Sunseekers have flocked to Britain’s beaches to soak up the rays before the mini heatwave ends with rain sweeping in and threats of thunderstorms on the way.
The UK experienced the hottest day of the year so far on Friday, the Met Office said.
But the brief spell of scorching weather will be chased away by yet more clouds and cooler weather this weekend.
It reached 31.9C at St James’ Park, central London, yesterday – making Friday the warmest recorded day of 2024.
Heavy rain and bursts of thunder are forecast to hit Wales and south-west England on Saturday, and thunderstorms may develop in the East and South East.
But many disappointed Brits will be reassured to hear highs of 26C or 27C have been forecast for some areas next week, with the weather to improve for the start of the summer holidays.
Jack Harris enjoys the hot weather on Bridlington Beach, Yorkshire, today
People out punting on the River Cam in Cambridge and making the most of the hot weather
The UK experienced the hottest day of the year so far on Friday, the Met Office said
People enjoy the hot weather in Bridlington, Yorkshire, today before the rain returns
People make their way onto the beach for the early afternoon sunshine in Southend-on-Sea
Ronnie Dixon enjoys the hot weather on Bridlington Beach
However, temperatures are unlikely to reach the high 20Cs for ‘at least a week or so’ now, a Met Office forecaster said.
Clouds will return on Saturday and higher temperatures will be restricted to the east and south east of England, which could still see 28-29C.
Sunday will be fresher, brighter, drier, and will mainly stay around the low 20Cs, which is the July average.
Craig Snell, a meteorologist at the Met Office, said the east will likely see a ‘grey start’ to Sunday, while the south will see temperatures reach their high teens.
As the day goes on, most of the country ‘will see dry and bright spells’.
Into next week, rain is expected to move in from the west on Monday. The north of England, Scotland and Northern Ireland will see wet spells, while the south will remain largely untouched by rain.
By Monday, the weather will be changeable but the week ahead will largely be dry.
People in Bridlington enjoy the brief spell of hot weather today before the incoming rain
Busy scenes at Southend-on-Sea in Essex today as people race to soak up the last of the rays
People enjoy the hot weather along the seafront in Bridlington, east Yorks
A man enjoys the hot weather in Bridlington today before the bad weather returns
Walkers on the seafront with waterproof jackets and umbrellas as light rain falls at the seaside resort of Weymouth in Dorset
Clouds will return from today and higher temperatures will be restricted to the east and south east of England, which could still see 28-29C. The beach is almost deserted as light rain falls at the seaside resort of Weymouth in Dorset after yesterday’s scorching hot sunshine
The weather is likely to settle down on Tuesday and Wednesday, with temperatures starting to climb in some areas. In the south, temperatures could reach as high as 26C or 27C in a few spots.
Thursday is then expected to be wet before things settle down again going into next weekend.
Mr Snell said: ‘It won’t be wall-to-wall sunshine and we’ll see rain in the north on Monday and the rest of the country on Thursday.
‘It also won’t be as hot as recent days but warmer than the start to July. It will be an improvement.
‘Overall, the south east and south are likely to see the warmest temperatures next week.’
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’.
Yesterday, people took advantage of the brief heatwave and headed to the beach in Dover
Some took the opportunity to sit on the stones and read a book while enjoying the sun
In Dunsden, Oxfordshire this man took his dog out for a walk while cloudy overcast conditions kept the temperature lower
Met Office meteorologist Tom Morgan said temperatures could rise again ‘right at the end of July’
There will be ‘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, he added.
East and south-east England have already seen ‘almost double’ the rainfall expected for the whole of July, Mr Morgan said.
‘I think that’s why a lot of people have welcomed the last couple of days, but Scotland and Northern Ireland have not see the high temperatures that the rest of the UK have seen – they’re still waiting if they do like hot weather.’
The AA recommended that road users travelling in the heat put a sun shield over the back windows, have iced water in the car, try to leave their vehicles in the shade and use a windscreen shade when parked.
On Thursday, the Health and Safety Authority (HSA) urged employees to protect themselves from ultraviolet (UV) radiation.
It suggested employers conduct a risk assessment for ‘potential UV hazards’, encourage breaks, and that staff wear clothing such as wide-brimmed hats to protect them from the sun.
The AA advised routes to the coast will be far busier than usual this weekend as families flock to take advantage of the hot weather.
Brighton and Bournemouth, on the south coast, have already experienced heavier traffic because of day-trippers, it added.
Passengers were warned to expect long delays as they awaited cross channel ferries today
Fortunately for those stuck in cars and vans approaching Dover, temperatures are expected to be slightly lower than yesterday’s record 31.9C high which was measured in St James’ Park in London
