Temperatures have finally reached the double digits, and retailers have been making the most of the sunniest weather of 2013 so far, pulling out all the stops with springtime promotions and offers on seasonal products.
The Met Office predicted the hottest day of the year so far last Sunday, with some areas reaching up to 20 degrees Celsius. Over the rest of this week temperatures cooled slightly, but remained around average for this time of year, bringing some much needed respite from the freeze of the last few months.

Waitrose, a new contender for the garden market, revealed plans to roll out summer stock in time for the sunnier weather. Product developer for horticulture and outdoor Chris Wood telling DIY Week: "We're reacting to the warmer weather by making sure the right products are on the shelf - not just summer food but increased horticulture lines as well."

B&Q, too, offered three for two on all plants "to help get the season started" while Homebase also made the most of sunnier weather by offering a wide variety of outdoor and garden-related discounts, including half price selected garden furniture and a third off selected barbecues.

Garden retail giant Dobbies has also catapulted its spring lines into the spotlight, with offers on compost, hanging baskets, lawn feed, weedkillers and lawnmowers to name a few.

Not everyone is enjoying the sun, however; in an ongoing diyweek.net poll, 32% of respondents so far have said their sales have declined since the weather improved. Currently, 34% are reporting a marked improvement in sales since the weather got better, while 33% say sales are the same. The remaining 1% have said the weather has yet to improve where they are - a massive reduction since the poll first went live on Monday, showing just how much the weather has improved over the past few days. Take part in the poll here.

According to the Met Office, the reason for the shift in weather gears is the re-alignment of the jet stream. "During the prolonged cold conditions the jet stream tracked far to the south of the UK, guiding those mild weather systems towards the Mediterranean. The UK, meanwhile, saw an easterly flow - bringing in cold conditions from the cold winter climes of north east Europe."