THE BRIGHT STUFF

It’s hottest May day ever and there’s more to come

BRITAIN will be hotter than Thailand as the mercury soars to the highest in May since records began 176 years ago.

Temperatures will reach 33C today as the country prepares to enjoy a two-month summer sizzle.

After yesterday’s 26C highs marked the hottest day of the year so far, weathermen believe today could even smash the 32.8C record set on May 29, 1944, in Tunbridge Wells, Kent, and London’s Regent’s Park.

This means Britain will be hotter than Phuket, Thailand, which will only reach 29C.

Met Office forecaster Emma Sharples said: “There is a chance of a 32.8C May ® record temperature, with the low 30s possible on Friday and Saturday.

“Tropical maritime air will be across the country from late Thursday, with sunshine boosting temperatures.”

Weather experts are also predicting that the hot weather is here to stay – with June and July looking set to be warmer than average.

And they believe there will further hot spells into early June.

But while some people might fancy a dip in the sea to cool down, experts have warned against paddling at some of the UK’s most polluted beaches.

A shocking report has revealed beaches in Britain and Ireland are more likely to have “poor quality” water than anywhere else in Europe.

According to the European Environment Agency (EEA), 20 British beaches were unsafe for bathers last year.

They included popular Margate in Kent, Ilfracombe in Devon and Clacton in Essex.

EEA officials warn that swimming at these sites could cause stomach illnesses.

Barry Gardiner, Labour’s international trade spokesman, said: “People need to ask why UK beaches are the worst in Europe.”