The United Kingdom has experienced its hottest day of the year, with temperatures reaching 30.5 degrees Celsius in Kent. The Met Office confirmed that the reading in Frittenden marks the first time since 2012 that the UK has reached 30C in May.
Forecasters warn that more extreme heat is expected over the bank holiday weekend, with the possibility of the hottest May day on record on Monday. Temperatures could climb to 33C in southern England and the Midlands, while Sunday is expected to see 31C in the south and around 26C in the north.
The current May temperature record stands at 32.8C, recorded in 1922 in Camden Square, north London, and in 1944 in Horsham, Tunbridge Wells, and Regent’s Park. UV levels will 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, stated that high pressure will dominate throughout the bank holiday weekend, bringing plenty of very warm sunshine across England and Wales. Scotland and Northern Ireland will see more cloud at times, with a few showers in north-west Scotland.
The UK Health Security Agency has issued amber heat health alerts for the East Midlands, West Midlands, east of England, London, and the south-east, in effect until 5pm on Wednesday. These 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, north-west, Yorkshire and Humber, and the south-west.
