A mini heatwave could be on the cards this weekend, weathermen today predicted.
Temperatures could soar to 26C (79F) in south Essex and southern England, bucking traditional Bank Holiday expectations.
Most of England and Wales will have dry, warm sunny weather over the weekend, although it could be cooler and cloudier in the East. However, there will be a downside.
The bank holiday exodus is likely to cause tailbacks on coastal roads and major motoring routes.
The RAC said congestion hotspots in southern England were likely to be around Thurrock's Lakeside shopping centre, the M25 and the M1 northbound in Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire.
More than 210,000 passengers expected to pass through Heathrow Airport on Friday with Gatwick Airport handling 124,000 on Saturday.
Around two million revellers are expected at the Notting Hill Carnival in west London.
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