UK weather: Britain is set for its HOTTEST August Bank Holiday in history

It’s been a wet and windy August so far with rain and flooding disappointing families on their summer holidays.

But this bank holiday weekend is set to be the hottest on record with the Met Office forecasting temperatures of up to 91F (33C), meaning millions of people will hit the roads for day trips to the seaside and outdoor attractions.

High pressure sweeping in from the Atlantic will end the unsettled weather so far this month, with tourism chiefs expecting 8.6million Britons to plan a holiday at home this weekend, bringing a £2.1billion boost to the economy. 

A pristine Bournemouth beach is photographed at sunrise this morning before the bank holiday weekend

Sunrise over South Shields lighthouse in Tyne and Wear today, as temperatures are set to rise for the Bank Holiday weekend

Sunseekers are pictured at Lyme Regis in Dorset on Saturday as families try to make the most of the summer holidays

The high would smash the UK record for the late August bank holiday of 82.8F (28.2C), which was set in Holbeach, Lincolnshire, in 2017 – and the highest temperature for late August of 88.7F (31.5C) observed in London in 2001. 

Met Office chief meteorologist Steve Willington said: ‘We’ve 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-20Cs (high-70Fs) for many – it’ll be warmest in south-eastern parts where 30C (86F) is possible.

‘By Bank Holiday Monday itself temperatures will rise further with around 33C (91F) possible in the South East – which would set a new record for the coming Bank Holiday weekend.’ 

Temperatures will remain around average for the time of year today, with some rain expected in parts of northern England

The expected high would smash the UK record for the late August bank holiday of 82.8F (28.2C), which was set in Holbeach, Lincolnshire, in 2017 (left) – and the highest temperature for late August of 88.7F (31.5C) observed in London in 2001 (right)

However, downpours are expected in northern areas until Friday, with rain also expected in the South before high pressure arrives. This weekend could also see a ‘North-South’ split as downpours continue in the North.

At least 94mm (3.7in) of rain has fallen across the UK between August 1 and 17 – about 5 per cent above the national average for the month. However, the wettest August on record saw 167.6mm (6.6in) of rainfall in 1912. 

From Friday, south easterly winds will draw warm air from continental Europe towards the UK, bringing rising temperatures along with dry and settled weather – which will be hugely welcomed after days of washouts this summer.

Temperatures are expected to be well above average for the time of year, with heatwave thresholds expected to be met across the UK. The Met Office has therefore issued several heat health alerts with Public Health England.

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.’