The United Kingdom is set to experience higher temperatures than the Seychelles this Bank Holiday weekend, with thermometers forecast to hit 30 degrees Celsius today and soar to 33 degrees Celsius on Monday. This marks an exceptional spell of warm weather for May, prompting health warnings from authorities.
Record-breaking heat expected
The week-long heatwave began on Friday, drawing crowds to parks, beaches, and lidos across the nation. The Met Office has confirmed that today will bring very warm and sunny conditions, with 30 degrees Celsius likely in southern England. This would surpass forecasts for Athens in Greece, Split in Croatia, and even Victoria in the Seychelles.
Monday could see the hottest May day on record, with temperatures predicted to reach 33 degrees Celsius in southern England and the Midlands. The current May record stands at 32.8 degrees Celsius, recorded at Camden Square on May 22, 1922, and also on May 29, 1944, at Horsham, Tunbridge Wells, and Regent's Park.
Travel disruption and health alerts
Britons heading to Dover for Bank Holiday getaways have faced queues of up to four hours amid baking temperatures. Roads around the Kent port are heavily congested, and new EU border checks are causing further delays, the port said in a statement.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued an amber heat health alert for the exceptional spell of notable weather for May. This covers the East Midlands, West Midlands, east of England, London, and the South East, remaining in place until 5pm on Wednesday. The alert indicates a likely rise in deaths, particularly among those aged 65 and over or with health conditions, and increased demand on health and social care services. It is the earliest such health warning ever issued for the country, as alerts are normally reserved for summer months.
Yellow alerts have been issued for the north-east and north-west of England, Yorkshire and Humber, and the South West, meaning significant impacts on health and social care services are possible.
Regional variations and advice
Despite the predicted hot weather, some areas may experience cloudier conditions today due to a cold front that could bring patchy drizzle to north-west Scotland, Northern Ireland, and some western coastal regions. On Friday, temperatures reached 28.4 degrees Celsius in Heathrow, Cambridge, and Cranwell in Lincolnshire, marking the hottest day of the year so far.
The heatwave is expected to continue over the weekend, with 31 degrees Celsius forecast for Sunday. UV levels will be high across much of the UK, with a UV index of seven expected in Cardiff and London on Saturday.
Greg Dewhurst, media adviser and senior operational meteorologist at the Met Office, said: "High pressure will dominate through the whole of the Bank Holiday weekend. Plenty of very warm sunshine across England and Wales each day. Scotland and Northern Ireland will see more cloud at times, with a few showers across north-west Scotland."
During the heatwave, people are advised to keep their homes cool by closing windows and curtains in rooms that face the sun. They should seek shade, apply sunscreen regularly, and avoid being out in the sun between 11am and 3pm. Physical activity such as exercising or walking a dog should be done in the morning or evening when temperatures are cooler.
Health risks and precautions
The UKHSA has advised looking out for signs of heat exhaustion and heatstroke. Heat exhaustion symptoms include tiredness, feeling faint, intense thirst, heavy sweating, and feeling or being sick. Signs of heatstroke include confusion, lack of co-ordination, a fast heartbeat, hot skin that is not sweating, and seizures. Heatstroke is a medical emergency, and people should call 999 if they suspect someone is experiencing it.
Dr Anya Gopfert, consultant in health protection at UKHSA, said: "We know that even moderate heat can lead to serious health problems, especially for older people and those with certain health conditions, so it's important that everyone takes simple precautions while enjoying the warm weather over the coming days. If you have friends, family or neighbours who are more vulnerable, it is important to check in on them and ensure they are aware of the forecasts and are following the necessary advice."
