Norfolk experiences its hottest day of the year today - and the warmest since the beginning of July 2017.

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Temperatures reached a scorching 27.2C (81F) as Mediterranean winds brought the hottest April day on record since 1949.

Across the county, those fortunate enough not to be working took to the Broads, beaches and parks to bask in the glorious sunshine.

Eastern Daily Press: Taking a break in the sunshine are Wells Beach Cafe members of staff, Comb Hunt and (L) Ashley Stewart. Picture: Ian BurtTaking a break in the sunshine are Wells Beach Cafe members of staff, Comb Hunt and (L) Ashley Stewart. Picture: Ian Burt (Image: Archant 2018)

The conditions were a huge contrast to the chill of the Beast for the East, which brought some of the coldest temperatures on record for decades.

Phil Garner, from Weatherquest's forecasting team, said temperatures across the East were well above the average April daytime high of 13-14 degrees.

Eastern Daily Press: Enjoying the spring sunshine at Wroxham Broad.Picture: ANTONY KELLYEnjoying the spring sunshine at Wroxham Broad.Picture: ANTONY KELLY (Image: Archant Norfolk 2018)

Mr Garner said we had balmy southerlies from the other side of Europe to thank for the lovely weather.

He said: 'We have southerly winds coming up over the continent from the Mediterranean. It has been warming up as it has come across the continent, and we're seeing the benefit of that.'

Eastern Daily Press: Rochelle Hobson from Dixies beach cafe, Yarmouth enjoying the hot April weather.Picture: Nick ButcherRochelle Hobson from Dixies beach cafe, Yarmouth enjoying the hot April weather.Picture: Nick Butcher (Image: Archant © 2018)

Rob Leigh, from the Broads Authority, said the warm spell boded well for a strong tourist season and a busy outdoors festival, which starts April 28.

He said: 'The yacht stations and the tourist information centres have said it's been getting a lot more lively over the past couple of days. In particular, Whitlingham Country Park has seen a lot of people out enjoying the weather.'

Eastern Daily Press: Tom Tompson and Rachel Hargreaves enjoying the hot weather as they relax in a canoe near Bishop Bridge in the sunshine on the River Wensum. Picture: DENISE BRADLEYTom Tompson and Rachel Hargreaves enjoying the hot weather as they relax in a canoe near Bishop Bridge in the sunshine on the River Wensum. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2018)

East Anglia's hottest spot was Santon Downham, near Thetford, which saw the mercury reach a sweltering 28C (82.4F).

The heat is forecast to continue throughout the week, with temperatures set to stay around the 23C (73.4F) mark until Sunday.

Eastern Daily Press: Enjoying the spring sunshine at Wroxham.Picture: ANTONY KELLYEnjoying the spring sunshine at Wroxham.Picture: ANTONY KELLY (Image: Archant Norfolk 2018)

Eastern Daily Press: Yarmouth 'deckchair man' Dusty Miller,84, enjoying the hot April weather.Picture: Nick ButcherYarmouth 'deckchair man' Dusty Miller,84, enjoying the hot April weather.Picture: Nick Butcher (Image: Archant © 2018)