UK weather: Thunderstorms could hit Britain after Easter weekend of record-breaking temperatures

Thunderstorms could hit Britain after an Easter weekend of record-breaking temperatures.

Thousands of holidaymakers are descending on parks and beaches this weekend to enjoy the sunshine, with highs of 24C making Saturday the hottest day of the year so far.

And tomorrow is predicted to be the hottest Easter Sunday in 178 years as a "Greek plume" sweeps the country.

But stormy conditions are predicted to begin from Tuesday, threatening floods, as temperatures dwindle.

Met Office forecaster Simon Partridge said:“Easter Sunday and Monday could well break their temperature records, with beautiful sunny conditions for most.

“Sunday looks like 26C, with 27C possible on Monday and potential for 28C on Tuesday.

“It's a nice change to be talking about good weather and not rain for a Bank Holiday.

“But thundery showers are expected from Tuesday afternoon and on Wednesday in the South and Midlands, with the end of the warmest temperatures with 23C on Wednesday.”

In the meantime supermarkets are bracing themselves for a spike in sales of barbecue food and ice lollies.

An 880-mile gust of hot air is blowing across the Mediterranean - making it warmer than some parts of Spain, Portugal, Ibiza and Greece.

Brighton, Blackpool and Bournemouth are also preparing for an influx of people hoping to make the most of the sunshine, with Cornwall expecting 750,000 visitors.

The top temperature on Good Friday was 24.5C at Wisley in Surrey and today the Met Office recorded the highest temperature so far this year - 25.5C in Gosport, Hampshire.

Meanwhile the warmest Easter Sunday previously recorded was 25.3C in Solent, Hampshire, on 24 April 2011.

As temperatures soar, some 15 million drivers are expected to take to the roads as families head off on weekend getaways.

RAC Traffic Watch spokesperson Rod Dennis said there will be lengthy queues in some areas and advised motorists to check their tyres, petrol, and oil and coolant levels before setting off.