The Met Office has warned that clouds and cooler weather are set to return this weekend, following the UK’s hottest day of the year on Friday. The forecast indicates that another spell of scorching weather is unlikely at the moment. It comes as St James’ Park in Central London saw temperatures soar to 31.9C.
The AA has advised that routes to the coast will be significantly busier than usual this weekend, as families head out to enjoy the hot weather.
South coast destinations such as Brighton and Bournemouth have already seen an increase in traffic due to day-trippers, it added. However, a Met Office forecaster has said that temperatures are unlikely to reach the high 20Cs for ‘at least a week or so’ now.
Saturday will see the return of clouds and higher temperatures will be limited to the east and southeast of England, which could still experience 28C to 29C.
READ MORE: Antler bestselling suitcase shoppers claim is ‘perfect cabin bag’ huge £55 off in summer sale
Wales and south-west England are forecast to be hit by heavy rain and bursts of thunder on Saturday, with potential thunderstorms developing in the east and south-east.
Sunday is expected to be fresher, brighter, drier, and mainly stay around the low 20Cs, which aligns with the July average.
By Monday, the weather will become changeable but the week ahead is predicted to be largely dry.
Met Office meteorologist Tom Morgan said temperatures could rise again ‘right at the end of July’.
He said it is too early to tell if the mercury will top Friday’s reading, but ‘I certainly wouldn’t rule out a higher temperature in August or even later this month’.
The Met Office has predicted ‘occasional very warm or hot spells’ in August, but there is ‘no strong signal’ that high temperatures will be prolonged or widespread across the UK, according to their spokesperson.
Parts of east and south-east England have already experienced ‘almost double’ the expected rainfall for the entirety of July, noted Mr Morgan.
He added: “I think that’s why a lot of people have welcomed the last couple of days, but Scotland and Northern Ireland have not seen the high temperatures that the rest of the UK have seen they’re still waiting if they do like hot weather.”
In light of the mini-heatwave, the AA has issued advice for road users. They recommend using a sun shield over the back windows, keeping iced water in the car, parking vehicles in the shade, and using a windscreen shade when parked.
Meanwhile, the Health and Safety Authority (HSA) has urged employees to protect themselves from ultraviolet (UV) radiation. The HSA suggests employers conduct a risk assessment for “potential UV hazards”, encourage breaks, and ensure staff wear protective clothing such as wide-brimmed hats.
