Hottest ever August bank holiday weekend for UK as temperature reaches 33.3C

  • Summer
People on Bournemouth Beach enjoy the sunshine Credit: PA

Sunseekers are enjoying Britain’s hottest ever August bank holiday weekend.

A record-breaking 33.3C was recorded at Heathrow, west London, the Met Office said, climbing above the 31.6C record taken just hours earlier.

But these temperatures could be repeated again on Monday, when the mercury skyrockets again.

Met Office meteorologist Sarah Kent said: “It could be a maximum of 33C (on Sunday) and again on Monday.

“It is a bank holiday weekend.

"There is a lot of sunshine about to be had but people need to exercise some common sense.”

She urged people to stay covered up at the beach, hydrated and also to keep safe by listening to any coastguard announcements.

The previous record for the late August bank holiday was 18 years ago in 2001 when 31.5C was recorded at Heathrow.

Temperatures reached 27.1C (80.78F) in Hawarden, Wales, and 23.6C (74.48F) in Ballywattcock, Northern Ireland, along with 26.2C (79.16F) in Prestwick, Scotland, by Sunday afternoon.

Revellers at Notting Hill Carnival on Sunday and Monday – expected to number one million – have been advised to stay hydrated amid temperatures which are forecast to surpass 30C on both days.

The Rhyl Air Show was delayed due to the weather, according to North Wales Police.

Denbighshire County Council said that “unexpected sea fog” had hit the event and the visibility levels needed for display flying.

People punt along the River Cam in Cambridge Credit: PA

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.

RAC spokesperson 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.”

Temperatures are expected to rise even further by Monday, possibly reaching a late August bank holiday record high of 33C – most likely in the south-east of England, the Met Office said.