Sheffield basks in sunshine ahead of thunderstorms

Fun in the sun in Sheffield. Enjoying an ice cream are Emma Redfern, Phoebe Redfern, three, and Katie Marsden.

As the city basks in glorious weather, Sheffielders have been flocking to parks and open spaces as the school holiday’s begin.

While tomorrow stands to be even hotter and sunnier than today, the bad news is that it’s not here to stay. With thunderstorms forecast for Wednesday, people are advised to enjoy it while it lasts.

Fun in the sun at the Peace Gardens in Sheffield.

But as people tuck-in to picnics, slurp ice creams, play games and relax in the city centre, we wanted what plans they had for this little slice of summer.

Phoebe Redfern, three, enjoying an ice cream outside Town Hall with mum Emma, 40, and auntie Katie Redfern, 19, said she was looking forward to getting in the paddling pool.

Katie said: “We’ve just enjoyed a picnic by the fountains in the Peace Gardens and we’ll continue our elephant hunt in a bit.

“After that, we’ll be heading home and getting the paddling pool out.”

Fun in the sun at the Peace Gardens in Sheffield. Pictured are Georgina Burke and Diane Coopland.

Phoebe said: “The best thing about sunshine is going outside and my big green paddling pool.”

Mum Chelsea Boucher, 24, brought her children Caleb, one, and Ella, six, to splash around in the Peace Gardens fountains.

Chelsea, of Firth Park, said: “We all love the weather, it’s good to be outside. We might have a barbecue later on.”

Ian and Amy Richardson, both 39, of Hillsborough, were also enjoying a sunny Peace Gardens with children Max, 23-months, and Mae, six

Fun in the sun at the Peace Gardens in Sheffield. Pictured is Ella Boucher, six.

Amy said: “We’ve been spotting elephants in the city centre and have just met Ian on his lunch break. It’s amazing to have such beautiful weather on the first day of the school holidays.

“You’ve got to make the most of it whilst it’s here.”

Students Tyler Copler and George Dawes, both 19, both from different city universities, were spending the afternoon playing frisbee on Devonshire Green.

George said: “We’ll stay here for a while longer, then perhaps head back down this evening.

Fun in the sun at the Peace Gardens in Sheffield. Pictured are Chelsea Boucher, and Caleb, one.

Council employees Diane Coupland, 23, and Georgina Burke, 19, were among many office workers across the city eating alfresco dining.

Meteorologist Laura Caldwell said Sheffielders can expect a sunnier and hotter day tomorrow, with highs of around 30 degrees Celsius and less cloud than today.

Laura, of the Meteor Group, said: “Unfortunately that doesn’t last long. There’s a high risk of thunder storms in the morning and early afternoon on Wednesday.

“Through the rest of the week, into the weekend, Sheffield will see a return to the weather it has been experiencing so far.

“Highs will be in the low twenties, there will be sunny spells, patches of cloud and occasional rain.”

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