The weather has finally turned in Manchester and people are taking full advantage.
Temperatures around the region have reached up to 15C today (March 19) after a chilly few weeks. Pictures from the city centre show dozens of people out basking in the sunshine.
Piccadilly Gardens was packed this afternoon, with the good weather coming at the same time as the St Patrick's Day celebrations. The Manchester Irish Weekender has been running since Thursday and will continue into tomorrow.
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After months of poor weather, Mancs were quick to get out and enjoy the sun in the centre of town for as long as they can. But upcoming forecasts might spell more good news.
The Met Office has confirmed that today's weather marks the hottest day of the year so far. Forecasters have even predicted a heatwave might be on the way.
The highest temperatures were registered in Kinlochewe in the Scottish Highlands. The 19.3C heat in the village is 10C hotter than the average for this time of year.
In Greater Manchester both today and tomorrow are set to be clear and bright. Temperatures will rise throughout the week with sunny intervals forecast for Monday and Tuesday, while later in the week we can expect more sunshine. Thursday and Friday could see highs of 17C.
Piccadilly Gardens is set to undergo major changes soon, with council bosses planning a £25m revamp. Pictures show how the concre te pavilion would be split into two sections.
The canopy would be removed and the two restaurants would be refurbished. A new art installation made of metal, glass and LED lighting on the walls would feature thread-like lines and holes in a nod to Manchester’s cotton industry.
