Beaches and parks brace for an onslaught of visitors as temperatures are set to hit 82F today
Hotter than Mexico! Britons flock to beaches, parks and outdoor drinking areas as temperatures hit 82F
- Met Office forecast a temperature split with ‘fairly grey’ day for north but scorching conditions for south-east
- Millions hit the road ahead of the weekend yesterday as the official school holidays begin for many families
- Most schools are set to break up for summer holidays between July 20 and July 22, after months of lockdown
- Coral bookmaker has also made it odds-on at 1-2 for 86F (30C) or higher being recorded this weekend in UK
By Katie Weston For Mailonline
Published: 03:28 EDT, 18 July 2020 | Updated: 14:16 EDT, 18 July 2020
Beaches and car parks are bracing for an onslaught of visitors as London and the south is set for 82F (28C) sun hotter than Mexico today – but rain will keep things cooler further north.
The Met Office forecast a weather front to bring a split in temperatures between the two regions with a ‘fairly grey’ day for northern England and north Wales but scorching conditions towards the south-east.
It follows police saying UK motorways looked like a ‘cross between a caravan and a boat show’ yesterday after millions hit the roads ahead of this weekend as the official school holidays begin for many families.
The busy roads heading southbound towards Cornwall, South Devon and Plymouth were piled up with traffic and delays were reported on the M5 southbound, from Gloucestershire all the way down to Somerset.
Most schools are set to break up for the summer holidays between July 20 and July 22, after months of home schooling due to the coronavirus lockdown.
Sun-seekers flocked to the seafront in Brighton today to bask in glorious sunshine as temperatures reach 82F
Sun-seekers flocked to the seafront in Brighton today to bask in glorious sunshine as temperatures reach 82F (28C)
People are pictured enjoying the glorious sunshine in Victoria Park in east London today as temperatures rocket to 82F
Britons make use of the outdoor seating at Northcote road in Battersea, London, which has been pedestrianised so that customers can maintain social distancing rules following the easing of lockdown restrictions
People drink on a pedestrianised street in Soho, London, as restrictions are eased following the coronavirus outbreak
Beachgoers in East Sussex on a sunny start to the weekend as families with children that have already broken up from school arrive at Camber Sands to enjoy the golden fine sands and miles long beaches
Two people at Bournemouth beach as most schools are set to break up for the summer holidays between July 20 and July 22, with the mercury possibly hitting 82F (28C) towards the south-east over today
Two people sunbathe on Bournemouth beach today, as the south-east is set for sweltering 82F (28C) temperatures today
Two people take to the sea on paddleboards and a third on a jet ski as they enjoy the sunny weather at Bournemouth beach
The beach at seaside resort West Bay, Dorset, was packed with sunbathers and people paddling in the sea this afternoon
Forecasting today’s weather, Met Office meteorologist Alex Deakin said: ‘For northern England, north Wales it looks fairly grey with outbreaks of rain especially to the west of the Pennines, at times some of that rain could just trickle into mid-Wales and eventually maybe into parts of the Midlands too.
‘But looks like most of the Midlands, most of southern England into East Anglia, dry, bright and very warm once more. Should brighten up a little bit across the far north of England but there is, as I say, quite a bit of uncertainty about the position of this weather front.
‘It could be a bit further north, it could be a little bit further south. But it will definitely bring that contrast in temperatures again, another warm one across the south-east, 28C (82F) is possible, whereas it will be cooler further north but still pleasant enough in the sunshine where we see it across eastern Scotland, north-east England, 20C (68F) is possible.
‘If you’re stuck under that cloud and rain from that weather front though it will feel pretty cool. Now that weather front may pep up again on Saturday evening across parts of Wales especially and again north-west England, staying fairly soggy, the rain could expand as we go into Sunday too.’
The scorching highs of 82F (28C) make Britain hotter than Mexico City, which is currently at 55F (13C) and set to reach highs of 77F (25C) throughout today.
Towards the end of the weekend, many areas will see ‘sunny spells’ with any rain across the south slowly clearing away.
Families and large groups gathered at West Bay, Dorset, while the temperatures soared across the south of England
Customers in Northcote Road, London, were reminded of how to avoid spreading coronavirus as they gathered outside in the warm weather
Young boys play with a football in Northcote Road, London, which will be pedestrianised at weekends until further notice
People sat outside cafes and bars in Northcote Road, London, for drink as the scorching temperatures rose
As the sun beat down on London today people took to Northcote Road in Battersea for some drinks with friends
People enjoy the glorious weather by the River Thames on another day of glorious sunshine as temperatures hit 82F (28C)
People enjoy the glorious weather by the River Thames on another day of glorious sunshine as temperatures hit 82F (28C)
People enjoy the glorious weather on the first weekend of the summer holidays by the River Thames in Oxford
People enjoy the glorious weather by the River Thames on another day of glorious sunshine as temperatures hit 82F (28C)
People relax on canoes at Browning’s Pool as they enjoy the sun in London as temperatures rocket to 82F (28C)
A group of people enjoy bathing and swimming in the ponds in Hampstead Heath in north London as temperatures hit 82F
A couple lean in for a kiss as they bathe and swim in Hampstead Heath’s waters on another day of glorious sunshine
One family feed the swans near Kensington Palace at Hyde Park in London as the south-east is hit by 82F temperatures
A woman dons a cap as she sunbathes in London’s Hyde Park as the capital sees glorious sunshine today
Large crowds in social bubbles enjoyed a sunny warm afternoon on Wimbledon Common this afternoon
As the sun appeared, people took to their bike for an ride as the temperatures began to rise at Wimbledon Common
Wimbledom Common was filled with groups of people socialising and enjoying the sunny outdoors this afternoon
People took to their boats and barges and travelled down the River Thames in Little Venice, London this afternoon
The sunshine beat down on visitors at Painshill, an 18th century landscape garden in Cobham, Surrey
Bournemouth beach starts to become rather busy this morning as scorching temperatures are forecast for the rest of today
Crowds gathering on Brighton beach today in Sussex to enjoy the weekend heatwave as temperatures hit 82F (28C)
Families pictured enjoying the sunny weather at Branksome beach in Dorset this morning as the temperatures heats up in southern parts of the UK
Beachgoers take a dip in the sea at Branksome beach in Dorset today. Towards the end of the weekend, many areas will see ‘sunny spells’ with any rain across the south slowly clearing away
A woman takes a stroll by the lake near Kensington Palace in London’s Hyde Park today as temperatures hit 82F (28C)
Two people treat themselves to an ice cream at a parked-up van in London’s Hyde Park during the sunny weather
Families sit on benches outdoors while enjoying the sunshine in London’s Hyde Park today, as summer holidays begin
People go for a stroll and with one pushing a pram as they enjoy the sunshine at Hyde Park in the capital city
Two people walk along Bournemouth beach as the area has steadily become busier throughout today
One member of the public prepares to take to the sea for water sports at Branksome beach in Dorset today. Coral bookmaker has made it odds-on at 1-2 for 86F (30C) or higher being recorded this weekend in the UK
A group of people enjoy the sunny weather and set up a tent at Branksome beach in Dorset this morning. Busy roads heading southbound towards Cornwall, South Devon and Plymouth were piled up with traffic yesterday
Three people walk along Bournemouth beach with two carrying boxes of beer as they enjoy the sunny conditions
One family set up camp and take a bodyboard as they prepare to enjoy the scorching temperatures on Branksome beach in Dorset
One member of the public goes roller-skating at Branksome beach in Dorset, with cyclists also seen in the background. It follows yesterday becoming the hottest day so far this month as the mercury hit 83.3F (28.5C) at London’s Heathrow
A cyclist pictured at Branksome beach in Dorset this morning. The sunny weather follows police saying UK motorways looked like a ‘cross between a caravan and a boat show’ yesterday after millions hit the roads ahead of this weekend
Two people have a drink by the waterside as they enjoy the sunshine in London’s Hyde Park this afternoon
Two sunbathers soak up the rays in London’s Hyde Park this afternoon as scorching temperatures hit the south-east
Mr Deakin added: ‘That weather front then slowly chugging south into Sunday, still a lot of uncertainty about the timing although it kind of stalls, again though further north the cooler air for Sunday but a fresh bright day for much of Scotland and Northern Ireland.
‘A few showers, some drifting inland. But across England and Wales that weather front still likely to be around, certainly initially bringing cloud and rain, it should start to clear away though through the day.
‘We could though see some heavier showers breaking out across East Anglia and the south-east later on but there’s a lot of uncertainty about how quickly that weather front scoops away.’
Coral bookmaker has made it odds-on at 1-2 for 86F (30C) or higher being recorded this weekend in the UK.
Coral’s John Hill said: ‘We are set for one of the hottest weekends of the year so far, with our betting indicating 30C or higher could be reached in the UK.
‘With more sizzling temperature on the horizon, we think we could still get a record hot summer this year.’
People take drinks down to the beach in Bournemouth and enjoy the sunny weather as temperatures hit 82F (28C) today
Bournemouth beach has steadily become busier throughout the day as high temperatures are forecast
People took advantage of the rising temperatures over the weekend and rushed to Bournemouth beach
The high temperatures saw large numbers of people taking to Bournemouth beach this weekend
People stand in a queue by Bournemouth beach today with one man holding drinks as Britons enjoy the sunny weather
Bournemouth beach has become busier throughout today as temperatures are forecast to reach 82F (28C)
Hundreds of sunseekers and families flocked to Bournemouth Beach to make the most of the scorching temperatures
Seagulls pictured flying over Brighton beach in Sussex as people don their swimsuits to sunbathe in the hot weather
Two people take drinks to the beach in Bournemouth with a queue seen standing nearby in the scorching heat today
Two people sunbathe in the sunshine at Hyde Park in London today as high temperatures hit the south-east
A man rides his scooter in London’s Hyde Park today as he enjoys the sunny weather and 82F (28C) temperatures
Two people take a stroll near the lake in London’s Hyde Park today as the capital sees scorching sunshine
A woman goes jogging at Hyde Park in London today as people walk nearby enjoying the sunshine
People admire the view of Kensington Palace as they visit London’s Hyde Park in the glorious sunshine today
A family read signs in front of the gate at Kensington Palace in London’s Hyde Park this afternoon
People enjoying the sun and drinking from cans in Little Venice, London, today as they take a boat onto the water
People pictured in London’s Hyde Park today as temperatures are forecast to reach 82F (28C) in southern parts
People enjoy the glorious weather on the first weekend of the summer holidays by the River Thames in Oxford today
A couple don their sunglasses and a hat as they go for a stroll in the sunshine at London’s Hyde Park this afternoon
People enjoy the glorious weather and socially distance as they dine al fresco in Henley on Thames, Oxford, this afternoon
Groups take out their boats as they enjoy the sunny weather on the River Thames in Henley on Thames, Oxford, today
Visitors to Cambridge enjoy the warm spell of weather by taking rides on Punts in the River Cam this afternoon
The firm also made it odds-on at 10-11 for a hosepipe ban this summer and 5-4 for the hottest summer on record in the UK.
It follows yesterday becoming the hottest day so far this month as the mercury hit 83.3F (28.5C) at London’s Heathrow.
The Met Office tweeted: ‘It was the warmest day so far this July as temperatures reached 28.5°C at Heathrow.
‘A cold front brought cloud and rain further north, where it was much cooler. Fresher air will spread south this weekend as the cold front clears through.’
Meanwhile, a swarm of flying ants so large it can be seen from space was spotted over the south-east coast yesterday.
While the sun shone in large parts of the south of England today, Cumbria experienced an overcast morning with large clouds forming above Lake Windermere
In Gamblestown, County Down, Northern Ireland, the weather was mixed with a breeze mixed with some sunshine and light showers
While the sun shone in the south, the second cricket Test match between England and the West Indies at Old Trafford, Manchester, was abandoned due to rain
West Indies’ captain Jason Holder and his teammates left holding an umbrella and with their hoods up as the rain poured in Manchester
Members of ground staff at Old Trafford in Manchester had to clear rain water off the field covers as Day Three of the second Test match was called off
Queuing traffic on the M5 near Bristol with caravans as people head off for the start of the summer holidays this morning
Queuing traffic on the M5 near Bristol today as the official school holidays begin for many families and millions hit the roads
Strensham services on the M5 in Worcestershire were busy with traffic taking a break on their journey to the South West
The Met Office’s weather radar picked up the cloud of ants, around 50 miles wide, over Kent and Sussex. Smaller swarms can be seen over London.
The forecaster tweeted a video of the swarm and said: ‘It’s not raining in London, Kent or Sussex, but our radar says otherwise… The radar is actually picking up a swarm of #flyingants across the southeast.
‘During the summer ants can take to the skies in a mass emergence usually on warm, humid and windless days #flyingantday’.’
A spokesman for the weather service said there are likely ‘thousands’ of ants within the swarm.
A busy Strensham services with people sat on benches outdoors as motorists journey to the South West of England
Multiple caravans seen parked up at Strensham services as people make their weekend getaway to the South West
Met Office’s Alex Deakin, above, forecast a ‘fairly grey’ day for northern England and north Wales but scorching conditions towards the south-east today as a weather front brings a split in temperatures between the two regions
Towards the end of the weekend on Sunday, many areas will see ‘sunny spells’ with any rain across the south slowly clearing away, but ‘uncertainty’ surrounds how quickly the front will last
A spokesman for Devon and Cornwall’s Police and Crime Commissioner has warned that there may be more domestic visitors to Cornwall and Devon than ever this year due to foreign travel restrictions. Pictured, the M1 near Worksop
Traffic pilled up on the M1 near Worksop (above) yesterday and delays were reported on the M5 southbound, from Gloucestershire all the way down to Somerset
Drivers have been asked to avoid travelling in peak times and check how busy the roads are before setting off for long trips
He said: ‘It’s not unusual for larger swarms to be picked up. A similar thing happened almost exactly a year ago on flying ant day.
‘When it is sunny, the radar detects the swam but we are able to see they are not the same shape as water droplets, and in fact look more insect-like.’
Flying ant day occurs when males and new queens leave the nest to mate, with many ant colonies doing so on the same day.
According to the Royal Society of Biology, there is not always one flying ant day, but as many as 96 per cent of days between June and September flying ants are spotted.
