Heatwave brings traffic hotspots

Traffic is expected to be busy as people head for the seaside

Britons are expected to take the roads and railways this weekend to make the most of the heatwave as forecasters predict rising temperatures.

Up to 15 million motorists are expected to be travelling in the next couple of days with many heading for the coast, according to the motoring organisation the RAC.

Delays on the railways due to speed restrictions may encourage motorists to take to their cars instead. Network Rail has said it will impose speed restrictions at noon each day until temperatures drop below 30C.

Parts of Britain saw a return to Wednesday's temperatures on Saturday - about 35C - and forecasters predict Sunday will be even hotter in England and Wales.

Plan routes

But despite the return to higher temperatures, the all-time record - 37.1C set in 1990 - is not likely to be beaten.

The highest temperature recorded on Saturday was at Wisley in Surrey with 35.4C.

The heat in central London hit 35C resulting in rides on the London Eye being temporarily suspended, because of the stifling heat in the giant wheel's cabins.

Cardiff and Bristol both reached 32C, while further north Birmingham was a sweltering 34C, both Liverpool and Manchester hit 32C and Belfast 22C.

The heatwave is expected to last throughout the weekend

North of the border Glasgow and Edinburgh both reached 27C and 31.4C was recorded in Galashiels in the Scottish borders.

RAC spokesperson Tessa Richardson said traffic numbers were up to 20% higher than usual.

The M5 north down to the south west was particularly busy with tailbacks stretching 15 miles around Thornbury and Clevedon in Gloucestershire.

The M27, M3 and A31, the main route into Bournemouth, was also hit by heavy traffic, especially around Winchester.

There were long tailbacks on the A127 into Southend, all routes into Blackpool were jammed-up and the same with Great Yarmouth in Norfolk.

The sunshine is expected to last into next week, although not quite as hot.

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Broadcast meteorologist Jo Farrow, from the BBC Weather Centre, said: "England will see temperatures in the 30s over the next few days."

Northern Ireland will be cooler and fresher and may see showers while Scotland may have some thunder.

For those seeking a respite from the heatwave the coast will be cooler and fresher with the sea temperatures reaching 17 to18C, she said.

Breathing difficulties

Wednesday was the hottest day for 13 years with temperatures up to 36.4C, just short of the all-time record.

It was a few degrees cooler on Friday, but the continued heat spelt bad news for asthma sufferers, with air pollution rising.

High air pollution levels, caused by sunlight and car fumes, has meant the return of smog.

Britain's hottest spells

The air pollution forecast is high for south and central England and Wales. There are also high levels of ozone, which can exacerbate breathing difficulties.

A spokesman for the Department of the Environment said: "Most people will experience no ill effects. Those suffering from lung diseases including asthma, particularly if elderly, should be aware that their symptoms might worsen."

It is estimated the heatwave could cost Britain's economy almost £300m.

British businesses face massive bills because of absenteeism, falling sales, and transport chaos.

Workers suffering in kitchens, bakeries and foundries are among those who have prompted the TUC to call for a fixed maximum temperature at work, to match the legal minimum.

They want a limit of 30C or 27C for jobs involving strenuous work.