Temperature hits 31.6C at Heathrow, beating 2001 record, and is expected to rise further

This article is more than 1 year old

This article is more than 1 year old

A new record has been set for the hottest late August bank holiday weekend in the UK after temperatures reached 31.6C (88.9F) at Heathrow.

The Met Office later said it believed temperatures had continued to climb on Sunday and provisionally it looked as if the mercury had gone as high as 33.3C, again at Heathrow.

It follows the highest ever UK temperature recorded last month at Cambridge University Botanic Garden, where the mercury hit 38.7C.

The Met Office announced the 31.6C record – the previous record of 31.5C was also set at Heathrow in 2001 – as Britain baked in sunshine, apart from some western and northern coastal areas that experienced low cloud.

Met Office (@metoffice) 🌡️🌡️🌡️ Temperatures have now reached a new record for the late August #BankHolidayWeekend 🌡️🌡️🌡️ pic.twitter.com/Kejk1C63G5

In partnership with Public Health England (PHE), the Met Office had issued several heat alerts on Saturday evening.

Three areas – the Midlands, east of England and south-east England – were subject on Saturday to “amber” alerts, which are triggered when the forecast for the next day indicates that social and healthcare services will need to target specific actions at high-risk groups.

The Met Office meteorologist Sarah Kent said there could be a maximum of 33C again on Monday, adding: “There is a lot of sunshine about to be had but people need to exercise some common sense.” She urged people to cover up at the beach, stay hydrated and keep safe by listening to coastguard announcements.

Previous high late August bank holiday temperatures included 31.5C (88.7F) at Heathrow in 2001, 27.3C (81.14F) in Velindre, Powys, in Wales in 2003, and 26.7C (80.06F) in Aviemore, Invernesshire, in Scotland in 1984. On Sunday afternoon, temperatures reached 27.1C (80.78F) in Hawarden, Flintshire, in Wales, and 26.2C (79.16F) in Prestwick, South Ayrshire, in Scotland.

Revellers at the Notting Hill carnival on Sunday and Monday – expected to number 1 million – were advised to stay hydrated after temperatures were forecast to surpass 30C on both days.

The late summer heat, as a result of warm air being dragged up over the UK from France, comes at the end of what has been a wet and chilly month so far.

The RAC spokesman Rod Dennis said: “With summer returning in time for the weekend for many of us, it’s going to mean millions of us take to the road for day trips and short breaks. Unfortunately, as the temperature rises so can the chances of a breakdown – so it’s important drivers check over their vehicle before setting out. Tyre pressure and tread, as well as oil and coolant levels, should all be looked at and doing so can really cut the chances of breaking down.

“Hungry, thirsty or tired passengers can also be recipes for in-car irritability … so pack enough food and water to keep your passengers happy, and plan in enough breaks along the way.”

Temperatures are expected to rise even further by Monday – most likely in the south-east of England, the Met Office said.