Britain basks in an early hot spell

Southern Britain basked in blistering temperatures yesterday and thousands of people took advantage of the mini-heatwave to head for the coast.

Southern Britain basked in blistering temperatures yesterday and thousands of people took advantage of the mini-heatwave to head for the coast.

A temperature of 30.6C was recorded in Gravesend, Kent and a spokesman for the PA WeatherCentre said it had been the hottest May day in the South-east since 1953. Scotland and Northern Ireland, however, saw widespread cloud and showers.

In Brighton, where temperatures climbed towards 30C, the council said it expected 80,000 to 90,000 tourists to flock to the resort over the bank holiday weekend, mainly from London.

However, the high temperatures were set to give way to blustery winds this weekend.

Forecasters predicted temperatures could drop by more than 10 degrees in the South-east so that it would feel "much fresher" than yesterday.

Roads are expected to be jammed over the weekend as an estimated 18 million people take to their cars. Traffic hotspots are likely to include Cardiff, where football play-off finals will be taking place.

Train passengers have also been advised to check the National Rail website before booking tickets, as many services are being disrupted by engineering works. Around 2.1 million holidaymakers are also expected to seek sunnier climes abroad.

The Association of British Travel Agents said yesterday that the favoured destinations were Spain and Italy, but flights to Turkey, Egypt and Florida had also been selling well.