The UK is set for a scorcher this bank holiday Monday, with some parts of the country expected to hit 30°C – before the sunshine quickly gives way to wind and rain.
The hottest spots will likely be in the Midlands and north-west England, while Wales could even break its record for the warmest late August bank holiday. If temperatures there climb past 26.5°C, it’ll beat a record that has stood since 1991.
It’s not just Wales eyeing records: Northern Ireland could also topple its 1983 late-August high of 23.8°C, and Scotland – though it doesn’t mark a bank holiday – could sneak past its 1984 record of 25.6°C.
For those heading to Notting Hill Carnival in London, the weather looks set to play ball, with highs of 28°C and plenty of sunshine for the huge crowds expected.
But the summer warmth won’t stick around. By Monday evening, the leftovers of Hurricane Erin will push across Northern Ireland, bringing rain and blustery winds that will spread over much of the UK through the week. Gusts could reach 40mph in some areas.
Tuesday may still bring mid-to-high 20s in parts of the south-east, but by Friday, temperatures will drop back down to a much cooler 16–19°C. Showers and longer spells of rain are expected throughout the week – welcome news for parts of southern England that have barely seen a drop of rain all month.
Travel and safety warnings
Of course, no bank holiday would be complete without travel headaches. A strike on the CrossCountry rail network means festivalgoers leaving Leeds could face serious disruption, and engineering works will shut London King’s Cross to LNER services altogether. Passengers are being told to avoid travelling on most CrossCountry routes.
Meanwhile, the RNLI is urging anyone planning a trip to the coast to stick to lifeguarded beaches and be cautious of rougher seas as the stormy weather closes in.
So if you’re planning a barbecue, picnic, or a big day out – Monday’s your best bet. After that, pack the umbrella. Photo by A very hot day at Bluewater by Marathon, Wikimedia commons.