Britons can expect soaring temperatures over the weekend and they are being warned to slap on the sunscreen and to be prepared for delays while travelling on popular routes to the seaside.
Forecasters on Friday predicated one of the hottest days of the year on Saturday with the mercury set to hit a high of up to 32 degrees Celsius (89.6 Fahrenheit) in London and 30 degrees in the south east.
“The south east and central England will have the hottest temperatures, but it will also be pretty humid,” said a Met Office spokesman.
There was a threat of thundery showers late on Saturday.
In Scotland and the north west, temperatures were set to be in the high teens with substantial cloud cover.
The RAC motoring organization, advised drivers to leave plenty of time for their journeys.
“Many people will be hopping in their cars and heading for the beach and other outdoor attractions -- this could put pressure on the routes leading to the most popular weekend destinations, particularly around coastal resorts,” an RAC spokeswoman said.
“People should plan alternative routes if necessary and give themselves plenty of extra time for their journeys.”
The coastguard said bathers should be vigilant when swimming and that people on air beds should be extra careful not to be blown out to sea.
The RAC said busy roads will be those heading into Kent and Sussex, and to Dorset, Devon and Cornwall.
In the north, coastal resorts like Blackpool and Skegness will experience heavy traffic.
The weather is set to stay fine next week, although temperatures will not be as high.
