Traffic at the Port of Dover is now 'free flowing', the port has announced, after new EU border checks were suspended to ease congestion at the start of a hot bank holiday weekend. Holidaymakers endured hours-long queues earlier on Saturday, which was the hottest day of the year so far.
Record-Breaking Heat
The village of Frittenden in Kent recorded a temperature of 30.3C on Saturday, with forecasters predicting further rises over the coming days. This warmth surpasses temperatures expected in Athens, Greece; Split, Croatia; and even Victoria in the Seychelles. The Met Office indicated that records could be broken for the hottest May day in the UK and England (currently 32.8C), the hottest May day in Wales (30.6C), and the hottest bank holiday in the UK and England (33.3C).
EU Border Checks Suspended
To alleviate delays at Dover, French authorities temporarily suspended additional EU border checks under the new Entry/Exit System (EES). This system requires travellers from third-party countries, including the UK, to register fingerprints and have a photograph taken to enter the Schengen Area. The port thanked the Police Aux Frontieres for their support and confirmed that anyone who missed their ferry due to queues could travel on the next available slot free of charge.
In an update on Saturday afternoon, the port stated: 'The Port and its approach roads are now free flowing on our peak day of the May half-term getaway weekend.'
Public Reaction
Jo Stockley, enjoying the heat in St James's Park, London, with her husband Robin, described the weather as 'amazing' but added: 'Ask me the same question in a couple of weeks and you might get a different answer.' Alexi Antonino, visiting from Detroit, Michigan, noted that the heat feels 'normal' for her, but highlighted the lack of air conditioning in the UK compared to the US.
Weather Outlook
Some areas may see cloudier conditions on Saturday due to a cold front bringing patchy drizzle to north-west Scotland, Northern Ireland, and western coastal regions. Peaks of 31C are expected on Sunday. The MCC has waived the requirement for gentlemen to wear jackets in the Lord's pavilion for two Vitality Blast matches on Sunday. UV levels will be high across much of the UK, with a UV index of seven expected in Cardiff, London, and Manchester.
Health Alerts
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) issued amber heat health alerts for the East Midlands, West Midlands, East of England, London, and South East, in effect until 5pm on Wednesday. These alerts indicate a likely rise in deaths, particularly among those aged 65 and over or with health conditions, and increased demand on health services. Yellow alerts have been issued for the North East, North West, Yorkshire and Humber, and South West.
