KEEP CALM... AND LIGHT THE BARBIE

But enjoy heat while you can...

BRITS are set to defy the terror threat to our nation by enjoying the biggest barbecue weekend in living memory.

Temperatures are forecast to reach 30C today, with bookies predicting the hottest ever day in the month of May.

And after a week of tragedy – when a suicide bomber killed 22 people after targeting young music fans in Manchester – it is hoped Brits can forget their troubles and bask in the sizzling conditions.

But sunbathers better make the most of it as temperatures are set to fall as rain arrives.

Torrential downpours are forecast to start tomorthis row afternoon, with thunderstorms on Bank Holiday Monday, the Met Office warned.

Humid conditions will also bring hay fever hell, forecasters say. To make matters worse a perfect storm of half-term, bank holiday and the raising of the UK’s terror threat to “critical” has led to travel chaos.

Demand

Gatwick saw scenes of pandemonium on one of the airport’s busiest days after baggage scanners went down.

Network Rail had to halve some train speeds to avoid rails buckling.

And there was congestion on the M25 as families set off for the break.

The heatwave has seen supermarkets and shoppers gearing up for the “biggest ever” demand for barbecue food as people bask on beaches.

Tesco predicts it will sell more than a million packets of sausages, chicken wings and burgers over the weekend.

Ladbrokes is offering 1-2 odds that Britain will be hotter than Barbados ® weekend and 6-4 that May 2017 will be the hottest ever.

A bumper sports weekend will also see players and fans swelter in the warmest FA Cup final on record. Chelsea and Arsenal stars risk heatstroke and could lose up to nine pints of sweat and a stone in weight.

And forecasters said fans could pass out unless they keep themselves hydrated. The Weather Outlook’s Brian Gaze said: “The message for supporters is to drink plenty of water.”

The same goes for rugby fans at the Aviva Premiership final between Wasps and Exeter Chiefs at Twickenham today.

In response to the heatwave, Wembley Stadium is allowing fans to bring soft drinks. Water fountains are also available.

There will be heightened security at the FA Cup final. Fans are requested not to bring bags and arrive at least an hour before kick-off.