New EU border checks at Dover have been suspended as motorists faced hours-long queues amid climbing temperatures at the start of a hot bank holiday weekend. Multiple temperature records could be broken over the coming days, forecasters have said, with parts of the UK possibly hotter than the Seychelles on Saturday.
Travel Disruption at Dover
Holidaymakers endured lengthy waits on Friday at the Port of Dover, and similar disruption continued on Saturday. In an effort to ease congestion, French authorities suspended extra EU border checks under the new entry/exit system (EES), the port announced. Anyone who missed their ferry crossing due to queues can travel on the next available slot free of charge.
EES requires travellers from third-party countries, such as the UK, to have their fingerprints registered and a photograph taken to enter the Schengen Area, which comprises 29 European countries, mostly in the EU. More than 8,000 travellers are expected at the port on Saturday.
Record-Breaking Heat Expected
The weekend is expected to be exceptionally hot for May. According to the Met Office, records could be broken for the hottest May day in the UK and England (currently 32.8C), the hottest May day in Wales (currently 30.6C), and the UK and England’s hottest bank holiday (currently 33.3C). Highs of 30C are likely in southern England on Saturday, after the UK saw the hottest day of the year so far on Friday, with 28.4C recorded in Heathrow, Cambridge, and Cranwell in Lincolnshire.
These temperatures could exceed those forecast for Athens in Greece, Split in Croatia, and even Victoria in the Seychelles. However, some areas may experience cloudier conditions as a cold front brings patchy drizzle to north-west Scotland, Northern Ireland, and western coastal regions. Peaks of 31C are expected on Sunday.
Lord's Drops Jacket Requirement
The MCC, which owns Lord’s, has decided to dispense with the requirement for gentlemen to wear jackets in the pavilion for two Vitality Blast matches on Sunday. The current May temperature record of 32.8C was logged in Camden Square, north London, in 1922, and in Horsham, Tunbridge Wells, and Regent’s Park in 1944.
Health Alerts Issued
UV levels will be high across much of the UK over the bank holiday weekend, with a UV index of seven expected in Cardiff and London on Saturday, and in Manchester on Sunday. 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 South East. These alerts remain in place until 5pm on Wednesday, replacing less severe yellow alerts.
The 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 and north-west of England, Yorkshire and Humber, and the South West, where significant impacts are possible.
Public Reaction
Speaking in St James’s Park, London, Jo Stockley, enjoying the heat with her husband Robin, described the weather as “amazing” but added, “Ask me the same question in a couple of weeks and you might get a different answer.” Alexi Antonino, visiting from Detroit, Michigan, with her son TJ, said the heat feels “normal” for them but noted that the UK lacks air conditioning common in the US. “I hope you get some relief soon with the weather!” she told reporters.
