OXFORD got a taste of summer yesterday but it could all be over by tomorrow, with temperatures forecast to fall.

The Met Office said temperatures soared to over 23 degrees in Oxford as residents flocked to the university parks to take advantage of the warm weather.

Chris Manning, 32, a finance officer at the Oxford University’s biochemistry department, used the hot weather to catch up on some work.

He said: “It’s fantastic seeing everyone out and the whole park is filled with people. It’s great to have the park right next to us as well to go to when the sun comes out.”

Friends Karen Walker and Katy Routh, 33 and 29 respectively, also soaked up the rays on a break from working at the university’s admissions department.

Katy said: “We’re loving the sun, and it’s not every day we get to come outside for lunch like this.”

There were plenty of boats on the River Thames as people enjoyed a lazy afternoon on the water, while many in the park opted for a game of Frisbee or football. According to Met Office figures, temperatures also reached 22.1 degrees in Benson and just over 21 degrees at RAF Brize Norton.

The hottest weather in the UK came at St James’ Park in London, which saw temperatures climb to 25 degrees.

The good weather will continue for the rest of the week but forecasters warn that temperatures will dip. A Met Office spokesman said: “Temperatures will still be warmer than average, and people should expect sunshine but also some cloud leading up to the weekend.”