Britain set to sizzle in record temperatures on Saturday
Written by News on 28/06/2019
Record-breaking temperatures are expected this weekend as the UK gets a taste of the heatwave being endured in much of Europe.
London and the east of England could see the mercury reach 34C (93.2F) on Saturday, making it the hottest day of the year so far.
The previous hottest was at Weybourne, Norfolk, on 2 June – 28.8C (84F).
Saturday may even see temperatures approach the all-time record for June of 35.6C (96F), recorded in 1976.
Greg Dewhurst, a Met Office meteorologist, was confident that Saturday would see the hottest day of the year, adding that the highest temperatures will be in the east, with 34C (93.2F) possible from London towards Lincolnshire.
Across the east of England on Saturday temperatures will range between 29C (84.2F) and 32C (89.6F), while in the west it will be a cooler 22C (71.6F) to 25C (77F).
Despite the excitement that warm weather usually brings to Britain, the warm weather should be considered a hot spell rather than a heatwave, he added.
A heatwave usually lasts for at least three days.
The story is slightly different in Europe, however, where the hot weather has been unusually prolonged, with temperatures in some parts soaring past 40C (104F).
The RAC warned drivers in the UK to check their vehicles before setting out, as tyre blow-outs, overheating engines and other problems are more likely in hot weather.
RAC patrol of the year Ben Aldous said: “Vehicles can suffer all sorts of problems when the mercury climbs, but it’s really those that are older or haven’t been as well looked after that run the risk of getting into the most trouble.
“We also know from previous years that it’s roads to the beaches and other beauty spots like the Moors, Lake District and Highlands that see the largest numbers of stranded drivers.
“Yet checking simple things like coolant and oil levels, as well as tyre tread and pressure, can stack the odds of a smooth journey in every driver’s favour and prevent a breakdown happening in the first place.”
The weather is likely to cool slightly for next week, with possible thundery showers on Saturday night bringing fresher air to the north on Sunday before a week of sunny spells, scattered showers and lower temperatures.
(c) Sky News 2019: Britain set to sizzle in record temperatures on Saturday
