Morning:
14°c
Bank holiday heatwave as millions make most of the summer’s end
Mark Prigg, Science and Technology Correspondent28.08.09
The bank holiday getaway was in full swing today as forecasters predicted a heatwave across the South-East.
Temperatures will reach 27C on Monday, and millions are likely to use road, rail and air to take advantage of the last bank holiday before Christmas.
However, some motorists have already faced five-hour delays after the busiest section of the M25 was closed following an accident last night.
Today is expected to be one of the busiest travel days of the year. According to VisitEngland, 11.9million plan to travel within the UK, with forecasters saying hot air from the Continent will see temperatures peak on Monday.
"It's going to be a good weekend, although the fly in the ointment is that we may see some rain in London late on Sunday evening or early Monday," said Barry Grommet, from the Met Office.
For the rest of the weekend, temperatures of 22C are predicted.
Forecasters are also hopeful that the end of September could see another hot spell. "There are indications of high pressure building in the second and third weeks of September, so there is still the chance of some sunshine," said Mr Grommet.
But there was a frustrating start to the weekend for many drivers on the M25 after a petrol tanker crashed. The accident happened at the Redhill and M23 junction at about 4pm and the tanker spilled thousands of gallons of petrol which melted the road surface.
Police were forced to close the anti-clockwise lanes and junctions feeding clockwise lanes were also brought to a standstill by traffic forced to divert.
Charles Wartenburg, 75, from Edenbridge, Kent, was driving home after collecting friends from Heathrow. He said: "There was absolutely nothing moving - just gridlocked traffic as far as you could see. It was the worst jam I have ever been in. People had their car doors open trying to keep cool."
A Thomas Cook flight from Gatwick to Antalya in Turkey was delayed by more than two hours after the pilot was stuck in the traffic.
Joel Kersen, 20, from Watford, was taking his girlfriend Sophie Guest, 18, on holiday. He said: "All the passengers were incredibly frustrated. People think it's ridiculous."
The section of the M25 was highlighted in yesterday's Standard after motoring organisations warned it would be one of the worst congestion hotspots.
The anti-clockwise section of the motorway remained closed throughout the night for resurfacing work.
Reader views (19)
I live in the Sunshine state of the US, weather is always hot/warm along with the great beaches.... I will always miss London and its people the real Londoners. I will always list London the # 1 city in the world and I still have my brit passport. Dont pick on the Canadian they come down to Florida every winter!!!!!
- Errol, Florida, USA
All you proud Londoners...
Leave Kyle alone.You're all in denial.Your city is an open sewer.
- Steve, London
Summers End?
When did it start?
- Eddie, London
To Quote 'living in Canada' :-
"Sunshine is somewhat less common in Halifax than in most Canadian cities owing to Nova Scotia's notorious fogs. Halifax has over 100 days of mist or fog each year."
sounds delightfull.
- Chrism, Tonbridge,England
last 2 months here in s east have been lovley i think weve had 2 days rain ive got a great tan and ive not holidayed this year. gets up my chuff ex pats who run down b isles yet have british passports in there back pocket or have family members still living here.family dumpers i call them.as for kyle canada i can assure you i have a great quality of life in b isles.id live nowhere else.
- C May, biggin hill
London is the best city in the world for historical reasons alone,closely followed by Paris and then Rome,but the M25 will always be the nasty blemish on England's face,the longest and slowest shortcut in the world.
- Auf Deutsch, Canterbury in Beautiful England.
When does Kyle say anthing against London? - learn to read not react people
- Adrian, London
The downside kyle is you're all part French. i wouldn't wish that on anyone.
- Kerry, Purley
If I remember -our friend Mr G.was the individual who promised the hot summer that never happened!
It is pretty chilly outside at the moment, there is a strong wind blowing and every now and then there is a devastingly drenching 10 minute shower.Of course--things might just change and we welcome Mr Grommett's prognosis.
Thus-if this weekend forecast turns out to be wrong,we look forward to an explanation.
- William Grierson, Kimpton-UK
To quote the great Homer Simpson
"Goody two shoes Canada, who may I say, still lives at home and has never had a girlfriend"
- Mike, Guildford, England
I wouldn't believe what the weathermen say about a heatwave. It's pouring with rain at the moment in Old Street!
- Miles, London,England
Kyle,
if London was so terrible why are 8 million people making it their home?
I am here by choice and have never regretted that decision. It is a wonderful place to be.
By the way, have you been here?
- Carsten, London
Why shouldn't those who missed flights etc be able to sue the insurance company of the vehicles concerned to repay the costs they incurred?
- David Chown, bordeaux france
"London Rocks",-breath all that pollution in and feel good about yourself!,-or chase squirrels in Canada!!?,-anyway whats the M25 got to do with london?
- Banned From The Sun, Canterbury Kent England
Kyle,
A traffic jam in London has to be preferable to living in Canada. How do you avoid dying of boredom over there?
- F Prefect, London
Sorry I'm with Kyle on this one. I regularly go to Canada (Alberta and BC) and it beats London in all respects. I'm seriously jealous Kyle.
- Geraldine, London (sadly)
Kyle
If Canada is so great, why are you reading "London" news??!
Give me the streets of London anyday.
- Viper, Kent
Kyle
I would rather be in London than dull old Canada anyday.
- Dc, London
Crazy traffic: Another good reason to live in this part of Canada, far less traffic, congestion, commutes of 10-20 minutes to work and a great quality of life! Oops, I let the cat out the bag here....shhh, forget I said that.
- Kyle, Halifax, Canada
