THE heat was on as the south sizzled yesterday on the hottest day of the year so far.

Hampshire baked with temperatures hitting highs of 26C (79F) in some areas.

Yet not everyone was convinced.

The Met Office was more worried about snow - issuing an amber snow alert for London, south-east England, and south Wales.

Many confused residents took to social media after emails were sent out with the weather warning.

"Warmest day of the year and Met Office email me an amber snow warning. Are they having a giraffe or what?", one Twitter user, Howard Bannister, wrote.

Another added: "My dad just got an email from the Met Office with an amber warning for snow in the south west. Mate, have you looked out the window?"

However, the Met Office confirmed the warning was sent out mistakenly, blaming a "technical error".

Hampshire Chronicle:

In Southampton, temperatures reached 23C (73F), hotter than the Spanish getaway destination of Seville at 21C (70F) and the Brazilian city of Sao Paulo at 22C (72F).

The average UK temperature for May is 14C (57F).

Many people headed outdoors to top up their tans, while other took part in sporting events.

However, those who headed outdoors to enjoy the fine weather were warned to be aware of high UV levels.

Experts advised people to seek shade from between 11am and 3pm because the levels were so high.

Forecasters last night predicted yesterday would be the last of the warm spell as the new week is set to be cloudier and cooler with the threat of rain.

From today temperatures were predicted to be around 17C with showers forecast for today and tomorrow. Clear skies and sunshine are set to return on Friday and Saturday but temperatures will not reach 20C (68F).