Morning:
9°c
Sunny outlook for London
Sri Carmichael and Jonathan Prynn29 May 2009
Londoners basked in sunshine and financial cheer today as the capital looked forward to a weekend set to feel like the start of summer.
Temperatures hit 24C today in the West End with the dry, warm spell expected to hold across most of Britain until at least the middle of next week, the Met Office said.
Forecasters predicted Monday could be the hottest day of the year, with the mercury nudging 30C. Sunday's temperatures soaring into the late 20s will provide the perfect backdrop for Regent Street's all-day Spanish festival - A Taste of Spain. The flavours and sounds of the Mediterranean will fill the shopping precinct, which will be closed to traffic, with live performances from flamenco dancers.
Office workers who packed outdoor cafés and parks were lifted by indications the economy could be making a tentative recovery.
Analysts hailed signs of "green shoots" today as it emerged house prices jumped 1.2 per cent this month. According to a survey from website propertyfinder.com, buyers made more enquiries to estate agents in the capital than any other region. Nationwide reported the second monthly rise in home values, with the average house price back up to £154,016. The annual rate of decline has slowed to 11.3 per cent from 15 per cent last month.
Today the Government revealed 35,000 orders for new cars had been made in the first two weeks of the scrappage scheme, where people can trade in their old car for £2,000.
The upbeat figures sent the City home happy for the weekend with the pound and stock market surging in response. By lunchtime the FTSE-100 was up 75.86 points to 4463.4. Sterling was in strong demand in time for summer holidays, rising 1.73 cents against the dollar to $1.6143 and 0.08 cents against the euro to �1.1443. It is likely to strengthen throughout the summer.
Meanwhile, John Lewis said last week's trading was up two per cent on last year - its strongest yet this year.
The weekend's celebratory mood could reach a peak tomorrow with the grand finale of the football season at Wembley. The FA Cup Final between Chelsea and Everton will kick off at 3pm in front of 90,000 spectators.
Reader views (1)
Yes, the sun is shining.
Enjoy!!
DO NOT LET THE SUN CLOUD THE SCANDAL OF MP's RIPPING-OFF JOE PUBLIC.
- Reuben Camara, Morecambe UK, 29/05/2009 16:40
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