Warm weather to boost UK tourism

21 May 2010 2057 | World Travel News

Britain's tourist industry can expect a boost this weekend as forecasters predict perfect staycation conditions of balmy weather at home and drizzle in Europe.

Today is forecast to be the warmest day since last summer in many parts of England ‑ and it is going to getting hotter over the weekend. After a chilly spring and cold winter the arrival of summer was heralded by the term "glorious" trending on Twitter in the UK, according to Trendsmap.

The hottest places today and over the weekend will be central and southern England. Meanwhile, much of Europe is shrouded in cloud with rain forecast for many resorts including Rome, Nice and Athens. Visit England's chief executive, James Berresford, is hoping for a bumper weekend for English tourist attractions.

"It's wonderful to hear predictions of ice-cream weather this weekend. With new attractions like Adventure Valley opening in Durham this week, and movies like Robin Hood inspiring people to visit iconic locations associated with the film, the sunshine can only help to get people out and about. What better way to do that but with an ice-cream in your hand?"

The Met Office predicted: "Very warm and humid air will raise temperatures through the rest of the week and weekend." Some parts of England could see temperatures as high as 28C over the next few days, levels not seen since a balmy September last year.

The Met Office chief forecaster, Steve Willington, said: "Many regions will see the high temperatures, which could trigger an isolated thunderstorm inland. Sea breezes will keep coasts much cooler with the chance of mist and low cloud."

But by next week the temperatures in Britain are likely to return to the May average of 15C. Gemma Plumb, forecaster with MeteoGroup, the weather division of the Press Association, said: "Cooler air will move in gradually next week, allowing temperatures to return to the average for this time of year, although it will stay above the average for longer in the south."

Sourced=guardian