Heatwave to hit for school holidays - just as Brits jet off abroad

PA

After what has been one of the dullest and wettest UK summers ever, temperatures are set to soar to 80C this week - just as thousands of Brits jet off for their annual family break.

According to Mark Tanzer, of the Association of British Travel Agents, this weekend is set to be one of the busiest at UK airports, when 500,000 passengers will leave from Heathrow, 275,000 from Gatwick and 130,000 from Stansted, and 70,000 from Luton

Mr Tanzer told the Metro: "This weekend marks the start of the summer holiday getaway and is expected to be one of the busiest of the year at UK airports, with thousands also arriving for the Olympics."

Around two million Brits in total will be heading off on holiday, with Spain, Greece, Turkey and Italy the most popular destinations. Mr Tanzer added: "Eurozone destinations are proving popular with holidaymakers looking to take advantage of the pound's strengthening against the euro, coupled with the fact that many bars and restaurants have lowered their prices."

The UK weather, however, is predicted to improve considerably from Sunday, with temperatures set to hit 82F (28C) in London on Tuesday - and weather forecasters are hopeful the Olympics opening weekend will be dry.

Stephen Davenport, a senior forecaster with MeteoGroup UK, told the Telegraph that temperatures for the opening day on Friday should be in the mid-20s, saying: ""Tuesday looks like the warmest day for London and the Olympic Stadium through the coming week, with the temperature potentially reaching about 82F (28C).

"We cannot be completely confident because there will be a slight shower risk moving into next weekend, but at the moment there is a much greater probability of the opening ceremony being dry than wet."

Not a sports fan? Want to escape the Olympics? Try one of these top 20 getaway ideas:

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