April 12th was the day that Britain embraced alfresco dining. It’s also the day that the nation was itself locked in an icy embrace thanks to Siberian winds and subzero temperatures. On the day we all took to outdoor dining most parts of the country experienced snow. So far so British.

But now there’s exciting news: there’s a mini heat wave brewing. And because you’re all obsessed with the weather, and it generates clicks, here’s the low-down.

https://www.twitter.com/martinbamford/status/1381513556173201408

If you’re already slapping on the lotion and booking a bikini wax then maybe not so fast. Aircon units are not about to fly off the shelves, railway lines aren’t about to warp and the tarmac’s not going to slowly melt into a tar-y black gloop. You can leave your dog in the car.

If you’re already slapping on the lotion and booking a bikini wax then maybe not so fast…

The predicted temp of our ‘mini heatwave’ will be a high of 17 degrees (not even close to the other week, when the mercury hit 25 degrees) and will dip down to eight.

What meteorologists are laughingly calling a ‘heatwave’ will also come along with an equally unimpressive drought. Keep those hosepipes a-sprinklin’ though because we’ll only be going seven days without rain.

Of course the context here is more important than the news. Britain is now in an alfresco frenzy, and so with every available piece of beer garden, pavement and reclaimed streets given over to hospitality the weather is of paramount importance to the sector and to all of us parched over four months of lockdown and desperate for something that isn’t a microwaveable meal.

Of course the context here is more important than the news…

And signs of a mini heatwave (otherwise known as fine weather) are great news for all the restaurants, pubs, bars and venues that are relying on bookings.

And so, in our books, 17 degrees really is hot news!

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