THE PUBLIC have taken advantage of the easing of lockdown to enjoy the hottest day of the year so far.

People enjoyed the sun around the district’s open spaces and parks as the temperature hit 25 degrees Centigrade at Bingley Weather Station at 2pm.

They were perhaps making the most of the good weather because the forecast for the bank holiday weekend is not so good.

The Met Office predicted blue skies for all on Wednesday but the prospects for Saturday and Sunday are worse after possible rain on Thursday and a fresher day on Friday with temperatures in the teens.

Met Office meteorologist Greg Dewhurst said there would be a windy start to the weekend with sunshine and showers for many before the weather gradually turned drier from the south on Sunday and into bank holiday Monday.

The temperature in Bradford is expected to reach 14 or 15C on Saturday in strong winds after a showery start and 15 or 16C on a cloudy Sunday.

Monday’s weather looks the best of the weekend with temperatures reaching 20 or 21C on a sunnier day.

Pollen levels are expected to drop to low over the next few days.

West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service (WYFRS) is asking people to be aware of their surroundings if they are out and about over the Bank Holiday weekend and Yorkshire Water has reminded the public that with the weather warmer, they should not be tempted to swim in its reservoirs.

The fire service said Public Space Protection Orders are still in place which ban fires and barbecues on Council, National Trust and Yorkshire Water-owned land. Anyone found to be lighting a fire or barbecue will be given a fixed penalty notice of up to £150.

The dry spring has left many of the district’s grasslands and moorlands tinder dry and there have been many moorland fires in the area recently.

Assistant District Commander Mick Fox said: “We understand that people will want to get out and enjoy West Yorkshire’s beautiful scenery over the May Bank Holiday weekend. However, it is important they do so responsibly. Last week in Holmfirth and Slaithwaite our crews struggled to get through on fire engines due to cars being parked along the side of the road.

“We advise everyone to check that car parks are open, and that you can park in a safe and responsible way that allows access for emergency vehicles. If you can’t guarantee that then you shouldn’t travel to the area.

“On top of this we want to remind people of their responsibilities on our moorland. All moorland fires are preventable, whatever their cause, and we have already dealt with several incidents in 2020 which were challenging for us as a service to tackle.”

Anyone using moorlands are asked to take their time to familiarise themselves with the service’s ‘Be Moor Aware’ campaign which has information on fire prevention.

Mick added: “We do not wish to stop people from enjoying the great outdoors, but we ask everyone to take safety seriously to help prevent incidents of this nature, especially at a time when some emergency service resources are focused on helping communities during the coronavirus pandemic.”