The United Kingdom has experienced its hottest day of the year so far, with temperatures reaching 30.5C in Kent. The mercury climbed to this level in Frittenden, marking the first time since 2012 that the UK has hit 30C in May, according to the Met Office.
Forecasters are warning of more extreme heat to come over the bank holiday weekend, with the possibility of the UK seeing its hottest May day on record on Monday. Temperatures could reach 33C in southern England and the Midlands, with 31C expected on Sunday afternoon in the south and around 26C in the north.
The current May temperature record stands at 32.8C, set in 1922 in Camden Square, north London, and matched in 1944 in Horsham, Tunbridge Wells, and Regent's Park. UV levels are also expected to be high across much of the UK, with a UV index of seven forecast for Manchester on Sunday.
Greg Dewhurst, senior meteorologist at the Met Office, said: '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, east of England, London, and south-east. These alerts, in place until 5pm on Wednesday, 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.
