UK weather: Record-breaking heatwave draws Bank Holiday weekend to a close
Temperatures hit 28.2C in Holbeach, southern Lincolnshire
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Bank Holiday Monday was the hottest on record in late August, the Met Office said.
Temperatures hit 28.2C (82.8F) in Holbeach, southern Lincolnshire, forecaster Oli Claydon said, surpassing the previous record of 27.2C (81F) in East Bergholt, Suffolk, in 1984.
The hot weather is down to a "ridge of high pressure" bringing still conditions and sweltering sunshine, according to Mr Claydon.
In 1965, the August Bank Holiday was moved from the first Monday of the month to the last.
In southern England, temperatures should stay around the mid-20s on Tuesday, but moving into Wednesday a "front from the North West will bring a fresher feel to things", the meteorologist said.
The cooling wave will bring temperatures down to the mid-teens as the front makes its way south-east - but showers are expected to be sparse.
There was some confusion over the record because of a "suspect" reading in Cambridgeshire in 1990 - where a temperature of 28.3C (82.9F) was noted.
But that number did not tally with other readings from the area, invalidating the result, Mr Claydon said.
PA
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments