UK weather forecast: Brits set for bank holiday heatwave as temperatures to soar

The UK is set for a scorching bank holiday Monday, but Brits have been urged to stay away from beauty spots and abide by social distancing measures.

Temperatures could reportedly hit as high as 26C on Monday, after mist and low cloud gives way to dry weather in most parts of the country on Monday.

There will be long sunny periods, with inland areas becoming warm, forecasters have said.

Temperatures are predicted to be between 24C and 26C in London, with 21C expected in Newcastle, 20C in Edinburgh and Belfast and 22C in Southampton.

It will be slightly cooler in the South West, with 17C forecast for Land’s End in Cornwall.

Little rain is forecast but a band of cloud descending from the North West is expected to bring some showers.

Tuesday is expected to see that rain move southeast into central areas, but brighter drier weather is then forecast for the rest of the week.

Authorities fear crowds could flock to popular beauty spots amid the rising mercury.

Councils have warned people to stay away due to fears social distancing guidelines could be flouted if such areas get too busy. Many major tourist attractions remain closed.

Following a recent relaxation in lockdown restrictions, people in England are now permitted to meet up with one person from another household outdoors, as long as two metres distance between them is maintained.

Sefton Council in Merseyside adopted a new campaign ahead of the bank holiday weekend, telling people “Wish you weren’t here!”.

In Cornwall, council leaders meanwhile warned there was no lifeguard cover on the coast in an apparent bid to deter people from flocking to the region's beaches.

Neighbouring Devon County Council asked people to “think twice” about visiting the coast and to consider if they could remain closer to home.

Meanwhile, Brighton & Hove City Councillor Carmen Appich urged anyone thinking of travelling to the city “to consider very carefully how their journey will impact on others”.

Nearby Hastings Borough Council warned the area is “closed to visitors from outside the town”.

Holidaymakers were similarly being told that the “clear advice” from the Isle of Wight Council is they should stay away.

After pictures showed crowds at Southend in Essex last week, the council’s leader said the easing of lockdown restrictions had put the council in a “very difficult position”.

Councillor Ian Gilbert said on Friday: “For many weeks we ran a successful Don’t Visit Southend campaign, but the Government’s lifting of restrictions have put us in a very difficult position as day trips and sunbathing are allowed, and takeaways can be open for business.”