Hotter than the Costa del Sol
THE Bank Holiday getaway scramble began on Britain’s roads last night with temperatures expected to hit 80F (27C) – making the UK hotter than the French Riviera and the Costa del Sol.
With millions of people setting off on car journeys, the Met Office said it was “almost guaranteed” to be the hottest early May Bank Holiday Monday since 1999.
Most parts of England and Wales will enjoy temperatures in the 70s throughout the weekend, with the best of the weather predicted for the South-east.
The Met Office said Britain had “broken the curse” of wet and windy weather and warm weather could stay into next week.
The warmest weather is expected from tomorrow as winds blow in from the continent rather than the Atlantic.
A total of 8.5million day trips are expected on the roads.
RAC traffic spokesman Rod Dennis said: “If we see things really warm up by the weekend it’s likely to mean millions more cars on the road, which is bound to cause queues on popular routes. We urge all drivers to give their cars a quick once over before they set off especially if they are planning on driving any great distance.”
Rail travellers could have a miserable weekend with Network Rail carrying out 820 projects during the two Bank Holidays in May. Liverpool’s mainline services will be reduced, with some replaced by buses or diverted via Manchester.
Significant work between Glasgow and Edinburgh means delays in Scotland. Rail connections to Heathrow will be severed on Sunday, when there will also be no trains serving London Paddington.