New record for hottest ever August bank holiday as mercury passes 31.6C

This weekend has been a record breaker.

This weekend has been a record breaker, with the hottest temperature ever recorded in the UK for the late bank holiday.

The Met Office recorded 31.6C at Heathrow at 1pm, just an edge hotter than the previous record of 31.5C set at the same location in 2001.

Temperatures were still climbing and could reach 33C today, smashing the previous highest temperature record.

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 tomorrow, possibly reaching a late August bank holiday record high of 33C – most likely in the south-east of England, the Met Office said.

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, keep hydrated and also to keep safe by listening to any coastguard announcements.

On Saturday, Gogerddan, near Aberystwyth, recorded 27.4C – a new record for the highest late August holiday weekend temperature in Wales.

The previous best late August bank holiday temperatures before this weekend were 27.3C in Velindre, Powys, in Wales in 2003 along with 27C in Knockareen, Co Fermanagh in the same year and 26.7C in Aviemore, Invernesshire, in Scotland in 1984.

Temperatures reached 27.1C in Hawarden, Wales, and 23.6C in Ballywattcock, Northern Ireland, along with 26.2C in Prestwick, Scotland, by Sunday afternoon.

People attending 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.

Anyone travelling over the weekend has been advised by the RAC to pack enough food and water, and plan enough breaks for the journey.

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.’