Amber heat health alerts have been issued across parts of England as the UK prepares for what could be the hottest May bank holiday weekend on record, with temperatures forecast to reach 33C (91F) on Monday.
The alerts, indicating a possible risk to life, property damage, travel delays, and power cuts, are in effect from 2pm Friday until 5pm Wednesday for the East Midlands, West Midlands, east of England, London, and south-east England. Yellow alerts cover the north-east, north-west, Yorkshire and Humber, and south-west England, warning of significant impacts on health and social services.
The Met Office predicts that the May temperature record of 32.8C, set in 1944, will be broken on Monday, with southern England and the Midlands likely to see 33C. This would surpass temperatures in many Mediterranean cities, including Rome, Athens, and Barcelona.
Deputy Chief Forecaster Steve Kocher said: “Temperatures will climb through the weekend, especially in the south, where 30C is likely on Saturday and 32C on Sunday. It is likely that the May and spring UK temperature records will be broken over the bank holiday weekend.”
Global heating, driven by fossil fuel burning, is intensifying heatwaves. The hot weather follows one of the driest Aprils on record in central and southern England, leaving river levels below normal. The public is advised to stay hydrated, avoid direct sunlight between 11am and 3pm, and keep windows closed during the day.
