Temperatures in London are set to soar to 33C this weekend, with forecasters warning that the "exceptional heat" may break records for the warmest day in May and the hottest bank holiday on record.
Hottest Day of the Year So Far
The UK experienced its hottest day of 2026 on Saturday, when the village of Frittenden in Kent reached 30.5C. This marked the first time this year that temperatures exceeded 30C, a milestone last achieved in May 2012.
However, temperatures are expected to climb even higher on Sunday, with highs of 31C predicted in the South East. By Monday, peaks of 33C to 34C are possible, particularly in London and the far south-east.
Potential Records
If the mercury hits 33C or 34C, it could break the current records for the hottest May day in the UK and England (32.8C), the hottest May day in Wales (30.6C), and the hottest bank holiday in the UK and England (33.3C).
Travel Disruption at Dover
Saturday saw long queues at the Port of Dover as holidaymakers attempted to travel to Europe. In response, French authorities temporarily suspended extra EU border checks under the new entry/exit system (EES), which requires fingerprints and photographs for third-country nationals entering the Schengen Area. By late afternoon, the port reported that traffic was "free flowing" on what was described as the "peak day of the May half-term getaway weekend."
Weather Forecast
Met Office meteorologist Jonathan Vautrey said that Sunday would bring "plentiful amounts of sunshine for the vast majority" of people, although parts of the North West and Scotland could see damp conditions. Monday is expected to bring "wall-to-wall blue sunshine" for most, with temperatures reaching 33C in the far south-east of London and potentially 30C in northern England, Wales, and the Midlands.
"If we hit that 33C, maybe even locally close towards 34C, that would bring us our hottest bank holiday day on record, as well as our hottest day in May on record, so it really is quite exceptional heat that is building for the time of year," Mr Vautrey said.
Heat Health Alerts
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) issued amber heat health alerts on Friday morning 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.
According to the UKHSA website, amber alerts indicate 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. Yellow alerts have been issued for the North East, North West, Yorkshire and Humber, and the South West, where significant impacts on health and social care are possible.
In light of the heatwave, the MCC, which owns Lord's, has decided to waive the requirement for gentlemen to wear jackets in the pavilion for two Vitality Blast matches on Sunday.
Residents are advised to stay hydrated, wear sunscreen, and take precautions to stay cool during the exceptional heat.
