Britons are set to swelter in 31C heat today as the country braces for the first heatwave of the year. The mercury could climb even higher tomorrow to a sizzling 34C, breaking the record for the hottest day in May and for a bank holiday. The current records stand at 32.8C for the UK and England, and 30.6C for Wales. The UK and England's hottest bank holiday sits at 33.3C.
Hottest Day of the Year So Far
Britain yesterday saw the hottest day of the year when the village of Frittenden, in Kent, hit 30.5C. It was the first time this year that the UK had passed 30C. The last time that happened in May was in 2012. But temperatures are expected to rise further today to a baking 31C in the South East.
Amber Heat Health Alerts Issued
Amber heat health alerts were issued by the UK Health Security Agency on Friday morning for the East Midlands, West Midlands, the East of England, London and the South East. The alerts will remain in place until 5pm on Wednesday and replace less severe yellow alerts, which were previously issued. According to the UKHSA website, the alerts mean there is likely to be 'a 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, Yorkshire and Humber, and the South West.
Lord's Dress Code Relaxed
The scorching heat has led Marylebone Cricket Club to dispense with its strict dress code in the Lord's Pavilion. The club said gentlemen would not need to wear jackets in the pavilion for a match between Middlesex and Surrey today.
Met Office Forecast
Met Office Deputy Chief Forecaster, Steve Kocher, said: 'Temperatures are forecast to peak on Monday when we could see 33C recorded in southern England and the Midlands. It is likely that the May and spring UK temperature records will be broken over the bank holiday weekend, with forecast temperatures surpassing the existing record of 32.8C. As well as it being hot, there will be lots of dry and sunny weather for much of the UK. There will, however, be more cloud and some showers in Northern Ireland and western Scotland through the weekend. With relatively low sea surface temperatures there is also likely to be some low cloud and sea fog clinging closely to western coasts.'
Travel Disruption at Port of Dover
Saturday also saw holidaymakers trying to get to Europe via the Port of Dover where they faced hours-long queues. In a bid to ease the waits, the French authorities suspended extra EU border checks under the new entry/exit system (EES). EES involves people from third-party countries such as the UK having their fingerprints registered and a photograph taken to enter the Schengen Area, which consists of 29 European countries, mainly in the EU. By Saturday late afternoon, the port said the traffic was 'free flowing' on its 'peak day of the May half-term getaway weekend'.
Weekend Weather Outlook
Met Office meteorologist Jonathan Vautrey said there will be 'plentiful amounts of sunshine for the vast majority' of people on Sunday, but it looks set to be a damp day in parts of the North West and Scotland. The MCC, which owns Lord's, said it has 'decided to dispense with the requirement for gentlemen to wear jackets in the pavilion' for two Vitality Blast matches on Sunday. Most will also see 'wall-to-wall blue sunshine' on Monday, Mr Vautrey said.
The meteorologist continued: 'That extra sunshine once again allowing those temperatures to climb even further and so now we're expecting to see around 33C in the far south-east of London but quite broadly a potential for 30C into parts of northern England, areas of Wales and right throughout the Midlands as well. 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.'
Health Advice During Heatwave
During the heatwave, people have been advised to keep their homes cool by closing windows and curtains in rooms that face the sun. They should also seek shade and apply sunscreen regularly, and are advised to keep out of the sun between 11am and 3pm. Physical activity such as exercising or walking a dog should take place in the morning or evening when temperatures are cooler. People have also been advised to look out for signs of heat exhaustion and heatstroke.
Recognising Heat-Related Illnesses
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. A heatstroke is a medical emergency and people are advised to call 999 if they believe someone is experiencing one, according to UKHSA.
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.'
