UK weather: Temperature record smashed by two degrees for August Bank Holiday weekend

A new record temperature has been set for the August Bank Holiday weekend, with 33.3C recorded at Heathrow.

The Met Office's record measurement puts it way above the previous record set at the same location: 31.5C.

The record was broken just after noon on Saturday at 31.6. The mercury had soared to 33.1C by 2pm.

Later, the Met Office said that provisionally it looked as though the highest temperature recorded on Sunday was 33.3C.

Meanwhile, the record for an August Bank Holiday Monday is 27C.

Met Office meteorologist Sarah Kent said there could be a similar high temperature on Monday.

She said: "It is a bank holiday weekend. There is a lot of sunshine about to be had but people need to exercise some common sense."

She urged people to stay covered up at the beach, hydrated and also to keep safe by listening to any coastguard announcements.

Britons have sizzled through late summer sunshine as a result of warm air being dragged up over the UK from France.

It comes at the end of what has been a wet and chilly month so far.

The hot weather arrived just in time for Notting Hill Carnival, which began on Sunday, as one million revellers took to the streets.

Anyone travelling over the weekend has been advised by the RAC to pack enough food and water, and plan enough breaks for the journey.

Other popular events this weekend are Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Reading and Leeds Festivals, Manchester Pride, and Creamfields near Warrington in Cheshire.

The Rhyl Air Show was delayed due to the weather, according to North Wales Police.

Denbighshire County Council said that "unexpected sea fog" had hit the event and the visibility levels needed for display flying.

The NHS has warned people to wear plenty of sun cream and drink a lot of water during the heatwave conditions.

On Monday, the south east is likely to enjoy similar dry, sunny weather while the west of the country will see some cloud and fog in the morning.

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 - and 'carguments' - so pack enough food and water to keep your passengers happy, and plan in enough breaks along the way."