England now that spring is here, as the poem goes.
Winter does not want to leave us here in Canada it is so depressing, no end in sight for the next few days anyway.