People enjoy the hottest day of the year so far in York

Temperatures across York and North Yorkshire have continued to soar after much of the UK experienced a weather shift yesterday (Tuesday, April 7) – a welcome change after Storm Dave, which as The Press reported, wreaked havoc on some areas in the region.

The region was said to be “unusually warm” for this time of year, with meteorologists at the Met Office adding that the UK is set for “record-breaking” early April heat.

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But this high is not set to last, with cooler and windier weather anticipated going forward.

Those visiting the North Yorkshire coast can expect clear skies throughout today, with temperatures reaching above 20C this afternoon (Wednesday, April 8).

Coastal hotspots – such as Robin Hood’s Bay, Runswick Bay, and Staithes –  are expected to buck the trend and enjoy clear and bright weather for the majority of this weekend.

Among those enjoying the sun in York today were John and Liz Walker, who were visiting from Scotland, and sitting by the river outside Museum Gardens to enjoy their lunch.

A hot day by the River Ouse (Image: Alice Kavanagh)

Liz said: “It’s a bit busy down here today compared to other days. It’s really lovely, such great weather though.”

John added: “We’ve been down in York for a few days now and it’s nice to be here when it’s the hottest day in the past six months. We’re not looking forward to heading back to Scotland this evening.”

As well as holiday makers, families travelled from across the region with Donna and Mike bringing their daughters – Tilly and Trixie – to York from Malton to enjoy the half-term heat in Dean’s Park.

Donna and Mike with their daughters (Image: Alice Kavanagh)

Donna said: “We’ve just come over from Malton – we used to live in York and we both work here, so it’s nice to come back. There’s a nice mix of shade and sun here and it’s been a lovely day.”

Mike added: “We just wanted to have a nice day out – we’ve been out walking on the walls, then we’re heading off to Rowntree Park later.”

Ice cream trucks and shops across the city also experienced long queues, although York’s much-loved ice cream boat remained absent from the riverfront, and revellers made the most of the riverfront beer gardens.

Queues outside the ice cream van in King’s Staith on a hot day (Image: Alice Kavanagh)

A representative for The Lowther, which has riverside seating on King’s Staith, added that the day was ‘shaping up to be very busy’.

They said: “We have 28 tables outside, which are quickly filling. Seats are granted on a first come first serve basis, but customers can book a table with us inside.”