The United Kingdom has experienced its hottest day of the year so far, with temperatures reaching 30.5 degrees Celsius in Kent. Forecasters are warning that even more extreme heat could follow over the bank holiday weekend, potentially breaking the record for the hottest May day in history.
According to the Met Office, the temperature recorded in Frittenden, Kent, marks the first time since 2012 that the UK has reached 30C in May. Meteorologists expect the hot weather to persist, with the UK likely to see its hottest May day on record on Monday. Temperatures could climb to 33C in southern England and the Midlands, while Sunday afternoon is expected to bring 31C in the south and around 26C in the north.
The current May temperature record stands at 32.8C, which was logged in Camden Square, north London, in 1922, and in Horsham in West Sussex, Tunbridge Wells in Kent, and Regent’s Park in central London in 1944. UV levels will also be high across much of the UK over the bank holiday weekend, with a UV index of seven expected in Manchester on Sunday.
Greg Dewhurst, senior meteorologist at the Met Office, stated: “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.”
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued amber heat health alerts for the East Midlands, West Midlands, the east of England, London, and the south-east. These alerts will remain in place until 5pm on Wednesday and replace less severe yellow alerts that were previously issued. According to the UKHSA website, the amber alerts indicate a likely rise in deaths, particularly among those aged 65 and over or with health conditions, and increased demand on all health and social care services. Yellow alerts have been issued for the north-east and north-west of England, Yorkshire and Humber, and the south-west.
As the nation prepares for the scorching conditions, authorities urge the public to stay hydrated, avoid prolonged sun exposure, and check on vulnerable individuals. The Met Office continues to monitor the situation closely, providing updates as the heatwave progresses.
