Dust off the barbecues and dig out the deck chairs from the dark depths of the shed – for spring has finally sprung.

Today (April 7) marks the hottest day of the year so far in Britain, with temperatures reaching a scorching (well, almost) 19 degrees.

A warm wind from the south has seen temperatures gradually rise over the last few days, and the south east has benefitted the most from this trend, with Gravesend recording 19.5 degrees on Saturday afternoon.

However, all good things must come to an end, as the Met Office has warned temperatures are set to fall again from Sunday.

Meteorologist Helen Roberts said: "Where it's been potentially 18C or more this afternoon in the South East, tomorrow it will be much suppressed, so more like 12C or 13C."

Showers can also be expected on Sunday morning as mist and fog will turn to rain.

“Tt's a wet start across some southern and eastern parts of England on Sunday morning,” Roberts continued.

"Otherwise, a lot of dry weather around first thing, but quite a lot of cloud as well, with that cloud gradually lifting as the day progresses."

So, perhaps best to have an umbrella to hand while you’re turning the hot dogs on the barbecue…