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UK Record Temperature for August Bank Holiday

 

The previous UK record temperature for the hottest August Bank Holiday was broken 26 August when levels of 33.2C were recorded at London Heathrow Airport.

This beats the previous highest temperature ever recorded in the UK on the traditionally rain-soaked bank holiday weekend of 28.2C at the Lincolnshire town of Holbeach.

UK Record Temperature

The previous day, BBC Weather announced temperatures of 33.3C also at London Heathrow.

Notting Hill Carnival
Notting Hill Carnival, set for the UK record temperature for a Bank Holiday Monday

With so many events and things to do in London on the Bank Holiday Monday, emergency services were advising festival-goers to take sensible precautions. Those attending the Notting Hill Carnival were advised to take on plenty of fluids, apply high factor sun protector and stay in the shade where possible by the London Ambulance Service.


What is the Hottest Temperature Ever Recorded in the UK?

In July 2019, the highest recorded temperature in the UK was set at Cambridge – 38.7C.


Breathless in Frinton-on-Sea

Meanwhile, those seeking relief in the sea were advised to take caution – at least in Frinton-on-Sea, Essex.

Police and paramedics were called to the popular day-trip for Londoners as bathers complained of breathlessness on 25 August.

Essex coast beach
Stretch of Essex coastline where people complained of breathing problems the following day (25 August)

Although the cause of the incident is unknown, eye-witnesses report of talk of an oil spillage, according to BBC News.

Travel Begins at 40 editor Mark Bibby Jackson, who happened to be at the stretch of water only the previous day confirmed he had not suffered from any breathlessness himself, suggesting any potential spillage would probably have taken place either late on the 24 or early 25 August.

Record breaking temperatures as well as the current Greece wildfires and fire in Gran Canaria, are adding fuel to concerns about climate change, and its impact on traditional tourist pursuits.

BBC News reports that the UK Government’s Committee on Climate Change had previously cautioned the country was ill-equipped to cope with the number of heatwaves anticipated with continuing climate change.

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Mark Bibby Jackson

Mark Bibby Jackson

Before setting up Travel Begins at 40, Mark was the publisher of AsiaLIFE Cambodia and a freelance travel writer. When he is not packing and unpacking his travelling bag, Mark writes novels, including To Cook A Spider and Peppered Justice. He loves walking, eating, tasting beer, isolation and arthouse movies, as well as talking to strangers on planes, buses and trains whenever possible. Most at home when not at home. Mark is a member and director of communications of the British Guild of Travel Writers (BGTW).

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