'Last Summer takings were down 70 per cent - so heatwave is welcome'
Today could be the hottest in March in more than fifty years in the UK.
Last updated 30th Mar 2021
The Met Office says temperatures are expected to climb above average - and it's likely they'll top 24 degrees Celsius in parts of England.
They've not been that high at this time of the year since 1968. Across the West Country some places will see highs in the 20s today, while others of around 13.
Exmoor-based Styles Ice Cream say it's a welcome boost after losing 70 per cent of their trade in the past year because of all the pub and restaurant closures.
They're one of our region's biggest producers, employing 50 staff.
MD David Baker hopes this week will help set them up for the year, adding: "Last year we were 70 per cent down through the whole Summer.
"In the Winter because all the pubs were and restaurants were shut we were 90 per cent down.
"As you can tell we've had a huge hit on the turnover side. We've come through it quite well but we do need to get on and have a good Summer.
"It (the heatwave) is just before Easter so therefore it encourages a lot more places to get open and get ready.
"We're expecting this week and next week to be completely rushed off our feet with people suddenly wanting artwork and all the point of sale and stuff like that for the shops."
Chief Meteorologist at the Met Office Steve Ramsdale said: "“The UK will see a few days of notably warm weather to end March, with a maximum of 24°C on Wednesday in the south and east of England. There will also be plenty of sunshine across England and Wales however parts of Scotland will see some persistent rain over the next couple of days.
“Conditions will start to change through the day on Thursday as cooler air moves in from the north east, highs will fall to the mid-teens before falling further by Friday, especially along the east coast. With pressure building from the north however, conditions are expected to remain dry for the majority.
"Through Sunday an even colder pool of air will start to push in across the UK from the north west, bringing a notable change to temperatures compared to the start of the week. This also brings a move towards more unsettled conditions with stronger winds and the chance of some wintry showers.”