You’d be forgiven for forgetting that it is indeed the month of August, traditionally part of something called summer, that is occasionally marked with high temperatures and glorious sunshine.
Since the July heatwave, Britain has instead been soaked to the point where an entire town was evacuated due to a flooded reservoir and a broken dam.
But rejoice! For according to the Met Office this weekend is going to be an absolute scorcher – all in time for the bank holiday.
From Friday, south-easterly winds will draw warm air from Europe towards the UK, bringing rising temperatures along with dry and settled weather.
And by Monday, temperatures may reach 33C (91.4F) – which would set a new record for the late bank holiday weekend, the Press Association reports.
Chief meteorologist Steve Willington said: “We’ve had a fairly wet and windy August so far, however that’s going to change this weekend as we see high temperatures, sunshine and light winds return.
“On Saturday and Sunday there’ll be plenty of sunshine across the country with temperatures reaching into the mid-20s Celsius for many – it’ll be warmest in south-eastern parts where 30C (86F) is possible.
“By bank holiday Monday itself temperatures will rise further with around 33 Celsius possible in the South East – which would set a new record for the coming bank holiday weekend.”
The highest record temperature for the late August bank holiday weekend is 31.5C (88.7F) at Heathrow Airport in 2001.
And the sunny spell could set a swathe of new records around the country, with the current hottest late summer bank holiday in Wales standing at 27.3C (81.1F) at Velindre, Powys, in 2013.
The Northern Ireland record is 27C (80.6F) recorded in Knockaraven, Co Fermanagh in 2003. Monday is not a bank holiday in Scotland.
Last month saw the highest temperature ever recorded in the UK – with the mercury reaching 38.7C (101.7F) at Cambridge University Botanic Garden on July 25.
That exceeded the previous record of 38.5C (101.3F) set in Faversham, Kent, in August 2003.
RAC spokesman Rod Dennis said with summer returning in time for the weekend those going out for day trips and short breaks should check 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,” he said.
HM Coastguard has urged those planning a trip to the coast at the weekend to follow their safety tips.
“Warm weather is forecast for much of the country this weekend and whatever the weather, the bank holiday is when many people quite rightly want to make the most of our wonderful coastline and beaches,” said Bev Allen, maritime operations controller.
The Coastguard’s “hot” tips include:
- Do not jump into the water from piers, rocks, cliffs or other structures that can lead to fatal incidents.
- Look out for lifeguards, and choose beaches where lifeguards are on duty and take note of their advice, especially when you want to enjoy a swim.
- Swim parallel to the shore and avoid most harbours and fast-flowing water.
- Don’t get carried away: Inflatables are not suitable for use in the sea and they can go from fun to potentially deadly in minutes, so best save them for swimming pools. Tide conditions, the wind and any changes in the weather can very quickly sweep them out to sea and beyond safe depths.