Britain's sunny start to holiday

12 April 2012

The Easter school holidays got off to a sunny start, with fine weather and few problems so far for the millions travelling abroad and in Britain.

Airports said that the expected rise in passenger numbers was being dealt with smoothly, while those remaining at home had a chance to enjoy some sunshine and above-average temperatures.

MeteoGroup UK weather forecaster Julian Mayes said: "There will be one or two showers in the south, but they are going to be the exception. It's going to be a very pleasant weekend with a good deal of sunshine."

Temperatures would be above average for late March and early April, hitting 14C to 15C (59F) in the south, and slightly cooler in the north. The fine weather will continue into the week, but Easter weekend will be unsettled, the forecaster warned.

"Easter weekend looks a bit more mixed. There will be some showers around, particularly on Good Friday. It will be the usual mix of spring weather, turning wetter and unsettled in the north-west of England," he added.

VisitBritain organisation said 22% of British adults are planning a holiday over the Easter period. Of those, 29% are going abroad and 61% will holiday overnight in England.

Gatwick Airport said it was as busy as predicted, but the large numbers were being dealt with smoothly. Heathrow and Stansted airports reported no problems so far.

On the roads, a spokeswoman for Trafficmaster said it had been very quiet, with the busiest traffic expected on Thursday as people head off for the Easter weekend.

AA Roadwatch said traffic on Good Friday last year was just one fifth of normal volumes. Roadworks could affect motorists on the M1 between junctions 8 and 10, the M6 southbound exit onto the M5, the M6 junctions 12 to 13 and on the M25 around the Holmesdale Tunnel.

Busiest days on the railways are expected to be Maundy Thursday, particularly in the late afternoon and early evening, and the afternoon of Easter Monday. Good Friday could busy on longer routes.

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