Britain could be set for multiple 'tropical nights' over the next few days as temperatures are expected to top a sweltering 35C, forecasters have warned. The exceptional early heatwave is predicted to last throughout the three-day bank holiday weekend, with health warnings issued across much of the country.
The mercury is expected to rise to 33C by Sunday, with current models estimating a roughly 10% chance that temperatures could climb as high as 35C in southern England. This would make it the warmest May on record, beating the 32.8C recorded across the southeast on May 29, 1944.
Jim Dale from British Weather Services explained: 'Everything's coming early, and it's going to be a big change. If we see those temperatures, more heat warnings will be pushed out. Tropical nights – meaning it doesn't fall below 20 degrees – are on the cards, and it's going to be places like London, the South East, and into East Anglia.'
UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) amber heat health alerts are currently in effect for the East Midlands, West Midlands, the east of England, London and the South East from 2pm on Friday until 5pm next Wednesday. These replace less severe yellow alerts and indicate likely rises in deaths, particularly among those aged 65 and over or with health conditions, and increased demand on health and social care services.
Dr Anya Gopfert, consultant in health protection at UKHSA, said: 'We know that even moderate heat can lead to serious health problems, especially for older people and those with certain health conditions, so it’s important that everyone takes simple precautions while enjoying the warm weather over the coming days. If you have friends, family or neighbours who are more vulnerable, it is important to check in on them.'
