Bank holiday temperatures set to peak today before rain arrives

Bank holiday temperatures are set to soar close to 30C, offering a final burst of summer sunshine before wind and rain arrive.

Maximum temperatures will reach around 28C (82F) or 29C (84F) today, with widespread sunshine expected for most areas, the Met Office said. "There's around a 30% chance of temperatures reaching 30C somewhere over southern Britain...

with the area around Chester likely to be the hottest place," said Sky News meteorologist Dr Christopher England. "Given the location, it's looking likely that the Welsh August Bank Holiday record high of 26.5C, set at Crossway in 1991, will be exceeded, and by a considerable amount." The Northern Ireland record high of 23.8C, set in Banagher in 1983, may also be broken, he said.

But later today, the remnants of Hurricane Erin will approach from the west, bringing periods of wind and rain to the UK-conditions that are expected to persist through the week, Met Office meteorologist Craig Snell said. For the remainder of the week, temperatures will return to seasonal norms - hovering in the low 20s across the south and the high teens in the north.

Mr Snell said: "On Monday, it will be a very warm and sunny picture for most. "It will start to go downhill and rain will start to move in for Northern Ireland into the afternoon." Those planning to visit the coast on Monday or Tuesday are advised to choose beaches with lifeguards, as large waves are expected to arrive during this period.

Read more from Sky News:Criminals could be banned from pubs and sports groundsFast-track asylum appeals process to be introduced Beginning Tuesday, periods of rain will spread across all regions of the country, with the heaviest downpours expected in western areas, according to Mr Snell. "It will be heavy at times in the west, but at the moment we're not expecting too many impacts, and it may for farmers or anyone who needs the rain be welcome," he said.

On Wednesday, a band of rain will sweep across the entire country, and low pressure is expected to persist through the weekend, bringing further periods of rainfall..