UK weather – Brits hit the beach as UK set for hottest EVER August Bank Holiday and Met Office warns people to stay out of 32C sun
SUNSEEKERS are hitting the beaches, parks and pub gardens today as temperatures rise to a record-breaking August Bank Holiday high.
Brits are set for continued warm weather over the long weekend, with the mercury expected to hit 33C in the south-east of England today.
This means the UK will be hotter than Honolulu in Hawaii, where 32C is expected today.
The late summer sunshine, as a result of warm air being dragged up over the UK from France – comes at the end of what has been a wet and chilly month so far.
Temperatures are expected to rise even further by Monday, possibly reaching a late August Bank Holiday record high of 33C.
This is most likely in the south-east of England, the Met Office said.
On Saturday, Gogerddan, near Aberystwyth, recorded 27.4C – a new record for the highest late August holiday weekend temperature in Wales.
The mercury rose to 30.7C at Heathrow, west London, just shy of the record of 31.5C set in the same location in 2001.
Brits flocked to the parks and beaches yesterday as the temperatures soared – and it looks as though the glorious weather will continue today.
Aberdeenshire in Scotland could see 29C on Sunday, while Northern Ireland is likely to enjoy 24C.
STAY HYDRATED
People attending Notting Hill Carnival today and tomorrow have been advised to stay hydrated amid temperatures which are forecast to surpass 30C on both days.
Anyone travelling over the weekend has been advised by the RAC to pack enough food and water, and plan enough breaks for the journey.
Saturday’s high in Wales beat the previous record of 27.3C (81.1F) at Velindre, Powys, in 2013.
The Northern Ireland record stands at 27C (80.6F) recorded in Knockaraven, Co Fermanagh, in 2003.
Monday is not a bank holiday in Scotland.
The Met Office has warned sunseekers to stay out of the sun and bin the booze this weekend.
A spokesperson advised: “Stay out of the sun. Keep your home as cool as possible – shading windows and shutting them during the day may help.
“Open them when it is cooler at night. Avoid too much exercise, which can cause heat exhaustion or heat stroke, and watch for signs of heat stress – an early sign is fatigue.
“Drink plenty of fluids, but not alcohol, which dehydrates the body. If there’s anybody you know, for example an older person living on their own, who might be at special risk, make sure they know what to do.”
Brits have also warned to stay inside and out of the sun between 11am and 3pm to avoid suffering from heat or sun stroke or sunburn and to drink plenty of water.
Those most at risk are young children, the elderly and people with underlying health conditions such as asthma.
The Met Office has issued amber, yellow and green health alerts across the country lasting from 9am on Saturday until 9am on Monday.
A level 3 heatwave alert was issued for parts of eastern England, which means temperatures can be dangerous to health for three days straight.
Level two and one alerts are in place for London, the south east and the north, where there is a 60 per cent chance heat levels will become unbearable for at least two days.
As millions take to the road for short breaks, experts have warned the hot weather could cause more breakdowns.
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.
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“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.”
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