The UK is bracing for potentially record-breaking May temperatures this bank holiday weekend, with amber heat health alerts issued across several regions. The alerts, indicating a possible risk to life, property damage, travel delays, and power cuts, are in effect from 2pm on Friday until 5pm on Wednesday for the East Midlands, West Midlands, east of England, London, and south-east England.
Yellow alerts have also been issued for the north-east, north-west, Yorkshire and Humber, and south-west England, warning of significant impacts on health and social services, particularly for those over 75 or with existing health conditions. The Met Office forecasts temperatures could reach 33C (91F) in southern England or the Midlands on Monday, potentially surpassing the current May record of 32.8C set in 1944.
Friday marked the hottest day of the year so far, with 26.9C recorded at Heathrow. The heat is attributed to a shift in wind direction bringing warmer air from hotter regions, following one of the driest Aprils on record for central and southern England. The Met Office's deputy chief forecaster, Steve Kocher, noted that temperatures will climb through the weekend, with 30C expected on Saturday, 32C on Sunday, and a peak of 33C on Monday.
The public is advised to stay hydrated, avoid direct sunlight between 11am and 3pm, wear sunglasses, and limit alcohol, caffeine, and hot drinks. Windows should be closed during the day and opened at night to let cooler air in. The hot weather is likely to cause traffic queues amid extra border checks, and the UK is expected to be hotter than parts of the Mediterranean, including Rome, Athens, and Barcelona.
