RECORD BAKER
BRITS could bake in record-breaking temperatures this Bank Holiday weekend as a heatwave sweeps the country.
The Met Office warned the mercury could soar to 33C today and tomorrow, which would smash the record for the hottest August Bank Holiday weekend.
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Sunshine and dry conditions are predicted throughout the day for England, Wales, southern and eastern Scotland.
But in Northern Ireland and western Scotland there will be patchy cloud and a scattering of showers, mostly of which will affect the far north and west.
Chief Meteorologist, Andy Page said: “This weekend sees a change for many with a return of high temperatures and sunshine.
“On Saturday and Sunday there’ll be plenty of sunshine, especially in the east, with temperatures rising into the mid to high 20s Celsius for many.
“It’ll be warmest in south-eastern parts where 31-32˚C is likely.
“Western parts are likely to see more cloud, and a probable cooling trend through the weekend.
RECORD HEATWAVE
The current highest temperature on record for the August Bank Holiday Monday is 28.2C at Holbeach, Lincolnshire in 2017.
But the hottest overall temperature during the late summer Bank Holiday weekend is 31.5C, on August 25, 2001, at Heathrow.
Forecasters believe the mercury may start to dip by Monday, with a record day looking less likely.
“By Monday temperatures are likely to be lower than the weekend with the warmest weather becoming confined to the south east,” Mr Page said.
“Meanwhile, it will become increasingly unsettled in the northwest with rain and showers at times.”
As millions take to the road for short breaks, experts have warned the hot weather could cause more breakdowns.
BURNING RUBBER
RAC spokesman Rod Dennis said: “With summer returning in time for the weekend for many of us, it’s going to mean millions of us take to the road for day trips and short breaks.
“Unfortunately, as the temperature rises so can the chances of a breakdown – so it’s important drivers check over their vehicle before setting out.
“Tyre pressure and tread, as well as oil and coolant levels, should all be looked at and doing so can really cut the chances of breaking down.
“Hungry, thirsty or tired passengers can also be recipes for in-car irritability – and ‘carguments’ – so pack enough food and water to keep your passengers happy, and plan in enough breaks along the way.”
Bank Holiday traffic saw drivers stuck in 24-mile queues yesterday – and there could be more travel misery this weekend.
The worst of the traffic appeared to be on the M4, where there were up to 24 miles of queues, with a crash involving several cars on the M5 around Bristol adding to delays.
At one point the M25 near Dartford was brought to a standstill following a multi-vehicle crash.
The roads chaos was matched by scenes of huge queues at stations, with massed travellers pictured at London's Euston, Waterloo and King's Cross station.
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Five million additional trips are expected to take place as thousands of families set off for the summer break.
There will also be severe disruption on parts of the railway network this weekend as Network Rail carries out hundreds of engineering projects.
Tourism bosses are anticipating the number of Britons making the most of the August bank holiday by taking a domestic short break or holiday will be the highest on record.
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UK weather forecast for Saturday August 24th, 2019 - Hot and dry for most
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