Sunshine all the way as heatwave hits 86F
BRITAIN will bask in temperatures to rival Spain as a heatwave sweeps the country this weekend.
Wednesday could be the hottest day of the year, with the mercury set to peak at 86F (30C).
Met Office meteorologist Steven Keates said: “If sunshine is your thing, then there’s a brilliant weekend to come.
“Northern Scotland will see some thicker cloud and rain over the weekend. But that will be the exception to what is otherwise a very sunny story across the UK.” Temperatures will soar to highs of 75F today, rising to 77F tomorrow in London and the South-east.
The average for this time of year is around 70F in London, 64F in Manchester and 63F in Scotland.
Mr Keates added: “Next week the same area of high pressure is around but it will shift a bit to the east of us.
“By Wednesday it’s pretty much sunny across the board and in some places temperatures will be nearing 86F, most likely in western and central England.
“This could be a wonderful hot few days with lots of lovely weather to enjoy.
“Northern Ireland could do very well too – hitting 82F or 83F by Wednesday.”
If Britain does hit 86F it will be as hot as parts of Spain and will break this year’s current record of 84F, recorded in St James’s Park, London, in April.
But while the warm weather will be welcomed by most, the AA has warned
that rising temperatures could affect Britain’s roads because asphalt begins to soften at 81F.
Jack Cousens, head of roads policy for the AA, said the impending heatwave could make road surfaces “soft and sticky, like dough”.
He added: “This could lead to imperfections such as bulges and cracks create more potholes when the weather starts to become inclement again.
“Should we have a heatwave, drivers may get a surprise as gritters return to our streets.
“However, rather than spreading salt, they will be dusting sand on the roads as a form of sunscreen for the tarmac.”
The widespread sunshine is expected to give pubs and retailers a much-needed sales boost as fans prepare to watch England take on Panama in the World Cup tomorrow.
THE weather is lovely, we have a long hot summer to look forward to and tomorrow we will be cheering for the England football team playing Panama in the World Cup. We surely deserve a little pick-me-up and a moment in the sun. Best of luck, England.