A bank holiday heatwave could set record temperatures around the country, with blue skies expected to replace the wind and rain that has dogged August.
South-easterly winds would draw warm air from Europe towards the UK from Friday, bringing rising temperatures and dry, settled weather, the Met Office said. On Monday, the mercury could reach 33C (91.4F), a record high for the August bank holiday weekend.
Steve Willington, the chief meteorologist, said: “We have had a fairly wet and windy August so far. However, that’s going to change this weekend as we see high temperatures, sunshine and light winds return.
“On Saturday and Sunday there’ll be plenty of sunshine across the country, with temperatures reaching into the mid-20s for many. It will be warmest in south-eastern parts, where 30C is possible.
“By bank holiday Monday, temperatures will rise further, with about 33C possible in the south-east.”
The hottest August bank holiday weekend was recorded at Heathrow airport in 2001 when the temperature reached 31.5C. In Wales, 27.3C was recorded in Velindre, Powys, in 2013; in Northern Ireland the record was 27C (80.6F), in Knockaraven, County Fermanagh, in 2003. Monday is not a bank holiday in Scotland.
Last month the highest-ever UK temperature was recorded in Cambridge University Botanic Garden on 25 July when the temperature reached 38.7C. The previous record was 38.5C in Faversham, Kent, in August 2003.
With the hot weather back in time for the weekend, people going on day trips and short breaks have been advised to check their vehicles before setting off.
A spokesman for the RAC, Rod Dennis, said: “Tyre pressure and tread, as well as oil and coolant levels, should all be looked at. Doing so can cut the chances of breaking down.”
HM Coastguard has urged those visiting the coast at the weekend to refrain from jumping into the water from piers, rocks, cliffs or other structures; choose beaches where lifeguards are on duty and take note of their advice; swim parallel to the shore and avoid most harbours and fast-flowing water.
UK weather: record August bank holiday temperature expected – The Guardian