Heatwave set to follow the big freeze

After a month marked by floods, snow and sub-zero conditions, Britain has been warned to brace for another turn in the weather this week – but this time of soaring temperatures up to 26C.

The Met Office said yesterday that most areas would hit the mid-20s this week, with possible highs of 26C in some parts, beating this year's hottest day so far by 3C.

South-east and central England are likely to be the warmest regions, while the East Coast will remain chilly.