As temperatures soar to 20.9C in Suffolk, the Met Office declares today as the hottest day of the year in the UK, even as Storm Kathleen unleashes 70mph winds across the nation.

Britons in southern and eastern regions relish the sunshine, with temperatures exceeding 20 degrees in Suffolk, Hull, Norfolk, and Cambridgeshire. However, residents in northern and eastern areas seek refuge indoors as Storm Kathleen's fierce gusts wreak havoc.

Flight cancellations abound, and coastal areas witness turbulent seas in Wales, Cornwall, and Devon. Approximately 70 flights face disruption as the Met Office issues a yellow weather warning for wind.

Despite the adverse weather, Saturday has been provisionally marked as the warmest day of the year, with temperatures soaring to 20.9C in Santon Downham, Suffolk. Hull and Weybourne in Norfolk closely follow, recording temperatures of 20.2C and 20.1C, respectively. Even London experiences a balmy 19.5C.

While Storm Kathleen persists, drawing warmer air across the UK, the Met Office advises caution, particularly in western regions where gale-force winds prevail. Nonetheless, many parts of the country revel in above-average temperatures, offering a brief respite from the tempestuous conditions.

As the storm begins to subside on Sunday, another weather system looms on the horizon, heralding a continuation of unsettled weather across the nation.

Despite the contrasting weather patterns, Britons brace themselves for hay fever season, exacerbated by early pollen release from birch trees. With warmer temperatures and longer daylight hours, experts anticipate a surge in pollen levels, prompting preparations for allergy relief.

Amidst the dichotomy of scorching heat and stormy weather, the UK navigates through a turbulent weekend, underscored by the resilience of its inhabitants in adapting to nature's whims. Photo by Richard Knights, Wikimedia commons.