Reach for the sunscreen, unpack your swimming costume and get ready for what is “almost guaranteed” to be the hottest bank holiday on record.
Forecasters at Weatherquest are predicting balmy highs of up to 24C for Suffolk and Essex this Bank Holiday Monday - which would break the current record of 23.6C set in Hampshire in 1999.
After a changeable April, the Met Office says an area of high pressure is set to move in from the southwest bringing “a good deal of fine and dry weather” throughout the bank holiday weekend.
Weatherquest’s Adam Dury said tomorrow would see the weekend start with “plenty of sunshine” and highs of 19-20C inland, while coastal areas may remain a degree or two cooler.
Sunday is expected to bring more sunshine and even warmer temperatures of 20-21C in the west of the region.
By Bank Holiday Monday, record-breaking highs of 24C could see Suffolk and Essex hotter than the French Riviera or Costa Del Sol.
Mr Dury said that while the UK’s hottest temperatures would be around London - west Suffolk and Essex could be close by.
The hottest temperature recorded in East Anglia over an early Spring Bank Holiday was last year’s 18.7C at Santon Downnham, nar the Norfolk border, which Mr Dury said would be likely beaten this year.
Chris Bulmer, deputy chief meteorologist at the Met Office said: “We can’t promise wall to wall sunshine for everyone this bank holiday weekend, however, it’s looking like most of us will get some prolonged warm sunshine at times.
“The best of the sunshine and the highest temperatures are expected across England and Wales away from the coast and for Bank Holiday Monday itself it is possible that temperatures could be record-breaking.”
Met Office meteorologist Mark Wilson told Sky News: “It’s very, very likely we’ll beat the 1999 record. That’s almost guaranteed.”
With the widespread sunshine this weekend VisitBritain director, Patricia Yates said: “This Bank Holiday weekend is a fantastic opportunity to get out and explore the outstanding accommodation, events and attractions right here on our doorstep whether enjoying a trip to the seaside, countryside or on a city break.
“There are so many amazing year-round activities and experiences for visitors to enjoy whatever the weather, right across the country.”
What will you be doing this bank holiday weekend? Comment below or email our newsroom with your recommendations.
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