The sunshine arch: As Britain sizzles once again, this golden display encapsulates our glorious summer weather... but we're set for cooler temperatures as mini-heatwave eases

• Visitors were able to enjoy the display at National Trust's Bodnant Garden 
• Warmest spot in the UK was Northolt which reached 82.8F (28.2C) by afternoon 
• Bank Holiday Monday set the first record for the warmest day of the year  For the third day in a row, it was the hottest day of the year.

  And as temperatures climbed into the 80s yesterday, this laburnum arch added an extra golden touch to a beautiful summer’s day.

  Visitors were able to enjoy the spectacular display at the National Trust’s Bodnant Garden, near Tal-y-Cafn, in Conwy, north Wales, after the garden reopened to visitors following the easing of lockdown restrictions.

  Hot weather also seemed to have brought the blooms to their peak at Leonardslee Lakes and Gardens in Lower Beeding, West Sussex.

  The warmest spot in the UK was Northolt, north-west London, which reached 28.2C (82.8F) by early afternoon.

  

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  Visitors were able to enjoy the spectacular display at the National Trust’s Bodnant Garden (pictured), near Tal-y-Cafn, in Conwy, north Wales, after the garden reopened to visitors following the easing of lockdown restrictions

  

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  Bank Holiday Monday had set the first record for the warmest day of the year, with 25.1C (77.2F) at Kinlochewe, in the Scottish Highlands. Then 25.8C (78.4F) was recorded on Tuesday in both Cardiff and Middle Wallop, Hampshire.

  The very warm weather followed a miserable May, which was the fourth-wettest on record. The previous warmest day had been on March 30, when temperatures reached 24.5C (76F). Elsewhere yesterday afternoon, temperatures of more than 27C (81F) were recorded around Greater London and Kent, while it was 26C (79F) as far north as Hawarden in Flintshire, north Wales.

  In contrast, Malaga in Spain, reached a maximum of 27C (81F) yesterday, while Rome was 26C (79F) and Athens 25C (77F).

  

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  Hot weather also seemed to have brought the blooms to their peak at Leonardslee Lakes and Gardens in Lower Beeding, West Sussex (pictured)

  But Britain’s very hot conditions, which have led to packed beaches, parks and beer gardens, sparked heavy thunder in south Wales and south-west England. The heaviest storms were in Pembrokeshire, where up to 11mm (0.4in) of rain fell at Mathry, near Fishguard.

  Met Office spokesman Greg Dewhurst said: ‘Wednesday was likely to have been the hottest day as a weather front is moving northwards bringing cooler air. 

  'It means we’ve probably seen the peak of the temperatures.’

  But he said that today is still due to be warm, and the fine, sunny weather is expected to continue over the coming days, although temperatures will be cooler along the coasts.