At last, a bank holiday that will sizzle, not soak

Bank holiday weekends are usually the cue for the heavens to open. This weekend, however, you may be reaching for the suncream rather than an umbrella as the South of England basks in soaring temperatures.

Forecasters predict a sunny outlook for the next three days, with the hottest day of the year so far coming tomorrow.

The South-East is expected to enjoy temperatures of up to 25C (77F) - seven degrees above average for this time of year.

In the North and Northern Ireland, temperatures will peak at 19C (66F) and 17C (63F) respectively. In Scotland, a band of rain will move slowly northwards with temperatures peaking at 14C (57F).

Met Office forecaster Eleanor Crompton said: "Generally, the Bank Holiday is going to be one of the nicest weekends of the year so far."

As thousands flock to the seaside, the AA predicts heavy congestion on major roads leading to the coast. Meanwhile, Tesco has placed its suppliers on 'red alert', shipping in extra lorry-loads of food and charcoal to cope with demand for barbecues.

Spokesman Jonathan Church said: "Brits have become accustomed to miserable bank holiday weather, and so anticipation of unusually hot weather has caused barbecue mania."

The retailer expects to sell five million packets of sausages, 500,000 burgers, 100,000 disposable barbecues, 150,000 sacks of charcoal and 140,000 bottles of sun cream.

Around 6.5million ice lollies, 165,000 gallons of ice cream, 1.5million cans of beer and 1.2million bottles of wine are also expected to consumed.