Forecasters predict that the UK could experience a heatwave declaration on Sunday, with temperatures approaching record highs for May. The Met Office reported that readings at Heathrow at midday on Sunday reached 28°C (82°F) for three consecutive days, meeting the threshold for a heatwave.
Record Temperatures Expected
On Saturday, a temperature of 30.5°C (86.9°F) was recorded at Frittenden in Kent, marking the highest reading of the year so far. Sunday is expected to see highs of 31°C in the south-east, with Monday potentially reaching between 33°C and 34°C. The current May record of 32.8°C could be broken over the bank holiday weekend.
The climate crisis is increasing the likelihood of extreme heat events. Large parts of western Europe are experiencing similar peaks, with Météo-France warning that periods of exceptional heat are becoming more frequent, premature, and intense.
Climate Impact on Heatwave Frequency
A Met Office spokesperson stated: "Breaking the 32.8°C May record is around three times more likely now in our current climate than it would have been in natural conditions before the Industrial Revolution. What was around a one-in-100-year event is now around a one-in-33-year event."
Met Office meteorologist Jonathan Vautrey noted that "plentiful amounts of sunshine" would bring temperatures upwards of 30°C on Sunday. "If we hit that 33°C, maybe even locally close towards 34°C, that would bring us our hottest bank holiday day on record, as well as our hottest day in May on record," Vautrey said. "So it really is quite exceptional heat that is building for the time of year."
Health Alerts and Precautions
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) issued amber heat health alerts on Friday morning for the East Midlands, West Midlands, east of England, London, and the south-east. These alerts will remain in place until 5pm on Wednesday. According to the UKHSA website, the 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.
In response to the hot weather, Lord's cricket ground has relaxed its strict dress code in the pavilion. The Marylebone Cricket Club usually requires spectators to wear lounge suits or tailored jackets and ties, but this has been eased.
Cooling Measures and Regional Variations
Drinks breaks were implemented during Saturday's Championship playoff final between Hull and Middlesbrough at Wembley, as well as in the playoff between Leicester City and Charlton Athletic. More refreshment breaks are expected in Sunday's Premier League games and the League One playoff final between Bolton Wanderers and Stockport County.
While most of the UK basks in sunshine, north-west Scotland is experiencing scattered cloud and patches of rain, according to the Met Office.
