SUFFOLK: The county sizzled in glorious sunshine today as temperatures reached their highest levels for nine months.

The mercury rose to 78F/26C this afternoon - well above average for the time of year - as blue skies descended on Suffolk.

Thousands flocked to beaches and parks to make the most of the welcome conditions which saw Suffolk enjoying hotter weather than Casablanca, Rome and Corfu.

Conditions may have provided the first real taste of summer but don’t pack away your coats and scarves just yet - because it’s going to get cooler.

Evening Star weatherman Ken Blowers said the temperature will fall considerably during the week.

“The northerly winds will take over and it will begin to cool off,” he confirmed.

Bookmaker William Hill is offering 5/1 that the UK temperature will hit 100F (38F) at any time during 2010 – and 10/1 that the all-time UK record of 101.3F (38.5C) will be broken.