Amber heat health alerts have been issued across parts of England as temperatures are forecast to reach up to 33C over the bank holiday weekend, potentially breaking the May temperature record set in 1944. The alerts, which indicate a risk to life, property damage, travel delays and power cuts, will be in effect from 2pm on Friday until 5pm on Wednesday for the East Midlands, West Midlands, east of England, London and the south-east.
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 UK is expected to experience its hottest ever May day, surpassing the previous record of 32.8C recorded in parts of London, West Sussex and Kent on 29 May 1944.
The Met Office deputy chief forecaster, Steve Kocher, said temperatures will climb through the weekend, with 30C likely on Saturday, 32C on Sunday, and a peak of 33C on Monday in southern England and the Midlands. The hot weather is attributed to a change in wind direction, with strong jet-stream winds bringing warmer air from hotter regions, following one of the driest Aprils on record in central and southern England.
The public is advised to stay hydrated, avoid direct sunlight between 11am and 3pm, wear sunglasses, and avoid alcohol, caffeine and hot drinks. Windows should be closed during the day and opened at night to let cooler air in. The heatwave is expected to be hotter than many Mediterranean destinations, including Rome, Athens and Barcelona.
