Britain is set to sizzle this Bank Holiday weekend as the Met Office forecasts a blistering surge of heat, with temperatures poised to hit a scorching 30°C. The sudden spike has prompted official health warnings, urging the public to take precautions against the potentially dangerous conditions.
Health Alert Issued as Mercury Soars
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and the Met Office have jointly issued a yellow heat-health alert, which comes into effect across most of England from 8 am on Monday until 5 pm on Thursday. This official warning highlights the significant risk to vulnerable populations, including the elderly and those with pre-existing health conditions.
"Temperatures will rise through the weekend, becoming widely warm by Saturday and then locally hot by Sunday and mainly Monday," a Met Office spokesperson confirmed. The heat is expected to be most intense in the South East and London, where the mercury could challenge the year's highest record.
A Weekend of Sun and Scorching Temperatures
While the week will start with a mixed bag of sunshine and showers, a dramatic shift is on the horizon. By Saturday, high pressure will build, creating largely dry and increasingly sunny conditions across the nation.
Meteorologist Alex Burkill provided a detailed breakdown: "Temperatures will climb day-on-day through the weekend. We could see 24°C or 25°C on Saturday, then 27°C or 28°C on Sunday, and then potentially 29°C or even 30°C on Monday." This would make it the hottest day of the year so far, surpassing the current 2024 record of 24.6°C set earlier in the month.
Staying Safe in the Sun
With the intense heat, authorities are advising the public to:
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
- Apply high-factor sunscreen regularly.
- Seek shade during the hottest hours of the day, typically between 11 am and 3 pm.
- Never leave children or pets unattended in vehicles.
- Check on elderly neighbours and relatives.
Despite the glorious sunshine, the heatwave is not without its risks. The UKHSA emphasises that these conditions can have a serious impact on health, and it is crucial to be aware and prepared.
So, while Brits dig out their barbecues and suncream for a glorious, sun-drenched Bank Holiday, a note of caution underscores the forecast: enjoy the heat, but do so safely.
