Smile... it’s time to enjoy an 80F heatwave
BRITAIN basked on the warmest day of the year yesterday – and the mercury is set to rise even further over the weekend.
Temperatures reached a pleasing 70.7F ( 21.5C) in Northolt, London, beating the previous high of 68.5F set in Wales at the end of April. And they could even hit 80F on Sunday.
In Sheffield office workers headed for the city’s parks and gardens for an al fresco lunch, while in Cambridge actress Sigourney Weaver was spotted in a punt on the Cam with husband Jim Simpson. The Alien star, 66, had delivered a speech to students at the Cambridge Union the night before.
Tomorrow millions of Britons will dust off barbecues and haul out the paddling pools as temperatures in the next few days put May’s average of 58F in the shade.
Experts say fine weather will continue into next week with some forecasting sunshine and blue skies throughout May. However, a blast of scorching air from Africa also threatens to drag a thick plume of Saharan smog across the country.
The Government issued air pollution warnings, with southern, western and central regions most at risk from strong winds blowing in air from the continent over the weekend. The warm weather will also upset hayfever sufferers – with high pollen levels forecast.
The highest temperatures are expected in the south of England, although the North could touch 68F by Sunday. The Met Office said temperatures will keep rising over the next few days before hitting their peak on Sunday.
Spokeswoman Nicola Maxey said the extreme heat could spark thunderstorms and lightning.
She said: “We are looking at highs of 79F in the South and we would not rule out getting a bit higher than that in isolated, sheltered spots. There will be a risk of thunderstorms and sharp heavy showers and these could pop up anywhere.”
The long- awaited warm weather brings relief from cold and wintry conditions which brought snow at the start of April. The RSPCA yesterday issued an appeal to dog owners not to leave pets in cars as temperatures soar.
And bookies have slashed the odds on this year bringing the hottest summer on record, with Coral cutting its odds from 3/ 1 to 2/ 1.
Spokeswoman Nicola McGeady said: “We have been inundated with bets on this being the hottest summer ever and with the gamble showing no signs of slowing we’re starting to sweat over the potential payout.”